Mathematics Subject Leader: Mr G Ritchie
Maths is an essential part of everyday life, critical to science, technology and engineering, as well as, most areas of employment. High-quality mathematics education is therefore essential to provide a foundation for a child’s future.
Intent
The ability to understand and manipulate numbers is a vital skill that has intrigued some of history’s greatest minds. It is an essential part of everyday life, critical to science, technology and engineering, as well as, most areas of employment. A high-quality mathematics education is therefore essential to providing a foundation for a child’s future. Developing a child’s number sense; their ability to reason and explain mathematically; an appreciation of the beauty and power of mathematics; and stimulating curiosity about the subject is a key motivation for teaching mathematics.
At Sutton-At-Hone, we aim to provide a curriculum that is broad in its coverage and deep in its understanding.
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.
- 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.
Implementation
Within the classroom and beyond, children will have the opportunity to develop and build their mathematical knowledge. By working on their reasoning, problem solving and fluency abilities, the children will become more confident and able to approach more challenging problems. We work with the child at their own individual level breaking problems down into small steps of learning to ensure they have a greater chance of success.
Through the White Rose Scheme of learning, we ensure that, from EYFS to Year 6, children are exposed to all of the National Curriculum requirements. Children will work to build their life skills such as working collaboratively and independently, communicating effectively their learning with both their peers and adults; and using prior knowledge when meeting new tasks.
Maths is taught daily in all Key stages and lessons are sequenced to ensure progression in all areas of mathematics. Reasoning and problems solving are embedded in our practice so children are familiar with using mathematical knowledge to explain, reason and justify answers.
Impact
We believe that ‘no one should be left behind’ and this approach ensures that children are supported and encouraged in a way that is suitable for them. Mathematical knowledge underpins so much of the world around us and through our careful, structured approach children are given every opportunity to maximise their potential. By improving in their understanding of mathematics, children will be more able to think logically, analytically and creatively.
Mathematics in Each Stage
The aim is to stimulate inquiry and to explore number, patterns and structure, focus is to be on mathematical dialogue; developing a concept of oneness; and mark making to record their findings. EYFS environment will include visual images, models and number resources to stimulate interest.
Children move from exploration of number into developing more formal strategies of handling mathematical problems. Place value concepts, mental fluency and verbal explanations are essential parts of developing a child’s confidence.
An increasing focus in developing a child’s understanding, handling increasingly large or small numbers in all four operations. Place value knowledge is developed and deepened while formal methods are used to provide efficiency in their workings. A focus on solving problems in real-life contexts and reasoning to justify and explain answers is vital to improving a pupil’s mathematical skills.
Mathematics Progression
Assessments
Times Tables are taught daily and tested weekly, through the use of Time Table Rock Stars. Weekly Mental Arithmetic is given out as homework in Key Stage 2. Calculation methods are tested weekly in Key Stage 2 also.
SEND Information
We ensure that SEND and disadvantaged children are given the necessary support in class to fully access the Maths Curriculum and equal opportunities are given for all to be confident in approaching any problem within the world around them.
Mathematics Extra Resources
Talk about numbers in your household, familiarise children with different coins, play dice games, and involve them in shopping to talk about different numbers. To help them you could talk about the time and practise reading different types of clocks, for the younger children ask questions like “what is one more or one less than that?”
For remote learning, please visit our remote learning page or contact our Head of Maths for more information.
Further Mathematics Help
Fun Mathematics Games