Maths
Curriculum
Pupils follow the National Curriculum for Mathematics (2014) which is divided into seven strands: using and applying Mathematics; counting and understanding number; knowing and using number facts; calculating; understanding shape;measuring; handling data with the greatest emphasis on number and calculation skills.
The school follows a clear calculation policy which provides guidance on how the four number operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division) are to be taught. This ensures that methods of calculation are delivered in a consistent and progressive way in EYFS and across the Key Stages. This calculation policy is shared with parents through evening workshops (held annually) with the aim of assisting them in supporting their children in maths. Teachers plan progressive and well differentiated lessons to ensure children make as much progress as possible. The subject is well resourced and teachers provide a variety of engaging ways to develop the curriculum including: outdoor maths activities; using concrete and practical resources such as 100 squares, base 10 apparatus, number beads, Numicon, numberlines,10 and 20 number frames; interactive board activities and computer games. some of these resources are available under the parents tab, in the everything on one place section. Each class in KS1 and 2 begins the day with a short mental maths or problem solving task in addition to our regular maths lessons. Each class has weekly times table and mental maths tests. Teachers plan regular opportunities for children to use and apply their mathematical skills to problem solving and reasoning tasks and in other subjects such as Design Technology, Science and PE. The children in KS1 and 2 are tested half termly using ‘Rising Stars’ maths tests and at the start of each year all classes sit a test based upon the previous year’s curriculum content in order to support teacher assessment of current levels of attainment. The school subscribes to Mathletics and each child has their own login for this online maths resource which is used in school and at home to support the children’s learning. Mathletics is also used as an intervention tool for underachieving children as well as ‘5 minute boxes’ which aim to support children in establishing sound basics in number. Bi annually the children take part in a Maths week in school, which aims to further promote and enthuse children about the subject through mathematical investigations. We also take part in KS1 and KS2 more able maths days organised by neighbouring schools within the borough. The Maths lead runs workshops for parents in the Autumn term to disseminate the calculation methods and resources we use, in order for parents to support better at home. Go to our video gallery under the Parents Tab for videos on basic maths techniques and how to support your children. |
