Maths Vision
Intent
Maths at Bowesfield Primary aims to develop learners’ understanding by developing mathematical concepts through the use of representations and structures: developing strong foundations that allow learners to make connections and become fluent in the basic concepts of mathematics. Through a broad and challenging curriculum, we aim to develop learners who seek and persevere when using the skills of calculation, reasoning and problem solving which prepares them for life beyond school.
Implementation
Mathematical learning is broken down into manageable steps through a small steps curriculum, which provides a coherent structure for key topics to ensure learners are fluent in the unfamiliar and move on to deeper learning tasks. The expectation across Bowesfield Primary School is the majority of learners will move through the programme of study at broadly the same pace. To support learners in knowing more and remembering more, all Maths lessons begin with a brief, daily review of essential skills and knowledge where they use their knowledge to develop their problems solving skills and apply their knowledge to deeper learning tasks. New content and skills are developed using concrete and pictorial representations, so learners see mathematical structures before being exposed to abstract concepts. A core set of representations have been selected to expose important mathematical structures and ideas as learner’s progress through school. Having a consistent use of the same representations across year groups helps to connect prior learning to new learning. Once fluent, learners are challenged through rich and sophisticated problems before any acceleration on to new content. Children who do require additional time with earlier material consolidate their understanding, including through additional practice, before moving on.
Through interaction with others, learners are provided with opportunities to develop the meaning of subject-specific vocabulary. Stem sentences are used to capture, connect and apply important mathematical ideas.
This approach promotes confidence when learners are refining mathematical explanations and challenging ideas. Across Bowesfield Primary School, there are regular opportunities for further consolidation beyond the Maths lesson. These include: exploring Maths through continuous provision; the use of stories to develop mathematical talk; daily arithmetic sessions and developing fluency, which deepens understanding when learning essential number facts. To practise what has been learnt, families also have access to resources such as Rock Stars Times Tables and My Maths. The Tapestry learning platform allows staff to upload lessons and activities for children to ensure continuity of learning. Families can upload children’s work ready for teachers to feedback.
Intended Impact
Through school improvement monitoring, learning walks, book scrutiny and pupil voice we aim to show evidence of:
- Raising attainment and progress in Maths across Bowesfield Primary School.
- The use of mathematical representations and structures being used to scaffold and deepen children’s understanding.
- Children being fluent in concepts, so they can then apply their learning in various contexts.
- Mathematical talk where discussions are supported with stem sentences to promote accuracy when using mathematical talk.
- Children become more confident when selecting strategies to enable them to solve problems.
- Children enjoy Maths and regularly access online resources to retrieve and practice what they have already been taught.
Maths Long Term Plan 22 – 23 – click here
Whole School Progression – click here
Maths Around School
Mathematicians Who Have Made a Difference
Helping Your Child At Home (please click on the year group below)
Year 1 Parent Leaflet Year 2 Parent Leaflet Year 3 Parent Leaflet
Year 4 Parent Leaflet Year 5 Parent Leaflet Year 6 Parent Leaflet
When children are fluent in basic number skills, mental arithmetic becomes easier. Knowing number facts and times tables allows children to understand number relationships, and to see patterns. These skills will help them to master key knowledge and progress confidently through more complex maths problems.
