Maths
We work hard to ensure that all children leave our school with a mastery of mathematical concepts that will allow them to proficiently solve problems and reason deeply. These skills are embedded within the maths lessons and developed consistently over time.
We are committed to maths being engaging, practical and investigatory. We want all children to experience success and be confident in maths, helping to set solid foundations for their future studies. We encourage pupils to see the relevance of their mathematical knowledge in the wider world, and teach in a way that supports them to use their mathematical skills and knowledge practically, every day, in their lives.
We follow the scheme Power Maths, a curriculum mastery programme designed to spark curiosity and excitement and nurture confidence in maths. The scheme ensures children are exposed to maths in a variety of ways and solve questions in context.
The key features that provide pupils with a deep mathematical understanding are:
Objects and pictures
Children use concrete manipulatives objects, and pictorial representations (pictures), before moving to abstract symbols (numbers and signs).
Language development
We use a carefully sequenced, structured approach to introduce and reinforce mathematical vocabulary, as studies have shown that the way in which children speak and write about mathematics has an impact on their success with the subject. Every lesson includes opportunities for children to explain or justify their mathematical reasoning.
Problem solving
Mathematical problem solving is at the heart of our approach: it is both how pupils learn maths, and the reason why they learn maths. By accumulating knowledge of mathematical concepts, children can develop and test their problem solving in every lesson.
Our calculation policy offers a breakdown of progression in skills across each phase. It shows how these methods develop children’s confidence of both written and mental methods. You can use the documents below to follow your child on their maths journey and as inspiration for what to help with at home:
Key Stage 1 Calculation Policy (Reception, Year 1 and 2)