St Agnes CE (VA) Primary School recognises that mathematics helps children to make sense of the world in which they live. It is used to make sense of and communicate information and ideas. Our Mathematics curriculum is inclusive for all children and provides opportunities for each and every child to have a sense of the size of a number and where it fits into the number system. Skills learnt will be used to tackle a wide range of practical and real-life problems. To achieve this aim the children are guided through a carefully structured series of learning experiences, which enables them to develop mathematical knowledge, vocabulary, understanding and problem solving. They will know by heart number facts such as number bonds, multiplication tables, double and halves and to use what they know by heart to figure out answers mentally. The children will also be able to calculate accurately and efficiently, both mentally and with pencil and paper, drawing on a range of calculation strategies as well as make sense of number problems, including non-routine problems, and recognise shape, space and measure as part of their daily lives.

Our Mathematics curriculum is based on the National Curriculum Programmes of Study and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). We can help our children acquire proficiency by giving a sharp focus to the relevant aspects of the programmes of study for mathematics based on the Non-Negotiables for each Year Group. We use aspects of Numicon, Focus and White Rose maths resources to teach our children and differentiate our curriculum to enable every child to access Mathematics and make progress. Each class has a daily lesson that includes whole-class or group teaching as well as independent learning. During these sessions, children experience a wide range of activities and teaching methods. The lessons have a focus on developing skills and problem solving. The learning of times tables is a non-negotiable and children work towards knowing all of the multiplication and division facts by the end of Year 4. To improve our children’s skills and ability, we are in our second year of using TT Rockstars which is an online platform that children can use in and out of school. This fun, fast-paced, modern resource has really helped our children consolidate and practise their skills and knowledge to aid long-term memory. Teaching assistants are actively involved with the teaching and learning process and work closely with class teachers to implement effective learning strategies with individuals or small groups. They also lead a range of intervention activities. Cross-curricular links with mathematics are encouraged across the school in all year groups. The teaching strategies used involve high-quality direct teaching, which is interactive and lively – with a variety of teaching styles used. Learning objectives and success criteria are clearly stated and shared with the class. Our children are actively involved in their own learning and self-assess and peer-assess to further improve and increase levels of understanding. Certain skills such as mental calculation, problem solving and investigating are given high priority and this is encouraged by asking open and closed questions with system and purpose to further develop the children’s skills. Each class (Y1-Y6) teach a topic-based maths lesson on a weekly basis. This is so that our children understand that maths is not used in isolation but forms part of everyday life. Problem solving is also taught on a weekly basis covering all the necessary strands including logic, trial & error, word problem and puzzles. We aim to teach problem solving through a variety of well-planned lessons that stretch our children and build on their resilience.