Mathematics

Intent

At Linby cum Papplewick C of E Primary school, we are committed to providing all pupils with the knowledge and skills to enable them to reach their full potential. We believe that mathematics is an essential tool for accessing opportunities throughout life and aim to support our pupils in not only developing their mathematical skills but also in growing a love for mathematics as a subject.

In order to help our children develop the mathematical skills they need, we follow the national curriculum, taught through a mastery approach. Pupils who master mathematics acquire a deep, long-term, secure and adaptable understanding of mathematics. This deep knowledge then allows them to apply the understanding they have to a wide range of conceptual problems within mathematics, the wider curriculum and their real-life experiences.  

Implementation

Mathematics at Linby cum Papplewick C of E Primary School is planned and sequenced using mastery programmes: Primary Stars and White Rose Maths. It is tailored to the needs of our pupils with additional depth provided by the NCETM and other materials. Primary Stars and White Rose Maths aim to spark curiosity and excitement, whilst nurturing confidence in mathematics. Lessons are child-friendly and engaging, and model and embed a growth mindset approach to mathematical learning.

Our curriculum is designed to ensure careful cumulative coverage, with a taught focus on the connectivity of mathematical concepts applied throughout the school year, with precise sequencing of taught knowledge and skills to enable strong progression for all pupils. Our cumulative and in-depth application of the curriculum allows our pupils to develop a more profound depth of understanding and application, as they building on previous learning while engaging with challenging and meaningful tasks.

Through rigorous and consistently high expectations of pupils’ fluency, we ensure that pupils have the number knowledge to access the ambitious range of reasoning and problem solving ingrained in our curriculum.

The Teaching of Fluency

We intend for all pupils to become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, including through varied and frequent practice with increasingly complex problems over time, so that pupils develop conceptual understanding and the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately. In EYFS and KS1, the NCETM Mastering Number programme is taught daily. This supports pupils to understand the relationships between numbers by developing their ‘number sense’. In KS2, children complete a ‘6 in 5’ at the beginning of each mathematics lesson. Pupils are given 6 arithmetic calculations to complete in 5 minutes. Calculations include revisiting previously taught knowledge, current learning and calculations that allow new concepts to be taught. Gap analysis from teacher assessments help to inform the calculations that are chosen by the class teacher.

The Teaching of Reasoning

We intend for all pupils to reason mathematically by following a line of enquiry, conjecturing relationships and generalisations, and developing an argument, justification or proof using mathematical language.

The Teaching of Problem-solving

We intend for all pupils to solve problems by applying their mathematics to a variety of problems with increasing levels of challenge, including breaking down problems into a series of simpler steps and persevering in seeking solutions.

Our Mastery Maths Schemes:

White Rose Maths – Reception

Primary Stars – Years 1 and 2

White Rose Maths – Years 3, 4, 5 and 6

Impact

Teachers carry out formative assessments daily through their direct teaching and when looking at pupil’s work. This informs the following session and highlights any misconceptions the children may have. As a result, teachers plan review activities or an intervention session for those needing further support to enable the success of every child.

Quality first teaching accompanied with high expectations and challenges appropriate for the age and ability of the children, ensures pupils become confident in their knowledge and understanding of mathematical concepts and can successfully progress to the next stage of their learning journey.

Resources:

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