Mathematics

Summary Statement

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.

Through our maths teaching at SUN we aim for children to:

Develop a fascination with mathematics and enjoy it
Be competent and confident when applying mathematical knowledge, concepts and skills to a wide range of situations
Be able to reason, think logically and work systematically and accurately
Be able to communicate mathematics in various ways, e.g. through oral/visual presentations, in tables, equations, jottings etc.

We follow the guidance from the National Curriculum when teaching maths at SUN. We also use White Rose, Enrich Maths and NCETM as well as a wealth of other resources. We are proud of our partnership with the NCETM Maths Hub with whom we work closely to deliver Mastering Number currently from Reception to Year 3.

Through Mastering Number

our pupils will develop and demonstrate good number sense
we will develop a secure understanding of how to build firm mathematical foundations
we will work to develop intentional teaching strategies focused on developing fluency in calculation and number sense for all children
we will develop understanding and use of appropriate manipulatives to support our teaching of mathematical structures

Mastering Number is taught for 15 minutes daily in a session away from the daily maths lesson.

Teachers plan on a half termly basis – mapping out what will be taught over those weeks. This broad outline is included on the half termly Curriculum Overview for each class. Detailed plans are then written for each week and each year group. Daily lessons are then evaluated and changes made as required for the following day’s teaching.

How we teach Mathematics

Maths is taught every day in a dedicated maths lesson and also in other areas of the curriculum. E.g. Recording temperatures and then drawing and interpreting graphs. Lessons start with mental maths questions and a review of prior learning to help the children practise and develop their mental calculation methods. At the end of lessons, children have the opportunity to explain, reflect on and extend their learning through self evaluation and targeted questioning.

Times tables are expected to be learnt throughout the school and are tested on a regular basis.

In all classes, weekly maths homework is set based on prior learning in class and learning of key number facts such as number bonds and times tables.

The progress of children is continually monitored and support is given to pupils who require additional input or interventions. Formal assessment is undertaken by termly testing. This then identifies areas that may need revisiting in the following term; this informs teachers’ future planning.

At the end of Key Stage 2, children take the national SATS tests. Parent information meetings are held to explain these. This plays only part of the assessment that informs the next year group of the children’s abilities when the enter secondary school.

Occasionally, more general parent information meetings are held to explain the schools teaching of mathematics in specific areas.

As always, please do not hesitate to pop in and have a chat if you are unsure about any aspect of the teaching of maths at our school.

Curriculum by Class and Cycle

maths cycle a and b.pdf

What our pupils say...

‘I love maths, it gives you a real inspiration for your life and helps you live.’ Y6 pupil.

‘I do maths at home with my dad, we do measuring.’ Y1 pupil.

‘I get challenged in maths. I like choosing hard questions and I like doing the thinking to solve these problems.’ Y3 pupil.

"I enjoy being challenged in maths; long multplication makes me think because it is more complicated to solve." MK

"Using real objects, equipment and games makes maths learning fun" MP

"Learning about and remembering what numbers look like" MW