Maths Curriculum

‘Mathematics is a creative and highly inter-connected discipline that has been developed over centuries, providing the solution to some of history’s most intriguing problems. It 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.’ (National Curriculum, 2014)

Aims

The national curriculum for maths 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 nonroutine problems with increasing sophistication, including breaking down problems into a series of simpler steps and persevering in seeking solutions.

Curriculum Intent

Here at St. Martin’s C of E (VA) Primary School, we believe that our Maths curriculum will create enthusiastic, creative and articulate mathematicians. Through a varied and inspiring curriculum, we aim to develop children’s problem solving, resilience and reflective skills- skills that are easily transferrable across the curriculum.

Our approach to Maths is both skills and knowledge based. In order for children to develop into well-rounded and passionate mathematicians, we aim to encourage children’s understanding of the world around them and arm them with the skills to approach everyday problems.

As a school, we believe that fluency is key. Children need to have a secure understanding of basic principles in order to deepen their knowledge further. Through our rigorously planned curriculum, children are encouraged to challenge themselves through critical thinking and efficient and effective approaches to problems which they may face. All children are encouraged to develop deep-thinking and questions the way in which the world works, therefore promoting the spiritual growth of our children. In Maths lessons, children are always encouraged to delve deeper into their understanding of Maths and how it relates to the diverse world around them.

Children are encouraged to make mistakes in a safe environment and are supported to discuss misconceptions with staff and with their peers. We place oracy at the heart of our learning through shared work and class discussions, therefore allowing everyone to ‘talk like a mathematician.’

Curriculum Implementation

At St. Martin’s, we structure and plan our lessons using White Rose Maths schemes of learning to ensure firm foundations and sequence of learning.

We use a range of rich resources to enhance our lessons and deepen understanding, such as, NCETM and Nrich.

Basic skills are taught daily, focusing on key mathematical skills including place value, the four operations and fractions.

A range of reasoning resources are used to challenge children.

Children are taught through targeted, differentiated, small group and mixed ability whole class lessons.

Lessons use a Concrete, Pictorial and Abstract approach to guide children through their understanding of mathematical processes.

Where possible, links are made with other subject areas across the curriculum.

To supplement learning, children have access to various platforms including Times Tables Rock Stars and RM Easimaths.

In Key Stage 1, history is taught on a 2-year cycle, and in Key Stage 2, on a 1-year cycle. This method of implementation gives consideration to our mixed-age classes, ensuring that all children, no matter of their route through school, cover all of the knowledge and skills necessary.

Curriculum Impact

As a result of our Maths teaching at St. Martin’s, you will see:

Engaged children, who are challenged.

Confident children who can talk about Maths and their learning.

Lessons that use a variety of high-quality resources to support learning.

Different representations of mathematical concepts.

Learning that is tracked, analysed and monitored to ensure that all children make good progress.

Maths Subject Lead: Mrs A. Logue