Maths

Intent

At Heaton Park Primary School we know that mathematics equips pupils with a uniquely powerful set of tools to understand and change the world. These tools include logical reasoning, problem solving skills and fluency. It is integral to all aspects of learning and with this in mind, we endeavour to ensure that our children develop a positive and enthusiastic attitude towards mathematics that will remain with them for life.

We are committed to ensuring that our children achieve mastery in the key concepts of mathematics, appropriate for their age group, in order that they make genuine progress and avoid gaps in their understanding. Concrete and pictorial resources are used to help children develop a strong foundation of mathematical understanding, which then allows them to think in the abstract.

We provide exciting and challenging learning experiences for all of our children, through independent and collaborative group work.  Teaching for mastery is underpinned by a belief in the importance of mathematics and that the vast majority of children can succeed in learning. The whole class is taught mathematics together, with no differentiation by acceleration to new content. The learning needs of individual pupils are addressed through careful scaffolding and skilful questioning, in order to provide appropriate support and challenge.  Mathematical discussions explore in detail how answers were obtained, why the strategy worked and what might be the most efficient method. Precise mathematical language is used by teachers, so that concepts are conveyed with clarity, consistency and precision.

At Heaton Park we are also aware of the importance of learning outside the classroom and we are exploring opportunities for children to learn this way.

 

Implementation

Maths at Heaton Park includes

  • Basic Maths skills are taught daily. Focussing on key previously learnt mathematical skills as well as place value and the four operations

  • A range of reasoning resources are used to challenge all children and give them the opportunity to reason with their understanding.

  • Maths same day catch up and immediate interventions are used to support children to ensure children are ready for their next Maths lesson.

  • Children are taught through targeted support and mixed ability whole class lessons.

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

  • Revise and Review consolidation lessons are used to revisit previous learning and ensure Maths skills are embedded.

  • Where possible, links are made with other subjects across the curriculum

  • We are working closely with our local NCETM Mathshub to embed the teaching of mastery. More information can be found at the following websites:

Teaching for Mastery

https://www.ncetm.org.uk/teaching-for-mastery/

The Five Big Ideas of Mastery Explained

https://www.ncetm.org.uk/teaching-for-mastery/mastery-explained/five-big-ideas-in-teaching-for-mastery/

 

  • Formative assessment of children’s understanding and progress occurs daily and summative assessment, using the White Rose Progress Checks, are undertaken termly

 

Impact

As a result of our Maths teaching at Heaton Park you will see:

  • Engaged and enthusiastic children who are all challenged.

  • Confident children who can all talk about Maths and their learning and the links between Mathematical topics.

  • Lessons that use a variety of resources to support learning.

  • Different representations of mathematical concepts.

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

  • Children with the ability to apply knowledge of arithmetic to reasoning and problem solving

 

Top Tips for Parents and Families

https://www.nationalnumeracy.org.uk/

http://www.familymathstoolkit.org.uk/

 

Multiplication Tables Support

http://www.multiplication.com/games/all-games

http://www.teachingtables.co.uk/

 

Mathematical Challenges

https://nrich.maths.org/primary-lower

https://nrich.maths.org/primary-upper

 

Games

https://www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games/3-5-years/counting