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Maths

In mathematics lessons we value depth of knowledge over speed of learning. We have high expectations for all with a belief that all pupils will succeed. Long term gaps in learning are prevented through swift teacher intervention and those children who grasp the concepts more quickly are given opportunities to deepen their knowledge and improve their reasoning skills rather than accelerating on to new curriculum content.  

Problem solving is central to our approach and opportunities are given for pupils to calculate with confidence, ensuring an understanding of why it works so that pupils understand what they are doing rather than just learning to repeat routines without grasping what is happening. It is vital that pupils are able to apply their knowledge and skills to solve mathematical puzzles and problems, as well as explain their thinking and methods clearly.   

The White Rose Maths Curriculum is followed from EYFS to Year 6, ensuring a consistent progression of representations, strategies and methods. We believe that children should develop a deep understanding of Mathematical concepts and therefore may spend longer on a concept if this is needed breaking concepts down to use a small steps approach which allows children to keep up rather than need to catch up.  See the calculation policies below to show current methods. 

In EYFS, we prioritise building a secure number sense and a deep understanding of numbers to 10. White Rose provides a clear progression and opportunities for children to explore the composition of numbers. This in depth knowledge of number will support children as they move onto early calculation strategies.  

In KS1, the children build upon the number sense they have developed in EYFS – progressively applying this to mental calculation strategies. We ensure that pupils in KS1 have a very firm grasp of number bonds to aid them with early calculation strategies. 

In KS2, children continue to progress through the curriculum. There is a focus on formal written methods and the application of these skills to mathematical problems.  

Concrete, pictorial and abstract representations are modelled throughout a child’s school journey to develop a deep and sustainable understanding of maths in pupils. In addition, the correct use of mathematical vocabulary is essential for developing understanding and reasoning in Maths. Therefore, we begin to introduce this in EYFS and build upon this as the children progress through the curriculum.  

Pupils are encouraged to learn key number facts, such as, number bonds and multiplication facts from very early on in their education. In addition, we use a number of online resources to support the teaching and learning of maths in school including TT Rockstars.   

Ultimately, we want to guide our pupils to become independent and confident mathematicians, with the skills to achieve and continue their success in education and beyond. 

 

Get in touch

Sissinghurst (VA) Church of England
Primary School
Common Road
Cranbrook
Kent
TN17 2BH

01580 713895