Mathematics

Mathematics is taught throughout the school following the ‘mastery’ curriculum’s three aims of fluency, reasoning mathematically and problem solving. The intention of this approach is to provide all children with full access to the curriculum, enabling them to achieve confidence and competence – ‘mastery’ – in mathematics. The large majority of pupils’ progress through the curriculum content at the same pace. Differentiation is achieved by emphasizing deep knowledge, rather than just accelerating pupils through the higher content of the subject. Individuals are supported when necessary through the use of concrete examples, models and images alongside the school’s intervention programme.

Our intention is to get pupils to see the links between their learning in Maths lessons and the wider curriculum, giving them confidence to try different things and think ‘out of the box’.  Pupils are encouraged to explain their learning and communicate it in both a verbal and written format.  We want pupils to ask questions and be intrigued by the subject.  Numeracy skills are embedded across the curriculum within other subjects such as: Humanities, DT, Computing and Science.

KS2:

All pupils will have 5 Maths lessons and 2 Real-Life Maths lessons a week in Key Stage 2. Maths lessons are taught in groups, allowing more targeted support due to the groups being smaller. How the groups are determined changes depending on the cohort needs. Real-Life Maths is taught in mixed ability classes allowing the pupils to transfer their skills to real-life contexts. The two elements together cover the Mathematics curriculum.

The grouped Maths lessons focus heavily on the elements of number, allowing pupils to develop their knowledge and skills in this area, including being able to reason and manipulate numbers and make explicit links between their learning. These lessons cover the topics of Place Value, Addition and Subtraction, Multiplication and Division, Fractions, Decimals and Percentages. (For more information refer to the KPIs for Maths.

Maths

Mental strategies and formal calculation methods are taught throughout year 5, with an emphasis on the pupils being able to pick the best and most efficient method for a calculation or problem. (For more information refer to the School Calculation Policy)

Models and images are used throughout the KS2 Maths curriculum to support pupils’ learning. These include the use of place value charts, number lines, Dienes, place value counters, bar models, balance model, ‘Steps’ model, factor bugs and many more. The pupils are encouraged to do whatever is needed to understand a problem or question.

In Real-Life Maths, the pupils will apply their Maths knowledge to different missions. Many of the missions cover a variety of Maths skills, allowing the pupils to transfer skills as much as possible. Some areas of the curriculum are taught solely in Real-Life Maths, whereas others are reinforced and consolidated.

KS3:

At Key Stage Three the learning focuses on broadening pupils understanding of mathematical skills and knowledge through the areas of number, algebra, geometry, statistics, proportion and ratio, probability and retention of maths skills and knowledge.  This is supported by My Maths: both the textbook scheme and ICT program and Ninja Maths.

Pupils in Year 7 have five lessons while Year 8 have four lessons of Maths a week.  They are taught in groups which are organised based on the cohort’s needs. Formal and mental calculations continue to be taught throughout the key stage with pupils being encouraged to pick the best and most efficient method for a calculation or problem. (For more information refer to the School Calculation Policy) Pupils are also taught how and when to use a scientific calculator and are encouraged to buy the school recommended one at the start of Year 7.

Geometry.

Real Life Maths is taught within these lessons as a topic, linking to the financial aspects of the 2014 Maths curriculum. These topics encourage pupils to resolve problems by drawing upon previously learnt knowledge, work collaboratively with others and to justify and explain their reasons and answers to problems. For example, being able to plan for financial goals; understand credit and banking as well as being a “savvy” consumer.

Digital Platforms

A variety of digital platforms are used to support learning in Maths.  These include: MyMaths, Century Tech, Times Table Rock Stars, Mathsframe and MicrosoftTeams.

Basic Skills

A good understanding of basic skills is vital to be successful in Maths.  These include times tables to 12x12, division facts, number bonds, doubling and halving, place value column knowledge, to count forwards and backwards in multiples of 10,100 and 100 and related facts.  These skills are reinforced and used across the Maths curriculum.  This number knowledge is also consolidated through Basic Skill sessions, such as:  5Qs, TTRS, Calculation Challenges and Ninja Maths.

‘66’ Times Tables Test

KS2 have a times table competition that runs half termly.  The pupils have to answer 66 times tables questions as quickly as possible, being given a maximum of 10 minutes.  Every term they aim to beat their previous time and get full marks. There are lots of achievement points and ‘shout outs’ up for grabs!

Times Table Rock Stars

TTRS is used throughout KS2 to build on the pupils’ times table knowledge from first school.  Termly battles take place between bands (classes) which are extremely competitive!  Certificates, achievement points and inflatable guitars can be won!

Primary Maths Challenge

The most able pupils in year 5 and 6 have a chance to take part in the Primary Maths Challenge.  This challenge encourages them to use their Maths knowledge, think in different ways and to compete against other pupils in the country.

UKMT Challenge

The most able pupils in Year 7 and Year 8 have a chance to take part in the individual UKMT Maths Challenge.  This challenge encourages them to use their Maths knowledge, think in different ways and to compete against other pupils in the country.

Home Learning

Pupils are set weekly homework in Maths to consolidate the work covered in their Maths lessons.   This can be written or on digital using the My Maths or Century Tech programs.  KS2 are expected to practice times tables weekly using TTRS.

Maths Leaders

Year 8 pupils have the opportunity to apply to be Maths Leaders.  These pupils support the learning of year 5 and 6 pupils during interventions throughout the year.  This ais a highly successful programme that allows the year 8 pupils to improve their coaching skills and the year 5 and 6 pupils to have one-to-one peer support.

Year 5

The year 5 curriculum builds on the learning from year 3 and 4. Everything is taught in ‘small steps’ and time is built in weekly to recall, remember and practise previously learnt skills, to help the pupils build confidence in their Maths and make links to previous learning.

The year 5 curriculum covers: Place Value; Addition and Subtraction; Multiplication and Division; Fractions, Decimals and Percentages; Properties of Shape; Measures and Statistics.  This is covered through the combinations of grouped Maths lessons and Real-Life Maths

The Real-Life Maths missions include: showing their year 4 knowledge to make Maths games; planning a party using number; using measure and shape skills to plan a new classroom; capturing Jack Sparrow in the Pirate’s Mission using position and direction skills and planning a holiday covering number and statistics.

Year 6

The year 6 curriculum consolidated learning from year 5 and builds on it. Everything is taught in ‘small steps’ and time is built in weekly to recall, remember and practise previously learnt skills, to help the pupils build confidence in their Maths and make links to previous learning. Time is also taken in year 6 to prepare the pupils for the end of key stage statutory assessments (SATs). This preparation includes confidence building and experience of different types of test questions and practice through test weeks.  The overall aim of year 6 Maths is to prepare the pupils for the challenges of the KS3 Maths Curriculum.

The year 6 curriculum covers: Place Value; Addition and Subtraction; Multiplication and Division; Fractions, Decimals and Percentages; Properties of Shape, Measures; Ratio and Proportion; Statistics and Algebra.  This is covered through the combinations of grouped Maths lessons and Real-Life Maths

The Real-Life Maths missions include: use of BIDMAS and algebra within the codebreaking mission as members of Bletchley Park during WWII; using conversions and time knowledge to travel around the UK; using measure, area and perimeter skills to design gardens; using shape and measure skills in the Formula One mission.

Year 7

The year 7 curriculum builds on the learning in Key Stage 2. Topics are taught in units and time is built in weekly to recall, remember and practise previously learnt skills, to help the pupils build confidence in their Maths and make links to previous learning. The overall aim of Year 7 Maths is to widen the maths curriculum.

In Year 7 pupils use the My Maths Key Stage 3 scheme which provides a firm foundation for GCSE.  Place value and number are further developed, but there is a greater emphasis on Algebra, Geometry, Statistics, Probability, Ratio and Proportion. (For more information refer to the KPIs for Maths below.) Pupils complete mini assessments after each unit which allows them to consolidate their skills and knowledge. Basic skills are practised weekly using Ninja maths.

Year 8

The year 8 curriculum builds on the learning in Year 7. Topics are taught in units and time is built in weekly to recall, remember and practise previously learnt skills, to help the pupils build confidence in their Maths and make links to previous learning. The overall aim of Year 8 Maths is to prepare the pupils for the challenges of the High School Maths Curriculum.

In Year 8 pupils use the My Maths Key Stage 3 scheme which provides a firm foundation for GSCE. Place value and number are continually developed, but there is a greater emphasis on Algebra, Geometry, Statistics, Probability, Ratio and Proportion. (For more information refer to the KPIs for Maths below.) Pupils complete mini assessments after each unit which allows them to consolidate their skills and knowledge. Basic skills are practised weekly using Ninja maths.