Maths

Purpose of study  

Mathematics is a creative and highly interconnected discipline that has been developed over centuries, providing the solution to some of history’s most intriguing problems. It is essential to everyday life, critical to science, technology and engineering, and necessary for financial literacy and most forms of employment. A high-quality mathematics education therefore provides a foundation for understanding the world, the ability to reason mathematically, an appreciation of the beauty and power of mathematics, and a sense of enjoyment and curiosity about the subject. 

Our School Vision for Mathematics 

Our aim is for all children to enjoy mathematics and have a secure and deep understanding of fundamental mathematical concepts and procedures when they move on from Perryfields Primary School. We want our pupils to approach mathematics with positivity and develop the confidence to tackle the challenges it poses through asking questions, sharing ideas and making connections. We will encourage children to see the mathematics that surrounds them every day and enjoy developing vital life skills within the subject. At Perryfields, we believe that every child can achieve in mathematics and we aim to empower our children with a confidence and ‘can do’ attitude which will inspire and engage them as mathematicians. 

EYFS 

Pupils learn: 

Mathematics is one of the seven areas of learning in EYFS and developing a strong grounding in number is essential so that all children develop the necessary building blocks to excel mathematically.  Daily routines focus heavily on key mathematical skills. Mathematical activities are available at all times both inside the classrooms and as part of outdoor learning, which enables all children to use, enjoy, explore, practise and talk confidently about maths. Delivery of Mathematics in EYFS is highly practical, allowing pupils to develop an understanding of concrete concepts, before moving on to the more abstract concepts. All pupils will have the opportunity to work with an adult during the week in order to consolidate their learning. 

Key Stage One 

Pupils learn: 

The principal focus of mathematics teaching in key stage 1 is to ensure that pupils develop confidence and fluency with whole numbers, counting and place value. This involves working with numerals, words and the four operations, using practical resources and pictorial representations. At this stage, pupils develop their ability to recognise, describe, draw, compare and sort different shapes and use the related vocabulary. Teaching also involves using a range of measures to describe and compare different quantities such as length, mass, capacity/volume, time and money.  

By the end of year 2, pupils are confident in recalling the number bonds to 20 and to 100 and can be more precise when using and understanding place value. An emphasis on practice at this early stage, aids conceptual and procedural fluency. Mathematical concepts are taught through small steps, using a mastery approach. IN general, classes are taught as a whole, with the same objective being delivered to all. Scaffolding is provided to support those pupils who are less confident and challenge is available to all in order to progress learning. Staff use accurate mathematical vocabulary and encourage children to do the same.  Children are given the opportunity to reason and problem solve in all lessons, with discussion and explanation being key parts of daily teaching and learning.  

Key Stage Two 

Pupils learn: 

In lower key stage 2, pupils become increasingly fluent with whole numbers and the four operations, including number facts and the concept of place value. This should ensure that pupils develop efficient written and mental methods and perform calculations accurately with increasingly large whole numbers. Children develop their ability to solve a range of problems, including with simple fractions and decimal place value.  Pupils learn to draw with increasing accuracy and develop mathematical reasoning so they can analyse shapes and their properties, and confidently describe the relationships between them. They are also taught to use measuring instruments with accuracy and make connections between measure and number. By the end of year 4, pupils should have memorised their multiplication tables up to and including the 12 multiplication table and show precision and fluency in their work.  

The principal focus of mathematics teaching in upper key stage 2 is to ensure that pupils extend their understanding of the number system and place value to include larger integers. This should develop the connections that pupils make between multiplication and division with fractions, decimals, percentages and ratio. Pupils are encourage to develop their ability to solve a wider range of increasingly complex problems through modelling, discussion and application of skills. With this foundation in arithmetic, pupils are introduced to the language of algebra as a means for solving a variety of problems. Teaching in geometry and measures consolidates and extends knowledge developed in number. Pupils also learn to classify shapes with increasingly complex geometric properties and use appropriate vocabulary to describe them. By the end of year 6, pupils should be fluent in written methods for all four operations, including long multiplication and division, and in working with fractions, decimals and percentages.  

How we Achieve this  

Preparing staff for, and helping them to implement all National Curriculum recommendations through Continual Professional Development. 

Following a Mastery approach to teaching Mathematics, using concrete apparatus and pictorial representations to show mathematical structures. 

Building a growth mindset amongst staff and pupils. 

Providing intervention, scaffolding and support for any pupils who are struggling with a mathematical concept. 

Providing challenge and deeper learning opportunities for all. 

Developing the use of accurate and consistent mathematical vocabulary. 

Allowing pupils to explain their reasoning and encouraging them to solve increasingly challenging problems. 

Delivering a daily fluency session in addition to the main maths lesson. 

Curriculum Info