MATHS
Maths at Willoughton:
At Willoughton Primary School, we aim to equip the children with a range of skills, strategies and knowledge that they can use to become independent problem solvers in mathematics. We are implementing a mastery approach for all children to acquire a deep, long-term, secure and adaptable understanding of Maths, because we know that Maths plays a key role in supporting our pupils for their future and will help them to gain employment and to become confident citizens in their community.
Our Intent:
The national curriculum for Mathematics aims to ensure that all pupils:
- 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.
- Can reason mathematically by following a line of enquiry, conjecturing relationships and generalisations, and developing an argument, justification or proof using mathematical language.
- Can solve problems by applying their mathematics to a variety of routine and non-routine problems with increasing sophistication, including breaking down problems into a series of simpler steps and persevering in seeking solutions.
How we implement this:
These skills are taught in a variety of ways and the children are given the opportunity to engage in practical activities, problem solving and reasoning, mathematical investigations, mathematical games and developing formal methods of written calculations. We want our pupils to be curious, resourceful and enquiring in their Maths learning. Children have the opportunity to work independently as individuals, as pairs or groups and in whole class discussions and activities. They are taught to use the correct mathematical vocabulary and to develop their communication and reasoning skills. They are also regularly given the opportunity to work in a guided small group supported by the class teacher or a teaching assistant. We aim for the children to become fluent in the essentials of mathematics, being able to recall number facts accurately. We do this by supporting children with the Mastering Number programme in KS1, to secure the fundamental skills they need to develop their mathematical skills in KS2.
A variety of practical apparatus is used in maths lessons. This helps the children to visualise mathematical problems and supports them in developing their ability to successfully tackle increasingly more complex problems. Children are helped to retrieve prior learning through the use of spaced learning and interleaving. Children are also encouraged to transfer their maths skills into other areas of the curriculum where appropriate.
We use a variety of resources, such as White Rose Maths, Focus Maths and Maths, No Problem books, for consolidation. Each child in KS1 (Year 2) and KS2 has their own logon for Times Table Rock Stars. This is an online resource that develops the children’s quick recall of multiplication facts and related division facts. The children are also really engaged by weekly school, local or national competitions.
Maths is taught and assessed under the following strands:
- Number and Place Value,
- Measurements,
- Geometry, Position and Direction,
- Statistics,
- Algebra (UKS2 only),
- Ratio and Proportion (KS2 only).
The impact:
Throughout each lesson formative assessment takes place and feedback is provided to the children with next steps, to make sure the children are embedding a secure understanding of mathematics. Summative assessments are carried out at the end of each term, for the children to become more fluent and confident with their testing approaches and demonstrate their understanding of mathematical topics. These assessments support planning and delivery of tailored Maths lessons, to make sure all children are meeting the year group objectives.
By the end of Key Stage 2, we aim that children of Willoughton Primary School to be confident with the fundamental understanding of mathematics and the ability to recall and apply their knowledge accurately. The children should have the skills and methods to effectively solve problems in a range of situations and real-life scenarios.
For any queries relating to Maths at Willoughton Primary School, please contact Miss Delaney our Subject Leader.
NSPCC Number Day 2024
