Mathematics
If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough ~ Albert Einstein
Maths Curriculum Statement
The National Curriculum for mathematics aims to ensure that all pupils:
- Become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, including through varied and repeated practise 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.
To address these aims at KPPS, we follow a mastery approach to the planning and delivery of the mathematics curriculum through a combination of practical activities, exploration, discussion and independent intelligent practice following the White Rose Scheme of Work, supplemented by Power Maths textbooks and the NCETM (National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics) Spines and Curriculum Prioritisation materials. Throughout school we place a strong emphasis on fluency with number, including knowledge of number bonds and times tables. To support this, and ensure a good understanding of the underpinning mathematical concepts, we follow the CPA principle.
The CPA (Concrete, Pictorial, Abstract) principle is used so that children are given the firm foundations required to develop an understanding and love of mathematics. Firstly, children are given practical activities using a range of ‘concrete’ manipulatives. Teachers then use pictorial representations to help pupils make connections between the work they do with manipulatives and the corresponding abstract principles (such as place value and mathematical operations) subsequently encountered.
Starting in EYFS, children develop their understanding of number sense and quantity. This solid mathematical foundation is provided through a range of activities that incorporate counting using manipulatives such as Numicon, tens frames, rekenreks, Cuisenaire rods, cubes and counters. The importance of hands-on activities is very much apparent at this stage as it enables children to make sense of abstract mathematical ideas. Mathematical development is also enhanced through the connection of mathematics and literature as we use a range of mathematical-themed story books to embed mathematical content. Children are encouraged to subitise once secure with counting.
EYFS moving into Key Stage 1
Mastering Number sessions are taught as an addition to the maths curriculum in EYFS and KS1. These sessions focus on the key concepts, pattern and relationships in number and are taught for no more than 30 mins daily.
As pupils progress through KS1, they acquire experiences that help lay the foundation for more advanced mathematical thinking encountered in KS2 and beyond, as we build confident mathematicians for life.
Key Stage 1 moving into Key Stage 2
Formal operations begin towards the end of KS1 in preparation for KS2 where children are encouraged to reason mathematically about abstract concepts. A range of mathematical representations for these concepts are provided, both formal (e.g. decomposition) and informal (e.g. bar modelling) which provide multiple paths for pupils to make ideas meaningful, thus individualising the mathematics curriculum.
Children are encouraged to find the pattern in number through their knowledge of times tables and place value, making connections between their prior knowledge and how that can be applied to their current learning.
Key Stage 2 moving into Key Stage 3 and beyond
Reasoning and problem-solving are integrated throughout the curriculum as pupils are given increasing opportunities to identify and analyse the elements of a question, statement or problem, allowing them to decipher the information needed to enhance their mathematical understanding and present a solution.
Pupils extend their understanding of the number system and place value to include larger integers. This develops the connections that pupils make between multiplication and division with fractions, decimals, percentages and ratio.
At all stages, children are encouraged to think deeper about their learning through the skilful use of teacher questioning. Oracy is valued and encouraged in every lesson, with children often discussing their thinking together.
Parental workshops enable us to build and promote links between home and school and help parents understand what and, importantly, how their children learn mathematics in school.
Throughout the school, emphasis is placed upon quality first teaching during daily mathematics lessons so all pupils leave KPPS as resilient, independent and confident mathematicians.
Reward Systems in Mathematics
We have a number of reward systems in place in school with a range of awards given for a number of reasons. Specifically in Mathematics, there is a weekly ‘Mathmagician of the Week’ award in every class across KS1. Additionally in KS1 and for pupils in KS2, those who have impressed in lessons or on Seesaw can receive house points, a Show and Tell award or a Headteacher’s Award. All children have the opportunity to receive Times Table Certificates.
Times Table Certificates
There is an incremental reward system in place for children when learning their times tables. Once they have learned their x2, x5 and x10 tables, children will receive a bronze certificate. A silver certificate is given for those who have learned their x3, x4, x6 and x8 tables and when all their tables have been learnt then the children receive a gold certificate. The expected timescale for achieving these certificates is Year 2, Year 3 and Year 4 respectively.
TTRS (Times Tables Rockstars) and Numbots
TTRS and Numbots are used to enhance our times tables provision in and out of school. Our children are extremely competitive and are always eager to appear at the top of the charts. Children in KS1 receive a login to Numbots whilst those in KS2 receive their TTRS logins.
National Curriculum
The National Curriculum for Mathematics includes the following key areas within its Programmes of Study (see link below):
- Number
- Fractions (including decimals and percentages)
- Measurement
- Geometry
- Statistics
- Ratio and Proportion
- Algebra
The following documents provide a detailed breakdown of the National Curriculum covered within each term for Years 1-6: