Mathematics
Intent
At Sandilands Community Primary School, we aim to create lifelong mathematicians, who are able to apply skills across the curriculum and in everyday life. It is our intention that all children are provided with a high-quality education in mathematics that supports them with making connections between their learning and real-life application of number. All children are encouraged to be independent learners, have mathematical fluency, and develop resilience and problem solving skills through Singapore Maths. A range of mathematical learning is offered to our pupils: Maths No Problem daily lessons, Mastering Number, weekly arithmetic and Morning Maths. Interventions and target groups develop understanding and confidence to support children with their progress.These interventions are planned alongside our maths curriculum in order to challenge and support all of our learners.
Implementation
At Sandilands Community Primary School, we have implemented the Singapore Maths approach of Maths No Problem across Key Stage 1 and 2. The scheme embeds the CPA model (Concrete, Pictorial and Abstract) and incorporates questioning to deepen the children’s understanding of number, mathematical concepts and their verbal reasoning.
Daily lessons are designed to develop the five key skills of the Singapore approach: number sense, generalisation, visualisation, communication and metacognition. A chance to ‘explore’ initially engages all children to their objective using a real-life problem. The children explore using visualisation strategies and concrete manipulatives to support their verbalisations and understating. The Maths No Problem scheme of work instils the importance of exploring and applying multiple methods to solve mathematical problems rather than simply reaching the answer.
Throughout all sessions, children are encouraged to verbally explain methods to develop communication and metacognition skills. All methods are modelled and displayed for a reference point for everyone throughout the chapters. During the Explore, Master and Guided Practice sessions of the lessons, children are exposed to further examples and methods in detail. The final stage is purely independent as children complete their workbooks; they apply the class method(s) to reasoning or arithmetic-based questions for around 10-15 minutes.
In addition to daily Singapore Maths lessons, we have embedded the ‘Mastering Number’ scheme into our daily teaching. These 15 minutes sessions are built to engage learners, from EYFS to Y5, in thinking about numbers and the relationships between them. Where Mastering Number is not delivered, 30-minute Morning Maths questions are completed that encompass a range of reasoning and variation questions.
Children are tested half termly on their times tables (Y2-6) and termly on their levels of fluency (Y1-4). TTRockstars has been rolled out across the school to encourage learning at home.
Our Early Years Maths Curriculum is based on the 2021 Development Matters document; Maths is separated into two aspects - Number and Numerical pattern. Language development is the key to learning and children from preschool upwards are taught to encourage children to understand and use mathematical language from the very beginning. Throughout their time in the EYFS children are taught to develop a mastery of numbers to 10 and further their mathematical understanding through hands-on practical lessons, challenges in provision and play.
Children have access to a range of manipulatives and equipment that will allow them to make the connections between what they are learning in school and real life experiences. Understanding of concepts is assessed by practitioners during adult- led focused activities, through involvement in their play and during observations of child initiated learning. This then informs future planning, provision enhancements and targeted teaching.
All children have autonomy over their own work and self and peer assessment is often used to help children understand their errors and misconceptions. All staff receive regular CPD, often by cascading down any important information from the subject leader or relevant training courses.
Impact
Through the delivery of our diverse and thorough maths curriculum, we aim to provide children with the skills to be confident, independent mathematicians. We also strive to ensure that children can generalise and understand how their mathematical learning relates to everyday life. Attainment is measured in EYFS by meeting the Early Learning Goal for number and numerical pattern at the end of Reception. In KS1 and KS2 SATs tests are administered as well as the Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check (MTC). Summative assessments are carried out termly to monitor progress. The curriculum is designed to inspire, encourage and motivate children to make links between their learning in school and the wider world; we ensure children are prepared for the next stage of their education.
SCHEMES OF LEARNING
By clicking on the documents below, you will see the overview and expectations of each Year group: