Mathematics is a tool for everyday life and children use maths as a way of viewing and making sense of the world.
Our Maths intent is to develop pupils' confidence and positive attitudes in Mathematics, so that they can fluently apply their skills and knowledge in real life contexts beyond the classroom. We provide a curriculum that delivers focus on Reasoning and Problem solving and all concepts have been carefully sequenced to enable learners to make connections, building upon prior knowledge. Throughout each academic year, fundamental fluency/arithmetic skills are at the heart of the curriculum.
Our Aims
To ensure all pupils:
- develop relational and deep understanding of mathematics using a wide range of representations, starting from: CONCRETE to IMAGES to ABSTRACT
- can achieve through small step progressive tasks and are given time to consolidate before moving on to the next stage. (Through the Mastery approach)
- are fluent (age related) in number fact knowledge
- are confident using mathematical vocabulary when reasoning about mathematics
- apply Mathematics in other areas of the curriculum and real life
- have a growth mind set, particularly when Problem Solving
As a team we have developed our own calculation policy, which can be found below.
In the EYFS children develop a strong grounding in number which is essential to developing the necessary building blocks to excel mathematically. Children learn to count confidently, develop a deep understanding of the numbers to 10, the relationships between them and the patterns within those numbers. By providing frequent and varied opportunities to build and apply this understanding - such as using manipulatives, including small pebbles and tens frames for organising counting - children will develop a secure base of knowledge and vocabulary from which mastery of mathematics is built. In addition, it is important that the curriculum includes rich opportunities for children to develop their spatial reasoning skills across all areas of mathematics including shape, space and measures. It is important that children develop positive attitudes and interests in mathematics, look for patterns and relationships, spot connections, ‘have a go’, talk to adults and peers about what they notice and not be afraid to make mistakes.
In class 2, the pupils learn about number bonds as one part of the KS1 Maths National Curriculum.
Year 1 pupils use counters and the part-whole model to compare number bonds and develop their understanding of equations.
Year 2 use a 100 square to find pairs of 2-digit numbers that total 100. After this, they move on to drawing and then mentally working out number bonds to 100 fluently.
In maths, Class 3 (year 3 and 4) pupils explore formal written methods for addition and subtraction. They enjoy using manipulates to support their understanding. In the photos below, pupils are using place value counters and a place value grid to support their understanding of formal addition and subtraction.
In maths, Class 4 (year 5 and 6) learn how to identify equivalent fractions. They quickly understand that this can be done easily by multiplying the numerator and denominators by the same number.
To check their understanding of this learning, they also play a game called equivalent fraction bingo. They are able to quickly and accurately spot the equivalent fractions and have great fun whilst doing it!
