Mathematics is all around us and we endeavour to create a love of Mathematics where everyone has the opportunity to explore the interconnections in the subject and aim for all pupils to be able to move fluently between representations of mathematical ideas and to also apply their mathematical knowledge to Science and other subjects.  Our school follows the three main aims on the National Curriculum which are to develop fluency, reasoning, and problem solving throughout the school.

We teach the programmes of study using the whole school assessment tool, Classroom Monitor, to determine the objectives pertinent to each year group.  Staff plan using a variety of sources which meet pupils’ interests and developmental needs, for example: White Rose Maths; NCETM (National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics) documents; NRICH Maths Project Cambridge; Twinkl Small Steps; Rising Stars.

We follow a Calculations Policy developed with the Learning Trust for Excellence. 

Vocabulary is taken from Classroom Monitor, White Rose Maths and NCETM guidance materials.

Pupils are taught in different groupings throughout the school in order to meet the children’s needs.  This is reviewed regularly to ensure maximum progress.  Currently, Reception are taught in small mixed ability groups; in Year 1 mixed ability classes with ability tables; from Year 2 – Year 5 pupils are taught in two ability sets, and Year 6 have three ability groups.  Teaching Assistants support each group according to the need of the pupils. 

Lessons are taught daily for an hour or more.  Any pupils unable to comprehend the lesson will receive support through catch up or targeted teaching.

Evidence of learning can be seen in a variety of ways throughout the year: play in EYFS; 99 Club; workbooks; models drawn in books; displays; standard algorithms; on white boards; ideas represented with equipment such as Numicon or place value counters; group oral presentations; ideas written in sentences; completion of computing programs such as TTRS, Mathletics, MathsWhizz or Mathsbase; cooking; historical timelines; scientific data; Art and Design projects to name but a few.

Assessments are made daily and entered on Classroom Monitor by the end of each unit and used to inform next steps.  Statutory assessments take place in Reception (Baseline); Year 2 (KS1 SATs); Year 4 (Times Tables) and Year 6 (KS2 SATs). Years 1,3,4 and 5 use White Rose Maths Assessment.

Wider Opportunities

To cater for our gifted and talented in Key Stage 2, we take part in annual inter-school competitions through King Edwards VI Aston and Cambridge University.  We also have Maths Days where we focus on Mathematicians throughout history which also links to our No Outsiders equality work, or boost initiatives such as Times Tables Rock Stars.  In order to inspire our young Mathematicians, we welcome visitors whenever possible.

Staff have high expectations and pupils are confident, expressing a genuine enthusiasm for Mathematics across the school.  They are competent at representing Mathematics in a wide variety of ways and can articulate their reasoning and understanding.  A growth mind set is nurtured and pupils know that mistakes are part of the mathematical learning journey and valued as equally as the answers.  Pupils moving onto Key Stage 3 are well prepared for secondary education.  SEND pupils benefit from interventions and follow ITPs when appropriate.

Maths at Home

Embedding Maths talk into every day tasks is essential.  Doing Maths, little and often makes the biggest difference to every child’s development.  We use 3 online platforms to allow you constant access to Maths at home:

In Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 children have Mathseeds logins.  You can access this site with your child where they can have fun with Mathematics in a fun online world.  Please ensure your child inputs their answers only as it’s a smart program that will move on at their level, especially in the one-minute races.

In Key Stage 2 children have Mathletics logins.   You can access this site with your child to consolidate objectives and practise skills.  They can also play other children if they enjoy a bit of competition.

Year 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6

Children have TTRS (Times Tables Rockstar) logins where children can improve their fluency and recall of the times tables.  Staff use this tool to track progress to ensure all pupils know their tables.

The times tables are learnt in different year groups and it is expected that all pupils should learn and recalled within 3 seconds by Year 4.