Whitemoor Academy

Mathematics

Intent:

Our Maths intent is to develop pupils' confidence and positive attitudes in Mathematics, so that they can fluently apply their skills and knowledge in real life contexts beyond the classroom which encompasses our ethos of 'Learning for Life'.

We aim to ensure that all pupils:

develop relational and deep understanding of mathematics using a wide range of representations, starting from: concrete to pictoral to abstract
can achieve through small step progressive tasks and are given time to consolidate before moving on to the next stage through the Mastery approach
are fluent in number fact knowledge
are confident using mathematical vocabulary when reasoning about mathematics
apply mathematics in other areas of the curriculum and in real life contexts
have a growth mind set, particularly when problem solving

Implementation:

At Whitemoor Academy we provide a curriculum that delivers focus on reasoning and problem solving where all concepts have been carefully sequenced to enable learners to make connections, building upon prior knowledge. Throughout each academic year, fundamental fluency/arithmetic skills are at the heart of the curriculum.

Our mathematics curriculum is designed to be accessible to all and will maximise the development of every child's ability and academic achievement. We deliver lessons that are creative, engaging and fun. We want children to make rich connections across mathematical concepts to develop fluency, reasoning and competence in solving increasingly complex problems. We intend our children to use their mathematical knowledge across the curriculum. As our pupils' progress, our children will have a better understanding of the world, can reason mathematically and have a sense of enjoyment and curiosity about the subject.

We follow the White Rose Premium scheme of work https://whiterosemaths.com/resources/primary that is adapted to suit the needs of the children. Each lesson uses the small step approach to develop a deep understanding.

EYFS:

In the Early Years Foundation Stage Mathematics is one of the specific areas of learning. Together, the seven areas of learning and development shape educational programmes in early years settings, and all areas of learning and development are important and interconnected. At Whitemoor we provide our children with opportunities to develop and improve their mathematical knowledge and skills in a wide variety of interesting ways taking advantage of the indoor and outdoor environments.

Developing a strong grounding in number is essential so that all children develop the necessary building blocks to excel mathematically. Children should be able to count confidently, develop a deep understanding of the numbers to 10 and count to 20 and beyond. They will notice the relationships between numbers and the patterns within those numbers. By providing frequent and varied opportunities to build and apply this understanding - such as using manipulatives, including small pebbles and tens frames for organising counting - children will develop a secure base of knowledge and vocabulary from which mastery of mathematics is built.

Each adult led activity is carefully planned to introduce new concepts, scaffold children’s learning and assess their understanding. Children develop their mathematical skills and knowledge through continuous provision and adult led activities. Enhanced provision is provided to excite, challenge and reinforce mathematical skills, giving the learning purpose and meaning in the wider context of their lives.

Multiplication tables

We believe that if multiplication knowledge is a fundamental aspect of mathematics that underpins most of the mathematics curriculum. When these skills are embedded securely, children will make increased progress. Therefore, the teaching of multiplication knowledge is a key aspect of our curriculum and takes place daily across KS1 and KS2.

By the end of year 4, all children are expected to know all their timetables up to 12 x 12.

Children in Year 4 sit the Multiplication Tables Check. Information is shared with parents prior to this.