Mathematics
“We learn many mathematical skills and how to use these skills to solve problems”
Intent
At Thornhill Primary School the purpose of Mathematics is to develop an ability to solve problems, to reason, to think logically and to work systematically and accurately. All children are challenged and encouraged to be proficient in Maths.
Our youngest children in the Early Years are developing a strong grounding in number so that they can develop the necessary building blocks to excel mathematically. We want our children to count confidently, develop a deep understanding of the numbers to 10, the relationships between them and the patterns within those numbers.
Throughout the school, new mathematical concepts are introduced using a ‘Concrete, Pictorial and Abstract’ approach. This allows our children to have clear models and images to aid their understanding. Arithmetic and basic math skills are practised daily to ensure key mathematical concepts are embedded and children can recall this information to see the links between topics in Maths.
Mathematical Curriculum Overview
The teaching of all mathematical concepts are taught using a Concrete, Pictorial and Abstract (CPA) approach. This allows children to have clear models and images to aid their mathematical understanding.
We understand the importance of ensuring children are fluent and have a range of techniques in order to solve problems and reason mathematically.
We use the SMART maths approach which ensures, “Everything we teach earlier paves the way for everything that comes later; and everything that comes later is made accessible to all children by what has been taught earlier.”
For those children in years 4, 5 and 6 who haven’t had the foundations of SMART maths we use White Rose resources to aid our planning
SMARTmaths Curriculum Guidance Mixed age
White Rose yearly overviews
Calculation Policy
Enrichment
We aim to ensure our pupil understand the importance of maths in everyday life. We appreciate that maths spans many subject areas and as such we are careful to ensure we use and apply our mathematical skills across a range of subjects in order to embed methods and understanding. For example, in science we undertake investigations which involve measuring in a variety of ways, recording results and drawing conclusions. In Geography we use our mathematical skills in relation to position and direction in terms of compass points and grid reference work. We also undertake a range of Geographical fieldwork which again sees pupils gather information, record results and draw conclusions.
We use Times Tables Rockstars to support pupils to become fluent in their multiplication and division facts as we know that a sound knowledge and understanding of these make accessing many areas of maths much easier. The programme is carefully sequenced and is used in class everyday as well as for homework. Children enjoy the programme and gain confidence in their abilities as they see their scores improve. We also take part in a half termly TTRS competition with the other school our Executive headteacher works at as well as countrywide TTRS competitions too.
We regularly use Learning by Questions. The online programme has award-winning resources which support fluency and problem solving. Teachers set online tasks and as children tackle the questions the programme assesses them and moves them forward at an appropriate pace. Children love the instant feedback and enjoy the challenges it presents.
