Mathematics Vision Statement

Why we teach it

Mathematics teaches children how to make sense of the world around them, through developing their ability to calculate, reason and solve problems in real life contexts such as money or time.

Mathematics is essential to everyday life, critical to science, technology and engineering, and necessary for financial literacy and most forms of employment. A high-quality mathematics education therefore provides a foundation for understanding the world in depth, the ability to reason mathematically, an appreciation of the beauty and power of mathematics, and a sense of enjoyment and curiosity about the subject.

We aim to implement our curriculum drivers of leading teams, independence, choices, depth and real life in each year group and in most lessons.

What we teach and how we teach it

We use the White Rose Maths scheme of work to help support our teaching and learning, and this enables the children to learn mathematical concepts, skills and knowledge through detailed coverage of different mathematical concepts. Teachers adapt the scheme to suit the needs of the learners within their class. Themes of maths are learned on a regular basis throughout the years, each time building on previous knowledge to ensure that progression occurs and depth becomes embedded.

There is a daily mathematics lesson and a dedicated part of this lesson is given to arithmetic which could include recall of multiplication and division facts or revision of arithmetical strategies. Children are taught a variety of arithmetical methods and then apply these during their independent work. There is a strong focus on children being fluent and confident in maths and being able to problem solve and reason so that they are able to apply the maths they have learnt to a variety of real life scenarios. The children are given choices as to which task they will complete and self-regulate their own learning.

Children are taught the most efficient methods of calculation: addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. These can be found on our calculations policy. They are also taught the other areas of mathematics: number, ratio/proportion, algebra, fractions, geometry, measurement and statistics, in a structured and systematic way. Children are encouraged to work in teams to share knowledge of each area of maths.

We recognise the importance of times table knowledge in the development of mental strategies within children’s learning.  To encourage these skills, we practise times tables regularly, and in upper Key stage 2, division knowledge is also taught.

EXAMPLES OF DRIVERS

How Parents can help with Mathematics

In order to practise skills learnt in the classroom, it is essential that children revisit their learning at home. There are many ways to help children at home with Maths. 

Try to make maths as much fun as possible – games, puzzles and jigsaws are a great way to start.

Talk about Maths at home and place into real-life contexts:

• take children shopping and talk about the quantities and cost of anything bought.
• point out the different shapes and containers found around the home.
• look together for numbers on street signs and car registration plates, notice patterns.
• tell the time, look at timetables/calendars and discuss duration of different events. 

All children from Year 1 (in the Summer Term) up to Year 6 are provided with a login and password for Times Tables Rock Stars – an online learning tool.

Children receive daily tasks to complete and intra and inter school competitions take place throughout the course of the year such as the Primary Maths Challenge. 

All children benefit from positive, enthusiastic attitudes towards their learning and Maths is a great subject to better prepare our children for the future.

Maths Enrichment Opportunities 

At the end of each week the class with the most correct answers collectively receives some extra play time. We recognise the top 3 performing pupils from each class in our Special Achievement assembly. 

In November Year 6 took part in a National competition, the Primary Maths Challenge.

Over 57,000 pupils across the country took part. Out of those pupils only 1,693 pupils got through to the bonus round.

One of those pupils was our very own Mohammed Adam in Year 6. Mohammed has received a Bronze award certificate and badge for his wonderful score and I was only 1 point away from Silver certification. We are very proud of his achievements!