Intent
The intention of the maths curriculum at St Andrew’s Primary is that children are taught to become competent and independent mathematicians. The ‘mastery approach’ to teaching maths is the underlying principle of Mathematics Mastery. Instead of learning mathematical procedures by rote, we want pupils to build a deep conceptual understanding of concepts which will enable them to apply their learning in different situations. Through mathematical talk, children will develop the ability to articulate, discuss and explain their thinking. We will provide the children with the necessary resources to allow all children to access the curriculum and encourage them to use this where appropriate to explain their logic and reasoning.
The Maths curriculum is sequenced in a way that previous knowledge is built upon across each unit. At the start of every year, children gain a sound understanding of Place Value, as we recognise that, without this everything else will have weak foundations. The units are taught in blocks, so that pupils can learn each concept to a deep level and “master” it before moving onto the next.
Our aim for teaching mathematics at our school is 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.
- are encouraged to reason mathematically by following a line of enquiry, conjecturing relationships and generalisations, and developing an argument, justification or proof using mathematical language
- are taught to 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
We stress the importance of knowing multiplication tables.
Pupils should read and spell mathematical vocabulary, at a level consistent with their increasing word reading and spelling knowledge.
Implementation
At St Andrew’s Primary, we recognise that in order for pupils to progress to deeper and more complex problems, children need to be confident and fluent across each yearly objective. We follow the Maths Hub White Rose schemes of learning to ensure that the coverage for the year is completed. As a mixed age school, we use these plans to ensure that all objectives are covered for each year group and that we are planning to the three key principles to deepen children’s understanding:
- Conceptual understanding
- Language and communication
- Mathematical thinking
Within the Maths hub schemes of learning, each National Curriculum objective is broken down into fluency, reasoning and problem solving; our teachers use the learning challenges to teach for mastery – an approach to extend and deepen the understanding of pupils within each year group. Our teaching staff uses this document in conjunction with a range of other useful resources such as Dojo Maths, NCETM, NRich and TT Rock Stars.
Impact
We strive to ensure that our children’s attainment is in line, or exceeds, their potential when we consider the varied starting points of all our children. We measure this using a range of materials, whilst always considering the age-related expectations for each year group. Children will make at least good progress in Maths from their last point of statutory assessment, or from their starting point in Reception. We intend the impact of our Maths curriculum will ensure our pupils are academically prepared for life beyond primary school and throughout their educational journey. Through moderation of planning, lessons and books, we can be sure that progress is made across all year groups. If progress is not being made, support is immediate and steps provided to ensure all pupils achieve and make progress.
Summative assessment takes place at the end of each term and children’s progress and attainment is discussed with senior leaders in pupil progress meetings. Formative assessment takes place on a daily basis and teachers adjust planning accordingly to meet the needs of their class. The teaching of mathematics is monitored by leaders through lesson observations and book scrutinies.
Each year group has their own Long-term plan. Please click on any of the links below to see what your child will learn in maths this year.
