Mathematics

Intent

At St. Leonard’s we aim to encourage all children to have a positive attitude towards mathematics and to develop self-belief and confidence in their mathematical ability. Through our curriculum we intend to support children to work systematically and co-operatively, to persevere and to be able to think logically and independently. We aim for all children to experience a sense of achievement regardless of age or ability and to understand the appropriate underlying skills, concepts and knowledge of number, shape and space, handling data and problem solving. Children will be able to use and apply previously acquired concepts, skills and knowledge to ‘real life’ problem solving situations.

Implementation

Mathematics is taught in an exciting and wide ranging way, through practical, oral and written activities. An emphasis is placed upon the fluency of mental maths and the development of children's reasoning and problem solving skills.

• Our curriculum is structured in such a way that it aims to ensure children have regular access to the different national curriculum objectives and continues to build on these as the year unfolds.
• We will use carefully structured medium term plans which builds on experience and previous learning to expand pupil’s knowledge and understanding of mathematical fluency, reasoning and problem solving.
• We will ensure that children have regular access to a range of high quality resources that are tactile, IT based, written, graphic and photographic.
• We will provide pupils opportunities to work independently, in small groups and as a whole class inside and outside the classroom.
• We will provide a wide range of learning experiences to motivate deep learning, curiosity and investigation.
• We will teach maths daily in discrete sessions and ensure that these lessons are well structured to include an oral/mental start, main teaching input, group activity and a practice and apply time with a plenary to consolidate learning.
• We will use a range of active maths and other resources to develop fluency and consolidation of skills (rolling numbers- times tables)
• We encourage children to use appropriate mathematical language in all year groups in order to support their reasoning and justification skills.
• We will promote excellent outcomes through positive values based growth mindset modelling and reinforcement.
• We will use accurate assessment to move the pupil’s learning forward.
• Pupils will be able to respond to oral and written feedback in the lesson, in line with our marking policy.
• We will ensure that staff training is carried out through school based training, attending appropriate courses and encouraging teachers to reflect on their own practice and share with their colleagues.

Impact

• Pupils will develop a love of learning, will become curious and will want to complete extra work and personal investigation.
• Pupils will work hard and strive to meet challenges to become resilient learners.
• Pupils will learn to work independently and will contribute effectively to partner or group work.
• Pupils will work logically to solve problems using available information and prior learning.
• Pupils will develop as problem solvers and enjoy challenges when they are presented.
• Pupils will develop as effective communicators in being able to reason and discuss their findings.
• Pupils will make connections between Maths and other subjects and wider life experiences.
• Pupils will be confident to apply their knowledge of mathematics to a wider range of situations.
• Pupils will experience success and feel positive about mathematics enabling them to build upon these secure foundations.

Resources