Maths

Teaching and Learning

We are committed to delivering a high quality maths education, providing a foundation for understanding the world, the ability to reason mathematically and moreover a sense of excitement and curiosity about the subject. Children’s mathematical development comes from being immersed in a rich and interesting environment, where they are encouraged to foster the belief that by working hard, they will succeed.

Our Mathematics Mastery curriculum has been developed to ensure every child can achieve excellence in mathematics.

Key features of our Maths Mastery curriculum:

  • Lesson are broken down into small sequential steps that build on prior learning, providing access for all children
  • Problem solving, reasoning and discussion are key to developing a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts
  • Teaching highlights the connections between mathematical concepts
  • Children develop fluency with number facts, mathematical procedures and mathematical concepts, enabling them to apply their learning in different contexts
  • High quality teaching, assessment and timely intervention ensure all children are ready to progress at the same rate

Mathematics Mastery places emphasis on the cumulative mastery of essential knowledge and skills in mathematics. Through a concrete, pictorial and abstract approach, pupils develop a deeper understanding of what they are doing, and learn to make connections between mathematical concepts.

Aims:

  • Inspire a sense of excitement and wonder
  • Be confident and resilient problem solvers
  • See mistake making as a necessary part of the learning journey
  • Have fluency in number, and apply this knowledge rapidly and accurately
  • Develop a secure foundation of knowledge, skills and concepts
  • Use and apply these skills with confidence and understanding in real life problems
  • Develop an ability to think logically and to use mathematical language with confidence and understanding
  • Gain experience of working independently; investigating their own ideas, and having the resilience to persevere when faced with new challenges

In Reception, this aspect of learning involves the children taking part in counting, sorting, matching, looking for patterns and relationships and working with number, shapes, space and measure.  Mathematical concepts are taught through small group and whole class activities and are consolidated through play and independent investigation.

During Key Stage 1 pupils develop their knowledge and understanding of mathematics through practical activity, exploration and discussion. There is a strong emphasis on the development of mental arithmetic and giving opportunities for pupils to use and apply mathematics in real life situations. They learn to count, read, write and order numbers to 100 and beyond. They develop a range of mental calculation skills and use these confidently in different settings. They learn about shape and space through practical activity which builds on their understanding of their immediate environment. They begin to grasp mathematical language, using it to talk about their methods and explain their reasoning when solving problems.

During Key Stage 2, pupils continue to develop their knowledge and understanding of mathematics through exploration and discussion. They learn to make connections between mathematical ideas, leading to a deeper understanding of number.  Pupils develop their use of efficient written and mental methods and perform calculations with increasingly larger numbers. They learn to solve more complex problems, including those that involve fractions and decimals, within a wide range of contexts.

Assessment

Assessment in maths is on-going and an essential part of teaching. It is used to inform planning and to ensure that all children are given the necessary support in order to be able to progress within the lesson and be ready for the next lesson. Assessment enables pupils who are not making adequate progress or whose attainment is below the age-related expectations to be targeted for additional support. Children whose attainment exceeds expectations are closely monitored to ensure that they are mathematically challenged. Children’s work is marked with our “Brilliant Blue and Think Pink” marking scheme. Children are encouraged to respond to these comments, ensuring that they understand the next steps in their learning.

Useful Websites:

Topmarks – https://www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games

Numberblocks – https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/shows/numberblocks

ICT games – https://www.ictgames.com/mobilePage/index.html

White Rose Maths – https://whiterosemaths.com/for-parents/

Maths at home – https://www.familymathstoolkit.org.uk/

Subject Leaders 2021/2022

Watton Westfield – Rachel Mather and Rachel Mitchell
Watton Junior School – Clair Bambridge & Charlotte Grealey
Manor Field Infant & Nursery and Aslacton Primary  – Caroline Knight