Mathematics

Developing beliefs and aspirations within a strong community.

Jesus said “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” 

Matthew 19:14

Believe, Belong, Achieve

How does Mathematics inspire pupils and develop their aspirations? How does Mathematics develop their individual beliefs and ideas? How does Mathematics develop the pupils individually and as part of a community? How does Mathematics the pupils to learn, understand and apply their knowledge?

Intent, Implementation and Impact

At Tolleshunt D’Arcy Primary Academy, we value Mathematics as an important part of the children’s entitlement to a broad and balanced curriculum. Mathematics provides the children with the opportunities to revise, develop and extend skills to express their individual interests, thoughts and ideas. Achievements and individuality is celebrated and encouraged to develop their individual beliefs and sense of belonging. 

Within each number strand in mathematics, children have the opportunity to embed key concepts and develop mathematical fluency before expecting them to transfer this to an abstract concept.  This process starts right at the beginning of their learning journey in EYFS and continues into Year 6.  We believe a consistently approach enables our children to become confident mathematicians, allowing them to make connections and develop fluency within the four main number strands for mathematics: addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Lessons are planned using WhiteRose Maths which develops pupils mastery. Mastering maths means pupils acquiring a deep, long-term, secure and adaptable understanding of the subject.  The phrase ‘teaching for mastery’ describes the elements of classroom practice and school organisation that combine to give pupils the best chances of mastering maths.  Achieving mastery means acquiring a solid enough understanding of the maths that’s been taught to enable pupils to move on to more advanced material. 

Throughout their learning, pupils experience the following to support their mastery skills:

Concrete – using physical objects to solve mathematical problems

Children use resources to support their understanding of a process, concept or operation.  Every concept, within the number strand, is introduced through the use of physical, interactive concrete materials.  We believe this helps children to develop their understanding before being asked to solve more complex calculations. 

Pictorial – using drawings to solve mathematical problems

This step allows children to use images (both pre-drawn and their own drawings) to help them solve calculations.  It allows children to make a connection between the physical objects they have been handling in the concrete stage to pictures, diagrams or models that represent the objects from the problem. This step helps the children to visualise what is going on within a mathematical problem.

Abstract – solving problems using only numbers

Children use symbols (+ – x ÷) to model problems.  Children will not move to this stage of their learning until they have a secure understanding of the concrete and pictorial stages within their learning.  Within the Abstract stage, children also develop their reasoning and problem solving skills to apply what they have learnt.  In Upper Key Stage 2, children become familiar with using formal written methods. 

Times Tables

From Year 2 upwards, Times Tables are taught weekly.  Children take part in short, frequent sessions designed to encourage fluency through repetition.  Children learn the same tables together and have the opportunity to take part in individual, group and whole-class learning experiences.  Once a table has been taught, children are encouraged to revisit this learning, both in school and at home, to develop automaticity with their times tables.  Times Table Rock Stars is an online resource that children are encouraged to use to support them with this.

MyMaths

From Year 1 to Year 6, pupils are set home learning tasks via MyMaths. MyMaths is an online learning platform where teachers set learning for pupils. The learning is personalised to support the needs of the child. Click here to login.

Policies

Please click on the pictures below to view the calculation policies which contains details of teaching and learning strategies.