Maths

Maths at St Mary’s

Intent

At St Mary’s we believe that all children, whatever their ability, should have access to a broad, balanced and relevant curriculum, in line with the national curriculum programme of study.

We take a mastery approach towards maths and we aim for our children to develop a deep understanding of mathematical knowledge, concepts and skills. For more information about the mastery approach, please click here.

We want all of our children to develop a love for maths and to develop a ‘can do’ attitude to mathematics, having confidence in their ability to achieve.

The Early Years Framework provides the foundation for our maths curriculum, promoting a love of maths learning in our youngest children.

We want to encourage:

Fluency in all number facts appropriate to the child’s age.
Problem solving skills to enable children to reason and justify their findings.
The development of a deep understanding of knowledge, concepts and skills.
A love for and enjoyment of maths lessons.
The ability to become an independent learner within the process.
A resilient and positive mind-set

Our key aims are that the children at St Mary’s:

Are fluent in the basics of the number curriculum as identified in our mental calculation policy.
Can reason logically, using correct technical vocabulary, through discussions with their peers and teachers.
Are challenged at a level appropriate to their understanding.
Are able to make connections between different content and concepts in order to develop fluency.
Are able to apply strategies to solve problems within daily maths lessons and apply in real life situations out of school.
Are able to access interventions when their understanding is not secure.

Implementation

Children in the EYFS are taught the Early Learning Goals for Mathematics from the ‘Statutory framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage.’ Planning for this comes from the Lancashire Maths Team’s documents. From these documents our team are able to produce a detailed, practical and exciting maths curriculum for our children.
Years 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, 6 are following the White Rose Mastery scheme which incorporates the objectives of the national curriculum within a mastery approach.
We have both written and mental calculation policies in place which ensure that all children are taught the same strategies and methods within their maths lessons to allow for progression throughout school.
Children will engage in daily counting activities to develop their numerical fluency and they will also practise table facts and number facts regularly both at home and at school so that the fundamentals of number become established.
We use other materials to supplement schemes. These help to further numerical fluency, develop problem solving and reasoning skills. They include: Testbase, Times tables rockstars, NRich and White Rose problems and puzzles.
We place a high priority on children working mentally where possible and encourage them to do so before resorting to formal written methods.
Children are assessed daily throughout the maths lesson through observation, questioning and any written jottings. This identifies individuals who need further practice or guidance. It also aids planning for next steps and highlights gaps in learning.
Children in Years 1 to 6 have written learning checks at the end of each unit of work as well as an end of term written test.
The Multiplication Tables Check is taken by children at the end of Year 4.
Children in Key Stage 1 and 2 will sit statutory SAT tests during the summer term.
SEND children. We use LAPs to identify where children are developmentally with regard to maths, and at times, we need to plan additional materials to meet individual needs.
Any child entitled to Pupil Premium, will access additional support as needed.
Children who are working at greater depth will be provided with regular extension and challenge tasks.

Impact

Teachers demonstrate effective teaching of maths. They use a range of models and manipulatives to make their lessons interesting and relevant, ensuring children have thorough understanding.
Children thrive in their maths lessons and have a positive attitude towards maths
Children are resilient and engaged learners.
Children are confident and have developed excellent skills when communicating their maths knowledge to others.
Children have a deeper understanding of key concepts and can relate them to other concepts and ideas.
Children maintain, consolidate and apply number facts in their maths lessons.
Children leave St Mary’s as confident mathematicians ready for the Key Stage 3 maths curriculum.
Children can apply their maths skills in everyday life,

Non Negotiables in Maths

Here is a link to our agreed Non Negotiables in Mathematics- Non negotiables in St Marys for maths

Programme of Study - Mathematics St Mary's Progression Document - Mathemetics