Maths

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

Paul Halmos

'I like challenging myself in Maths lessons' - Isla

*Please note that we are currently in the process of reviewing and updating our curriculum progression documents - finalised versions will appear soon.*

Intent

We are committed to providing every child with the mathematical skills, knowledge and understanding required in order for them to achieve their full potential as they transition to secondary school and beyond in the modern world.

We want all children to enjoy mathematics, to experience success and to become happy, articulate, reflective and confident individuals in this subject. We teach our children that having a growth mindset will help them to persevere when they find tasks challenging and that we learn through taking risks and trial and improvement.

We aim for all 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.

Implementation

We implement our approach through high quality teaching, delivering appropriately challenging work for all individuals. We use the Concrete, Pictorial, Abstract model to enable children to develop a deep understanding of mathematical concepts:

Concrete – children have the opportunity to use concrete objects to help them understand and explain what they are doing.

Pictorial – children then build on this concrete approach by using pictorial representations, which can then be used to reason and solve problems.

Abstract – with the foundations firmly laid, children can move to an abstract approach using numbers and key concepts with confidence.

We also recognise the importance of secure mental maths strategies alongside formal written methods in order to provide a sound basis for calculation. Children are provided with regular opportunities to use and apply mathematical skills in practical problem-solving situations within real and meaningful contexts. By offering a wide range of mathematical challenges across all ability ranges, we are able to ensure that every child is challenged to extend their knowledge and skills. Where possible, children have the opportunity to use and apply mathematics across the curriculum.

At Princes Risborough Primary School we follow the 'White Rose' maths Mastery programme and children are taught daily in mixed ability class groups. We encourage an atmosphere where mistakes are valued; growth mindset is seen as part of the learning and everyone is challenged. Our aim is to develop deep learners with the ability to explain and articulate their maths knowledge.

To ensure that all children are engaging in learning experiences that meet these expectations we monitor progress carefully. In addition to continuous Assessment for Learning opportunities, including verbal feedback in lessons to immediately address any misconceptions and rapidly move children on, children are formally assessed termly using PiXL assessments. We also believe that pupil voice is a useful tool for assessment; we ask children questions about their learning in order to assess and improve their learning experiences.

Impact

As a result of maths teaching at Princes Risborough Primary School, our pupils:

· enjoy and are engaged in lessons;

· take an active role in their learning;

· demonstrate resilience when attempting to solve problems, and are able to choose the equipment and strategies they think are best suited to each problem;

· develop skills in being able to reason verbally, pictorially and in written form;

· are confident talking about maths using appropriate mathematical vocabulary;

· can recognise relationships and make connections in maths lessons;

· demonstrate mastery of mathematical concepts or skills through independently applying concepts to new problems in unfamiliar situations;

· achieve high outcomes in maths at the end of Key Stage 2.

In the 2022 statutory assessments at the end of Key Stage 2, 61% of our Year 6 pupils achieved Expected standard in maths and 12% achieved Greater Depth standard. We have set ambitious targets for the 2023 outcomes in maths at the end of Key Stage 2. We are aiming for 71% of our Year 6 pupils to achieve Expected standard in maths and 18% to achieve Greater Depth standard. 

Progression Documents

White Rose Maths have teamed up with TV presenter, teacher and parent Michael Underwood to bring you a mini-series called Maths with Michael. We understand that many parents feel like maths has changed and can sometimes find it difficult to keep up to date with modern teaching methods in maths. Well don’t worry, we’re here to help. With over 80% of Primary schools and a growing number of Secondary schools using our free schemes of learning, supporting resources and assessments, we can help you bridge the gap between school and home.

Episodes will give you an introduction to place value, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions and algebra. If popular and useful for parents and carers we may delve deeper into one of these topics in another mini-series.