MATHS
We want children to be competent in Maths for the rest of their lives: not just in the short-term. We strive to do this by following three Maths curriculum aims, they are:
Fluency
Children become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, including through varied and frequent practice with increasingly complex problems over time, so that pupils develop conceptual understanding and the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately.
Reasoning
Children reason mathematically by following a line of enquiry, conjecturing relationships and generalisations, and developing an argument, justification or proof using mathematical language
Problem Solving
Children solve problems by applying their mathmatics to a variety of routine and non-routine problems with increasing sophistication, including breaking down problems into a series of simpler steps and persevering in seeking solutions.
Early Years Mathematics
The children in our Nursery and Reception follow the Early Years and Foundation Stage Curriculum EYFS. The focus of mathematical teaching and learning for this age group is very practical to ensure that the children are fully engaged while learning the initial concepts through role play, dressing up, storytelling etc. Children also take part in lots of singing through our link to the Number Fun Portal.
Key Stage 1 (Years 1 & 2)
In Key Stage 1 the children continue to build on the skills and knowledge gained in Early Years. They learn about number bonds, how to count, read, write and order numbers to 100 and beyond, where appropriate. Through practical activities children explore and gain a better understanding of shape and space and through talk they begin to grasp and use mathematical language. Children continue their maths songs through the Number Fun Portal.
Key Stage 2 (Years 3 to 6)
By Key Stage 2 children are becoming much more confident and fluent with numbers, calculating mentally and using written methods. They increase their understanding of the links between the four mathematical operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division) and how to use that knowledge to check calculations. Children are given every opportunity to link their mathematics to “real life problems.” Again, children continue their maths songs through the Number Fun Portal.
Why is Mathematics so important?
Mathematics equips children with a uniquely powerful set of tools to understand and change the world. These tools include logical reasoning, problem-solving skills, and the ability to think in abstract ways. As such, mathematics is a creative discipline. It can stimulate moments of happiness and wonder when a child solves a problem for the first time, discovers a more efficient solution to a problem or suddenly sees hidden connections.
Many life stages and skills require a solid grasp of mathematics, from entering university to balancing a household budget, applying for a home loan, or assessing a possible business opportunity. When children eventually leave education and seek out a career, they will inevitably need to call upon the mathematical skills and strategies they have learnt at school. They will soon realise that many careers require a solid understanding of maths. Doctors, lawyers, accountants and other professionals use maths on a daily basis, as do builders, plumbers, engineers and managers. Maths is a critical skill for many professions and opens a world of opportunity for children.