Mathematics
Mathematics is important in everyday life. It is integral to all aspects of life and with this in mind we endeavour to ensure that children develop a positive and enthusiastic attitude towards mathematics that will stay with them.
Mathematics equips pupils with the uniquely powerful set of tools to understand and change the world. These tools include logical reasoning, problem solving skills and the ability to think in abstract ways.
Mathematics Calculation Policy
Mathematics Intent Statement
In maths, our aim is for all children to master the basic skills through practise, practise, and practise. We intend for maths to be seen as achievable for all children (including those with different learning styles); we will do this by giving the children concrete, pictorial and abstract methods to achieve this. We will provide a range of fluency, reasoning and problem solving activities for children to apply and deepen their understanding of these basic skills. This will enable the children to develop a positive attitude towards maths and to develop the resilience and confidence needed for them to work independently. Through developing positive attitudes and securing basic skills, our aim is for children to be secure and ready for the next phase in their education.
Our rationale and aims
The National Curriculum mathematics plan describes in detail what pupils must learn in each year group. Combined with the Smawthorne Henry Moore Calculation Policy, this ensures continuity and progression and high expectations for attainment in mathematics.
It is vital that a positive attitude towards mathematics is encouraged amongst all of our pupils in order to foster confidence and achievement in a skill that is essential in our society. At Smawthorne Henry Moore we use the National Curriculum for Mathematics (2014) as the basis of our mathematics program. We are committed to ensuring that all pupils achieve mastery in the key concepts of mathematics, appropriate for their age group. This ensures that they make genuine progress and avoid gaps in their understanding that would result in barriers to learning as they move through education. Assessment for Learning, an emphasis on investigation, problem solving and the development of mathematical thinking and a rigorous approach to the development of teacher subject knowledge are therefore essential components of our approach to this subject.
The National Curriculum for mathematics aims to ensure all pupils:
- become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics so that they are efficient in using and selecting the appropriate written algorithms and mental methods, underpinned by mathematical concepts;
- can solve problems by applying their mathematics to a variety of problems with increasing sophistication, including in unfamiliar contexts and to model real-life scenarios;
- can reason mathematically by following a line of enquiry and develop and present a justification, argument or proof using mathematical language.
How do we teach maths?
The Maths curriculum is delivered using the National Curriculum, 2014. This content is broken down into year group programmes of study and maths long term plans are in place for each year group. Pupils are provided with a variety of opportunities to develop, embed and extend their Mathematical skills, including:
- Group work,
- Paired work,
- Whole class teaching;
- Individual work.
Pupils may be grouped according to ability so that work can be set to challenge and support all learners. We aim for all children within the class to complete the work on the same objective. This may be through scaffolding work appropriately so that all children can access the work or through differentiation for pupils whose needs require bespoke tasks to ensure progress.
Teachers plan lessons from the Long Term plan, which is in line with the White Rose Maths schemes for years 1 - 6. Pupils are taught how to solve problems, develop their reasoning skills and answer questions using formal written methods, according to the guidance in the national curriculum. Pupils are often taught through a systematic approach to develop fluency, reasoning and problem solving. Strategies are taught through concrete/practical approaches before moving onto a more pictorial/visual approach before finally encouraging abstract/written strategies. Children are supported to understand each approach fully before being moved on.
Maths long term plans
Arithmetic
Daily arithmetic lessons are planned into the time table for Years 1 – 6 to ensure that children are fluent in basic mental skills, appropriate to their year group and through recapping prior learning. Planning for these arithmetic sessions is taken from the long term mental arithmetic plans.
Maths in the Early Years
The teaching of Maths in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is called Mathematic Development. It is one of the seven areas of learning and is made up of two main aspects: Number and Numerical Patterns.
It is vital to lay secure foundations in early mathematics. In Early Years, maths is taught in a purposeful, practical way and children use play and exploration to acquire mathematical skills. Children are encouraged and supported to explore and investigate numbers, shapes and measures.
A large majority of mathematical work is practical and learning will happen in many different contexts around the classroom and in the outdoor area. Carefully planned activities and opportunities are provided on a daily basis in all areas of provision to develop children’s mathematical skills and understanding.
In preschool and nursery, children learn and develop maths skills and concepts through carefully planned provision and focus activities. In reception, children access maths provision as well as engaging in focussed teaching input and tasks.
Click here to read our Mathematics policy.
Click here to read our Calculations policy.
Inspire Maths - home activities
The documents below provide you and your child with a range of age appropriate mathematical activities and investigations that you can complete at home. A fun way to develop your child's mathematical thinking and skills.
Links to Maths websites
https://whiterosemaths.com/homelearning/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zjxhfg8 (KS1)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/z826n39 (KS2)
https://nrich.maths.org/primary (Nrich challenge activities)
Mathematics National Curriculum Programme of Study:
