Mathematics

Welcome to our Maths Curriculum Page

The Importance of Mathematics

Mathematics equips pupils with a uniquely powerful set of tools to understandand change the world. These tools include logical reasoning, problem solving skills and the ability to think in abstract ways.

Mathematics is important in everyday life, many forms of employment, science and technology, medicine, the economy, the environment and development, and in public decision making. Different cultures have contributed to the development and application of mathematics. Today, the subject transcends cultural boundaries and its importance is universally recognised. Mathematics is a creative discipline. It can stimulate moments of pleasure and wonder when a pupil solves a problem for the first time, discovers a more elegant solution to that problem, or suddenly sees hidden connections.

                    Maths at Mauldeth Road Primary School

At Mauldeth Road Primary School, it is our aim for children to enjoy Mathematics and become enthusiastic and engaged Mathematicians. We believe that it is important that children are confident and flexible problem solvers and can apply maths to everyday situations and contexts so that they become lifelong learners.

We aim for our pupils to:

• become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics so that they develop conceptual understanding and the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately.
• be able to solve problems by applying their mathematics to a variety of problems with increasing sophistication, including in unfamiliar contexts and to model real-life scenarios.
• reason mathematically by following a line of enquiry and develop and present a justification, argument or proof using mathematical language.
• have an appreciation of number and number operations, which enables mental calculations and written procedures to be performed efficiently, fluently and accurately to be successful in mathematics                        

 Children's Views

We asked our children to tell us what they thought about learning Maths at Mauldeth. Here are their responses:

Our Maths Curriculum

As a school, we use a mastery approach to teaching Maths. This is something that we are continuing to develop and improve upon all the time. Mastering maths means pupils of all ages acquiring a deep, long-term, secure and adaptable understanding of the subject.

Nursery and Reception

In Nursery, we follow Master the Curriculum. This is alligned with White Rose Maths. In Reception, we follow the White Rose scheme of learning. In Nuresry and Reception children are taught using a combination of teacher-led input and carefully designed guided tasks and child-led learning opportunities within continuous provision. This starts with a focus on pre-number skills, going on to develop a deep understanding of numbers up to 10 and numerical patterns. We have found this approach prepares our pupils well for the expectations of the National Curriculum in Year 1. As Year 1 use the White Rose scheme of learning, this makes transition between EYFS to Year 1 clearly structured.

Key Stage 1 and 2

In Key Stage 1 and 2, we follow the White Rose scheme of learning as a basis for our Maths curriculum. This is fully aligned with the National Curriculum and ensures progression in subject knowledge for all learners within topics, year groups and the school as a whole. Our Maths curriculum is planned in carefully sequenced, coherent small steps which ensures children fully grasp a concept before moving on. Pupils spend longer on key topics which allows for true depth in understanding. Each White Rose Maths lesson includes varied fluency, reasoning and problem solving questions. 

Varied Fluency in Maths means being able to apply the same skill to multiple contexts, and being able to choose the most appropriate method for a particular task.

Reasoning in maths is the process of applying logical and critical thinking to a mathematical problem in order to work out the correct strategy to use (and as importantly, not to use) in reaching a solution. Within our Maths lessons, the children have the opportunity to reason using precise mathematical vocabulary.

Problem solving is the whole point of learning Maths! Children work to find a way to apply knowledge and skills to answer unfamiliar types of problems. In our Maths lessons, children are regularly exposed to a range of problems, using what they have learned and reasoning skills to solve them. 

Lessons are built around the Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract approach. This ensures conceptual understanding of a concept and allows children to explore and expose the structure of the Maths they are learning. The children use key representations to help them have a clear understanding of a maths concept and solve problems.

 Calculations Progression

We use White Rose Maths to ensure clear progession in claculations from Nursery to Year 6. This is fundamental in helping children build upon the methods they learn each year. The  Calculation Policy have been adopted throughout the school and alongside this document, encourage the use of a Mastery approach to teaching mathematics.

You can view the documant here: Mauldeth Road Calculations Policy

Helping your child at home

Key Instant Recall Facts

Instant recall of facts helps enormously with mental agility in maths lessons. When children move onto written calculations, knowing these key facts is very helpful. For your child to become more efficient in recalling them easily, they need to be practised frequently and for short periods of time.

Each half term, children will focus on a Key Instant Recall Fact (KIRF) to practise and learn at home for the half term. They will also be available on our school website under the maths section and each child will receive a copy to keep at home. They are not designed to be a time-consuming task and can be practised anywhere – in the car, walking to school, etc. Regular practice - little and often – helps children to retain these facts and keep their skills sharp. Throughout the half term, the KIRFs will also be practised in school and your child’s teacher will assess whether they have been retained.

This overview can also be accessed here. Look in the files at the bottom of the page for each year groups half termly KIRFs. 

Helping your child at home - Maths Videos

Children from Year 1 up to Year 6 should have recieved a password to login to Mathletics and Times Tables Rockstars. Click on the images to login and play!

Files to Download