Maths
As a core subject, we have a strong focus on developing mathematics throughout school. Although fluency in mathematical concepts are key to our children’s development, we aim to ensure they have a deeper understanding of these concepts through regular problem solving opportunities. The children’s reasoning skills are fostered from a very early age where children are expected to explain their thinking to peers and adults to demonstrate their understanding.
Key concepts are embedded daily with every lesson devoting time to basic skills practice. In this part of the session children take part in games that allow repetition of previous skills. Where possible, this is through practical activities to reach all learners. Multiplication tables are also practised daily with opportunities to use Times Table Rock Stars to build on fluency and speed.
In early teaching of maths children are given daily opportunities to explore a range of skills within the areas of learning on top of quality first teaching. They are introduced to Numbots (online maths practice through games) to enhance their understanding of early number concepts through fun activities.
We ensure all learners, regardless of ability, can access the work at a stage that they can engage with but still with an element of challenge. Children will be given a challenge at the start of each lesson depending on their understanding of the previous session to either extend, consolidate or support them. Each lesson builds from the last with a fluid approach to teaching giving children opportunities to work independent, collaboratively and with support during each session.
Assessment
Children are assessed daily with child friendly assessment sheets in the back of each exercise book so children know when they have achieved an objective. The summative assessments take place at the end of each full term using test resources from the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) and children’s gaps are identified and built into future planning to ensure progress.
Resources
Although we don’t follow a scheme of work in maths, we use the following resources to support the teachers with their planning and formative assessment:
