Maths
Maths
Intent
At Mickley First School, our aim is to provide a maths curriculum that is challenging and engaging where we have high expectations of the pupils we teach. We encourage children to be confident in maths and approach each lesson with a ‘can do’ attitude. We believe that it is important that the children we teach are resilient, that they learn from their mistakes and can explain their reasoning. It is important to solve problems effectively and efficiently, using systematic approaches. Our children are encouraged to work collaboratively to discuss their thinking and reasoning.
Rationale
The National Curriculum states that maths 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.
Implementation
At Mickley First School, maths is taught daily in Key Stage 1 and 2. Planning is based on White Rose Maths, following the yearly overview where each strand is taught in one consecutive block. Lessons follow a ‘small steps’ approach which allows all children to build upon and develop their knowledge. We begin each lesson with a ‘Flashback Four’ which enables children to revisit prior learning and ensures that this knowledge is continuously revised.
Maths learning builds from a concrete understanding of concepts where children are manipulating objects. When children are able to see concepts this way, they then need to understand the same concepts represented pictorially. Children are then ready for abstract representation before being able to apply their knowledge to different situations. Children are encouraged at all times to communicate their understanding of maths so that it clarifies their thoughts.
Class teachers regularly plan for opportunities for children to apply their maths skills to different problems within maths lessons and across the curriculum. This will also allow children to revisit, practice and consolidate different areas of maths and apply them within different contexts.
Impact
Assessment for learning occurs throughout the entire maths lesson, enabling teachers to adapt their teaching/input to meet the children’s needs. We carry out end of block assessments after each unit of learning that reflects children’s current understanding. This enables teachers to identify any areas that may need revisited and consolidated in the future.
We monitor progress and attainment in maths every half term. Any children who are not making the progress that we expect are given timely interventions to enable them to make the progress that they are capable of.