Maths
Subject Leader - Mrs Aitken
At St. Mary’s and St. Benedict’s R.C Primary School, we aim to teach all children the importance of mathematics and how it plays an important role in the world in which we live. Our aim is to develop children’s thinking of how mathematics is applied and how to make sense of the world around them by developing their ability to calculate, reason and solve problems.
Our children are introduced to the mastery approach from the moment they start in Reception. The mastery approach encourages all children to see themselves as mathematicians with a positive 'can do' approach to the subject. All children from Year 1-6 are taught all aspects of the statutory requirements of the National Curriculum for mathematics. The pupils in Reception follow the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum, in which mathematics is taught as part of the early learning goals.
We follow the Statutory requirements for the teaching and learning of mathematics which are laid out in specific detail in the National Curriculum 2014.
The overarching aims of the Mathematics National Curriculum ensure that all pupils:
- become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, including through varied and frequent practice with increasingly 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
- can solve problems by applying their mathematics to a variety of routine and non-routine problems with increasing sophistication, including breaking down problems into a series of simpler steps and persevering in seeking solutions.
White Rose Maths
The White Rose Maths approach focuses on mastery, with children being taught to fully grasp the topic so that by the time they move on to more advanced lessons they have a deep understanding of foundational concepts.
As a result, children benefit from improved learning retention and they develop mathematical understanding, reasoning and problem-solving skills that stay with them for life.
NCETM
In addidtion to White Rose Maths, Reception and KS1 use the NCETM's Mastering Number Programme to secure firm foundations in the development of good number sense.
Times tables assessment and Times Tables Rock Stars
The National expectation is that children will have a secure knowledge of all times tables to 12x12 by the end of Year 4.
At St. Mary’s and St. Benedict’s we adopt a systematic approach to times tables, with children undertaking activities and games within class as well as homework.
A popular website is Times Tables Rock Stars! Times Table Rock Stars is a fun and challenging programme designed to help pupils master the times tables. To be a Times Table Rock Star you need to answer any multiplication fact up to 12×12 in less than 3 seconds!
Children across school enjoy using Times Table Rock Stars and can access this alongside at home. Children have individual logins and teachers can set challenges and competitions to compete against each other. Click on the link for more details ttrockstars.com/parents/
Useful websites for parents and carers
Oxford Owl
Oxford Owl includes a range of activities, top tips and e-books to help your child with their maths learning at home.
National Numeracy Parent Toolkit
National Numeracy Parent Toolkit has a wealth of tips and advice for parents.
Maths 4 Mums and Dads
Maths 4 Mums and Dads explains some of the milestones children make between the ages of 3 and 11 years-old.
Nrich
Nrich has a range of maths games, problems and articles on all areas of maths. Parents of Key Stage 1 children should select ‘stage 1’ and parents of Key Stage Two children should select ‘stage 2’.
Websites for children
Times Tables Rock Stars
BBC Bitesize Key Stage One
BBC Bitesize Key Stage Two
Top Marks
Primary Games
Multiplication
Maths is Fun
ICT Games
Maths Zone
Maths Dictionary