Mathematics

'The only way to learn mathematics is to do mathematics.' Paul Halmos

Miss Phillips is our Mathematics Subject Lead

Intent

At Wrenbury Primary School we follow the National Curriculum for mathematics which aims to ensure that all children become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics including through varied and frequent practice with increasingly complex problems over time, so that children develop conceptual understanding and the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately. Children are able to reason mathematically by following a line of enquiry, conjecturing relationships and generalisations, and developing an argument, justification or proof using mathematical language. They are then able to solve problems by applying their mathematics to a variety of routine and non-routine problems with increasing sophistication, including breaking down problems into a series of simpler steps and persevering in seeking solutions.
We develop mathematicians who have a positive attitude and resilience towards their learning in mathematics. Children will learn to make connections across mathematical ideas to develop fluency, mathematical reasoning and competence in solving problems. We use mathematics across the curriculum including in science, technology, computing, art, wherever possible.

Implementation

The foundation for our mathematics teaching begins in EYFS, where the teachers follow the Development Matters for the small steps to reach the ELG by the end of reception. Practical, concrete experiences and a rich environment, both indoors and outdoors, develop and embed the children's understanding of number and numerical patterns. White Rose Maths is used as a planning tool alongside Development Matters and other high quality resources in daily mathematics lessons. Children in EYFS have a range of mathematical experiences: teacher-led, child-led and within continuous provision to learn, explore and embed all aspects of number and numerical pattern throughout the year.
Our teaching and learning for mathematics in KS1 and KS2 will be developed from the National Curriculum as a starting point for all planning and we use the Mastery Approach to develop a deep understanding of mathematics for all children. White Rose Maths is used as a planning tool and is supplemented by high quality mathematics resources from NCETM, NRich, Times Tables Rock Stars and Teach Active. These resources are used to enhance and support teaching and learning providing a consistent approach for all children. The calculation policy is used throughout school to provide progression and consistency in methods of calculation (please see below for our calculation policy).
All children in KS1 and KS2 are taught through daily, high quality mathematics lessons to embed basic skills/key facts, fluency, reasoning and problem solving. Teachers plan to meet the needs of the children where support or next steps are provided where appropriate. Throughout school we utilise the concrete, pictorial and abstract approach to embed concepts and develop a secure understanding. When beginning a new concept or consolidating previously learnt concepts, key vocabulary is introduced and displayed on learning walls to be referred to, to support teaching and learning.

Impact

Children leave Wrenbury Primary School with a secure understanding of all aspects of the mathematics curriculum and an understanding of how their learning can be applied in real life, so that they are ready for their next stage of learning. We aim for the majority of our children to reach end of year expectations and are able to tackle a range of increasingly complex problems with confidence and accuracy.
Learning in mathematics is assessed frequently through formative assessment within every lesson and summative assessment at the end of each term. Assessments are used to inform subsequent teaching to ensure each child's needs are met. As mixed aged classes make up the school structure and these change yearly, the end points for outcomes are: end of EYFS; end of KS1 and end of KS2.
Mathematics lessons are engaging, meet the needs of the children and children understand that the journey to the solution is the most important part of learning. Children are enthusiastic about their learning in mathematics, developing skills in being articulate, independent learners and confident with applying their knowledge.