Leven Valley Maths
What's the purpose of maths?
At Leven Valley Primary School, we believe mathematics is an important part of children’s development throughout school, right from an early age. We intend on delivering a curriculum which:
- Allows children to be a part of creative and engaging lessons that will give them a range of opportunities to EXPLORE mathematics.
- Gives each pupil a chance to BELIEVE in themselves as mathematicians and develop the power of resilience and perseverance when faced with mathematical challenges.
- Recognises that mathematics underpins much of our daily lives and therefore is of paramount importance in order that children ASPIRE and become successful in the next stages of their learning.
- Engages all children and entitles them to the same quality of teaching and learning opportunities, striving to ACHIEVE their potential, as they belong to our school community.
- Makes rich connections across mathematical ideas to develop fluency, mathematical reasoning and competence in solving increasingly sophisticated problems.
- Provides equal opportunities for children to apply their mathematical knowledge to other subjects (cross-curricular links).
- Is in line with the expectations in the National Curriculum 2014.
How do we teach maths?
Our approach to the curriculum is designed to develop children's knowledge and understanding of mathematical concepts from the Early Years through to the end of Y6.
Teaching and Learning, Content and Sequence
- In school, we follow the national curriculum and use Hamilton Trust as a framework to support teachers with their planning and assessment.
- The calculation policy is used within school to ensure a consistent approach to teaching the four operations over time.
- At the start of each new topic, key vocabulary is introduced and revisited regularly to develop language acquisition, embedding as the topic progresses.
- All lessons begin with a short assessment to support retrieval practice and develop long-term memory.
- Children are taught through clear modelling and have the opportunity to develop their knowledge and understanding of mathematical concepts.
- Children work on the objective at whatever stage they are assessed as being at. Children can ACQUIRE the skill, APPLY the skill or DEEPEN the skill within the lesson.
- Children move through the different stages of their learning at their own pace.
- Children who have shown their understanding at a deep level within the unit, will have opportunities to apply these skills in a GREATER DEPTH activity. This should be challenging and ensure that children are using more than just one skill to be able to answer the mathematical problems.
- Reasoning and problem solving are integral to the activities children are given to develop their mathematical thinking.
- Resources are readily available to assist demonstration of securing a conceptual understanding of the different skills appropriate for each year group.
- Children are encouraged to explore, apply and evaluate their mathematical approach during investigations to develop a deeper understanding when solving different problems / puzzles.
- A love of maths is encouraged throughout school via links with others subjects, applying an ever-growing range of skills with growing independence.
- Children with additional needs are included in whole class lessons and teachers provide scaffolding and relevant support as necessary. For those children who are working outside of the year group curriculum, individual learning activities are provided to ensure their progress.
Leadership, Assessment and Feedback
- Assessment informs the teaching and learning sequence, and children work on the objectives they are assessed as being at, with interventions and boosting available within a ‘keep up no catch up’ culture.
- Feedback is given on children’s learning in line with our feedback policy. Formative assessment within every lesson helps teachers to identify the children who need more support to achieve the intended outcome and who are ready for greater stretch and challenge through planned questioning or additional activities.
- In order to support teacher judgements, children are assessed using tests in line with the national curriculum for maths. Gap analysis of any tests that the children complete is undertaken and fed into future planning.
- The maths leader has a clear role and overall responsibility for the progress of all children in maths throughout school. Key data is analysed and regular feedback is provided, to inform on progress and future actions.
What's the impact?
- Children demonstrate a quick recall of facts and procedures, including the recollection of the times table and number bonds.
- Children show confidence in believing that they will achieve and are mathematicians.
- Each child achieves objectives (expected standard) for year their group.
- The flexibility and fluidity to move between different contexts and representations of maths.
- The chance to develop the ability to recognise relationships and make connections in maths lessons.
- Mathematical concepts or skills are mastered when a child can show it in multiple ways, using the mathematical language to explain their ideas, and can independently apply the concept to new problems in unfamiliar situations.
- Children show a high level of pride in the presentation and understanding of the work.
The Four Operations: Calculation Methods
These booklets detail the progression of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division methods, both mental and written, from Year 1 to Year 6. The methods should be considered as a continuum that children gradually work their way through, some children may spend longer on one particular method or even skip methods as they progress.
Ultimately, children need to decide which method to use for any given calculation, this will vary depending on the difficult and context of the question and their own preferences. If the method is successful and is completed in a reasonable time, then that's what we're after!
Subtraction Calculation Methods
A booklet offering ideas and advice as to how to help and support your child at home.