Whitegate CE Primary School
Becoming Mathematicians
Everything was accounted for by number and weight,
and the entire weight was recorded at that time.
Ezra 8:34
At Whitegate CE Primary School we grow the children’s knowledge of mathematics, enabling them to make sense of the numbers, patterns and shapes they see in the diverse world around them. Mathematics offers pupils a powerful way of communicating. They learn to explore and using their wisdom, explain their ideas with symbols, diagrams and, spoken and written language. Through our teaching of mathematics, we endeavour to stimulate curiosity, foster creativity and equip children with the skills they need in life beyond school as they shine in their contribution to our economy, society and culture.
Intent
At Whitegate School, we nurture children to have a positive view of maths through experiencing and enjoying a progressive curriculum outlined by our yearly intent documents. To see the power of maths in everyday life, we teach the children to:
- become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, including through varied and frequent practice with increasing complex problems over time, so that pupils develop conceptual understanding and the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately.
- reason mathematically by following a line of enquiry, conjecturing relationships and generalisations, and developing an argument, justification or proof using mathematical language.
- solve problems by applying their mathematics to a variety of routine and non-routine problems with increasingly sophistication, including breaking down problems into a series of simpler steps and persevering in seeking solutions.
Implementation
Teachers create a positive attitude to learning mathematics within their classroom and underpin an expectation that all pupils are capable of achieving high standards in mathematics. Our whole school approach to teaching and learning mathematics involves the following:
- Existing knowledge is checked at the beginning of each topic, using various strategies. This ensures that teaching is informed by the pupils’ starting points and that it takes into account of pupil voice, incorporating children’s interest. Underpinning this approach are the Intent Documents.
- The knowledge and skill development of the previous year is built upon. As the pupils’ knowledge and understanding increases, they become progressively confident in applying the knowledge to explain their reasoning and problem solving.
- Planning overviews are used to support progression and awareness of National pitch for Mastery and Greater Depth.
- Integration of a range of resources, appropriate to learning, including NCETM, NRICH, White Rose and Mathsticks are implemented.
- Daily fluency sessions are used to reinforce key skills and weekly quizzes create a real excitement as pupils aim to beat their best score.
- Pupils are offered a wide range of extra-curricular activities along with purposeful cross curricular links made during weekly lessons, school trips and thematic maths days.
Impact
- The above results in essential skills and knowledge being prioritised and children being equipped to move successfully into the next year group.
- Children enjoy mathematics and access their learning at a level appropriate to their needs. Resources are used effectively, including the Calculation policy which is implemented consistently.
- Children understand the purpose of mathematics and can use their skills confidently in other subjects.
- Children and staff at Whitegate C of E Primary thoroughly enjoy maths. This results in highly-engaged children, leading in turn to motivated learners with comprehensive mathematical understanding.
Websites we recommend to explore:
BBC Bitesize KS1: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zjxhfg8
BBC Bitesize KS2: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/z826n39
Maths Zone: https://www.mathszone.co.uk
Topmarks: https://www.topmarks.co.uk
If you have any questions about our Mathematics curriculum, please contact Mrs Ross (subject lead) via the school office. Thank you