Mathematics
Intent
At St. Ignatius’ Catholic Primary School we intend to provide quality teaching which will encourage our children to have a positive attitude towards Mathematics. We want our children to have the confidence to make decisions to think and reason mathematically. We want our children to have conceptual understanding of mathematics and be able to apply their knowledge to solve problems. We intend to develop the growth mind-set of our children and to help them show resilience and perseverance. Ultimately, we want our children to develop into fluent mathematical thinkers.
Implementation
At St. Ignatius’ Catholic Primary School we ensure that fluency is prioritised. Mathematical skills are taught through a mastery approach using the Lancashire Red Rose Mastery Scheme, which is a spiral curriculum, therefore ensuring areas of mathematics are revisited. EYFS also follow the mastery approach to teaching Mathematics. Each Maths lesson begins with a warm up, based on previously learned skills which provides extra practice for the children. The main focus of a Maths lesson begins with a problem which encourages the children to consider practical situations which require mathematical thinking. Throughout our Maths lessons, children are challenged through variation and different models and images. We encourage our children to use part-whole models, bar models and practical equipment to explore concepts. Any misconceptions are identified and addressed immediately by teachers and teaching assistants. Any children needing further help with any mathematical concept are identified and then receive additional help outside of the Maths lesson.
Arithmetic skills are further practised each day during the morning activity: children will be asked arithmetic questions based on previous learning to ensure the skills and knowledge are retained.
We explicitly teach multiplication tables each week through songs, chants and online practice platforms. We check the progress of the children’s times tables knowledge through short weekly tests. Any children not making progress will receive further support through interventions outside of the daily Maths lesson.
Impact
The impact of our approach to Mathematics is judged by our children becoming fluent mathematicians who are able to use their skills and knowledge to solve problems and to demonstrate resilience and perseverance. Through our mastery lessons, quality teaching and intervention support we ensure our children have a confident approach to mathematics. At the end of each term in all year groups, children are assessed to ensure progress in arithmetic and reasoning. Teachers also use their judgements to iform our data. We use this information to identify gaps and to further support our children. Children in EYFS are assessed against the Early Learning Goals. We assess children’s understanding of multiplication tables in Year 4. At the end of KS2, children sit statutory tests in arithmetic and reasoning. We follow this data year on year to ensure good standards are being maintained.
Maths Curriculum Leader – Mrs R. Jones
