Maths
Maths at Hamworthy Primary Schools
Intent
At Hamworthy, our intent within Maths is to enable children to develop a deep and secure understanding of the key concepts from the Primary National Curriculum. We strive for all children to be ambitious learners through our broad and balanced curriculum. It is vital that our children develop a strong understanding of the concrete, pictorial and abstract representations at all ages and stages, enabling them to master Maths in a way which will allow them to thrive as they progress through the rest of their education and onto adulthood. We believe that unlocking mathematical fluency is a key life skill for all learners. Our aim is to develop a positive culture of deep understanding, confidence and flexibility in maths that produces strong, secure learning. We believe that success in mathematics should be possible for every child and that topics being taught in depth, with a focus on fluency in: number facts, calculation strategies and mathematical thinking, is an essential part to getting this right.
Implementation
At Hamworthy Primary Schools, we have adopted a 'Teaching for Mastery' approach, following the NCETM. The aim is for children to have a deep, sustained knowledge and understanding of Mathematical concepts and to be able to apply their learning with ease.
Children receive quality first teaching in Maths every day with additional sessions focused around number fluency and times tables. From Reception to Year 6, we adhere to our calculation policy which outlines the progression of strategies and methods to be taught.
We use guidance, representations and resources provided by the NCETM in order to support every child achieving their full potential. From Reception to Year 6, children follow the NCETM guidance which supports children in learning the fundamentals behind the meanings of numbers and exploring other key mathematical areas.
NCETM use small steps to break down the teaching sequence into small achievable steps. Where children require additional support, ‘scaffolds’ are used to support children further to ensure that they have secured the small step before moving on. These ‘scaffolds’ may be in the form of returning to concrete resources or pictorial representations. For children who understand a concept quicker, challenges are used to deepen and challenge learners further within the curriculum area.
Progression documents such as our calculation policy are carefully used to ensure that children are not being stretched outside their year group but rather deepened within it. In each lesson, children have multiple tasks to complete which allow them apply their knowledge and practise their mathematical skills. This is then followed by a 'Diving Deeper' task which allows children to explore a question using their mathematical thinking skills.
Daily assessment is incorporated throughout the lesson through live and verbal feedback. Termly NTS assessments are used as a diagnostic tool to ensure that teachers are adapting learning to meet the needs of all children and ensure that any necessary interventions are targeted specifically to meet the needs of children.
Mastering Number
The Mastering Number programme aims to secure strong foundations in the development of good number sense for all children from Reception through to Year 1 and Year 2. The aim is that children will leave KS1 with subitising, fluency in calculation and confidence and flexibility with number. Attention is given to key knowledge and understanding needed in Reception classes, and progression through KS1 to support success in the future.
This is a NCETM (National Centre for Excellence in Teaching Mathematics) backed programme that has a daily taught session followed by activities in the continuous provision. It is number focussed and moves slowly so that children develop a sound understanding of each step before moving on. Mastering Number is also used in Year 1 and 2 for their fluency sessions daily. These are extra maths sessions that focus on the children's ability to manipulate numbers and use them in a variety of contexts and problems.
Below are the long term plans for 'Mastering Number' for EYFS and KS1:
Structure of a Lesson
- We start each lesson with a clear focus around developing number fluency either through a Fluent in 5 or mastering number.
- There will often be a recap of prior learning as we believe that all learning is built on a solid foundation of prior knowledge and consolidation.
- High quality Maths talk and explicit teaching forms the basis for delivering new content to pupils. This is achieved through the “I do, We do, You do” structure. This allows all children to practise, do and apply on a daily basis.
- Lessons often offer opportunities for problem solving and reasoning in a variety of contexts. This allows children to deepen their understanding and apply their new learning independently.