Mathematics
Learning Together Following Jesus
Christian values are the heartbeat of our school. Seeking to be respectful, responsible and empowering global citizens, we follow the words of St Paul, ‘Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart’. In this context, rejoicing in Jesus’ love and compassion for all, we pursue excellence as we celebrate everyone’s uniqueness in a broad, rich and balanced curriculum.
Intent
The 2014 National Curriculum for Maths aims to ensure that all children:
- Become fluent in the fundamentals of Mathematics
- Are able to reason mathematically
- Can solve problems by applying their Mathematics
When teaching maths at St Paul’s we intend to provide a bespoke curriculum that caters for the needs of all individuals. We incorporate sustained levels of challenge through varied and high-quality activities with a focus on fluency, reasoning and problem solving.
Pupils are required to explore maths in depth, using mathematical vocabulary. Children are able to explain their workings. We encourage resilience and acceptance that struggle, and mistakes are a necessary step in learning.
Implementation
At St. Paul’s, our maths curriculum is in line with the National Curriculum. We have worked closely with our maths consultant and have a bespoke curriculum designed around the needs of our children. As a school we used NCETM prioritisation documents to prioritise maths learning during the pandemic and are now using NCETM Ready to Progress documents to ensure we close gaps in learning due to the impact of covid-19.
At St. Paul’s we use both Lancashire scheme of Work and White Rose Hub to supplement and support our curriculum. Our calculation policy is used within school to ensure a consistent approach to teaching the four operations over time. Our Maths curriculum is delivered through highly effective ‘quality first teaching’. Children are taught through clear modelling and have the opportunity to develop their knowledge and understanding of mathematical concepts. A series of stimulating lessons are planned, with clear learning objectives, which develop an understanding and fluency in the use of subject-specific vocabulary.
Resources are readily available to assist demonstration of securing a conceptual understanding of the different skills appropriate for each year group. Each classroom has a choose to use area enabling the children to freely access resources to support and enhance their learning. Reasoning and problem solving are integral to the activities children are given to develop their mathematical thinking. Children are encouraged to explore, apply and evaluate their mathematical approach during investigations to develop a deeper understanding when solving different problems / puzzles. Captain Conjecture is used as part of this.
Each classroom has a maths working wall, which the children and teacher use effectively to review learning and move learning forward within the lessons.
Children with additional needs are included in whole class lessons and teachers provide scaffolding and relevant support as necessary. For those children who are working outside of the year group curriculum, individual learning activities are provided to ensure their progress.
We are continuously striving to better ourselves; we frequently share good practice and things that have been particularly effective. We also take part in training sessions with our maths consultant. We are continuously monitoring pupil progress against expected attainment for their age. We hold termly pupil progress meetings. Children are assessed regularly to ensure all children are making good or better progress.
Impact
Children have high expectations in their maths learning and achieve their aspirational targets set for them. Children can demonstrate a quick recall of facts and procedures. This includes the recollection of the times table. All children have the chance to develop the ability to recognise relationships and make connections in maths lessons. Children are able to show mastery in mathematical concepts or skills by showing it in multiple ways, using the mathematical language to explain their ideas, and can independently apply the concept to new problems in unfamiliar situations. Children show a high level of pride in the presentation and understanding of the work.
If you have any questions regarding our maths curriculum at Adlington St. Paul's or how to support your child at home with maths, please contact our maths lead, Mrs L. Halsall.