Maths
Mathematics teaches us how to make sense of the world around us through developing a child’s ability to calculate, to reason, to be financially responsible and to solve problems. It enables children to understand and appreciate relationships and patterns in their everyday lives. Through their growing knowledge and understanding, children learn to appreciate the contribution made by many cultures to the development and application of mathematics.
Curriculum Intent:
At Leamington Community Primary School, we aim to develop numerate children who are confident with number and understand mathematical calculations, in order to develop key problem solving skills. We promote ‘Numeracy for Life’ and we believe that Mathematics provides children with the essential life skills of:
- Understanding number and calculation
- Problem solving
- Enquiry
- Reasoning skills
- Financial understanding
The intention at Leamington is to provide children with a wealth of opportunities through the ‘mastery approach’ and ‘Numeracy for life’. We aim to ensure every child is confident and enthusiastic when approaching Mathematical problems; to provide children with the skills to use and apply Mathematics in different contexts and to provide children with the vocabulary to talk about and explain Mathematical concepts.
Curriculum Implementation:
Staff adapt the scheme of work created by the Local Authority to deliver an exciting Maths curriculum which is embedded in real life situations and practical problem solving. There is a great emphasis on ensuring children enjoy Maths and children are given opportunities to engage in a variety of practical lessons (using guidance from TeachActive).
As part of our curriculum, our teachers plan lessons based on a narrative: staff create an environment that enriches knowledge and ignites enthusiasm by using drama-based learning and creating real-life links to the characters and events in the story, whilst covering mathematical objectives, therefore enhancing the children’s understanding and interest.
Financial education is key to help children become successful adults. This is why, at Leamington, we ensure children are familiar with financial vocabulary and are equipped to deal with finances in adult life. This includes budgeting, which is addressed both in and outside the classroom. We have a savings club which allows the children the freedom to explore debits, credits and managing their own money.
As well as this, we value the use of ICT to enhance learning and teaching of Mathematics; use a variety of learning styles and resources to cater for all children’s needs and put great importance on the promotion of positive attitudes towards Maths.
At Leamington Community Primary School, we provide children with a fun but focused Maths curriculum, ensuring the children develop the skills to become equipped for adult life. We adopt a fully inclusive, mind-friendly approach to teaching and learning in Mathematics where children are challenged sufficiently in a supportive environment with real-life links and access to financial vocabulary. Assessment for learning allows children and teachers to review the strategies and methods used in the lessons thus always moving learning on.
Curriculum Impact:
Children at Leamington are given every opportunity to achieve their full potential.
At Leamington Community Primary School we use both formative and summative assessment information to help staff to ensure children make exceptional progress; interventions are wisely used to support every individual. Staff use information daily to inform their planning and develop next steps in the children’s learning. This enables the staff to provide the best possible support to cater to special educational needs and opportunities to provide challenge for our more able children.
Liverpool Counts Quality Mark:
Leamington Community Primary School was awarded the Gold standard Liverpool Counts Quality Mark. This is presented to schools who have proven they aim to raise standards in numeracy and mathematics by changing attitudes and perceptions through the delivery of the Liverpool Counts quality mark and the promotion of the importance of numeracy as a life skill through business links and cultural opportunities.
As part of this, year six pupils have been appointed as Maths Ambassadors and run the lunchtime, ‘Maths Hub’ which provides a chance for children to play Maths games and solve puzzles with the help of the Maths ambassadors. This group of Year 6 children are promoting Maths across the school and meet to discuss how we can improve Maths at Leamington.
Assemblies to promote ‘Numeracy for Life’ skills were introduced and encouraged a love of Maths in all pupils. Posters were placed around school to show children how our staff use Maths outside of the classroom. Displays around the school aim to promote problem solving and real-life connections.
Take a look at these important documents:
Early Years – How your child learns about numbers
Take a look at the following important documents:
Knowledge, Understanding and Skills
The National Curriculum for Mathematics – PRIMARY National Curriculum – Mathematics
Maths Immersion
As part of our continual curriculum development this year we will be developing our maths curriculum so it becomes immersed in the narrative immersion curriculum. Below are some examples of how we teach maths through the narrative immersion.
Maths at Leamington
Reception
George –
I like to put my hand up and share answers. I like learning about numbers. If I am stuck I ask my friends for help.
Esmee –
We are learning all about numbers and I like to work with my friends. If I am stuck I keep trying and then I ask a teacher for help.
Year 1
Ruby –
I enjoy learning all about number bonds. I feel confident when I am using my number bond facts. I love our active maths lessons because we get to move around the classroom or the hall but I like to work by myself to.
Elizabeth –
I like learning about number bonds and love to find things out. I feel confident in maths and like to complete work in my book because it helps me to learn new things. I like working in a group with my friends because we can help each other. If I get a question wrong I like to work out the right answer and I don’t give up.
Year 2
Cyndi –
I like dividing and working by myself. I feel confident in maths and if I am stuck I use my fingers to help me work it out or I ask a friend for help. I enjoy our active maths lessons.
Addison –
I enjoy adding numbers quickly to see how many I can finish against the clock. I enjoy working by myself and completing problems in my book. I feel confident in maths.
Year 3
Lyan –
I like that there are different ways to solve a problem. Maths is always fun and I enjoy practical lessons and completing problems in my book. I always try my best and if I am stuck I ask a friend or teacher for help.
James –
I enjoy dividing and using the bus stop method. I like to solve problems in my book and enjoy working by myself because I feel confident.
Year 4
Kristopher –
I enjoy dividing and working in my book. I love code breaker lessons and if I find something tricky I don’t give up. I ask a friend for help if I am not sure.
Alexii-Jo –
Maths is amazing, I enjoy converting, adding and subtracting. Our lessons are always fun and the teachers will always help me if I am stuck.
Year 5
Arabella –
I really enjoy dividing and working with my friends in a group to solve problems. If I am stuck a teacher will always help me. I feel confident in maths and enjoy solving problems.
Thaiwa –
I really enjoy maths especially when we are able to pick our own partner and work as team to complete our work. I like that we are able to move around the classroom to solve different problems. I really enjoy short division.
Year 6
Millie –
I like that there are lots of different things we can do in Maths. I enjoy problem solving because it takes a while but when I finish it I feel I have achieved something. I enjoy our active maths lessons, especially when the teacher puts questions around the room that we have to solve. I feel confident in maths so if something is difficult I try my best to figure it out and then I will ask for help.
Lanfiatte –
I love that we are able to learn new things and we always have fun while doing it. I enjoy learning about fractions and we often play who wants to be a millionaire. If I am stuck I will sit next to a friend who can help me or I will ask the teacher.