...Mathematics 

Mathematics Leader: Mrs Beddow

At Moon’s Moat First School, we believe that the maths our children learn should be real and relevant to their everyday lives. We will ensure that our children have access to a high quality maths curriculum that is both challenging and enjoyable, which enables children to become confident mathematicians who are not afraid to take risks. At Moon’s Moat we ensure that children need to develop a good understanding of number and fluency (of recall and procedures) on which to base their future learning, but problem solving and reasoning is built into every lesson so that the learning can be relevant and purposeful to them. We also support children to apply their mathematical knowledge to science and other curriculum subjects.

 At Moon’s Moat First School we follow the National Curriculum aims for Maths to ensure all pupils:

• 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
• reason mathematically by following a line of enquiry, conjecturing relationships and generalisations, and developing an argument, justification or proof using mathematical language
• can solve problems by applying their mathematics 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

Maths is essential to everyday life, and is critical to science, technology and engineering. It is also necessary for financial literacy and most forms of employment. A high-quality mathematics education provides a foundation for understanding the world, the ability to reason mathematically, an appreciation of the beauty and power of mathematics, and a sense of enjoyment and curiosity about the subject.

Within lessons, we have developed a mastery approach to teaching. We plan sequences of lessons, using the White Rose scheme of learning for guidance, although this is not used rigidly. As part of our learning sequences, we use the CPA approach (concrete, pictorial, abstract) to help introduce new learning with the use of concrete materials, so children can see and understand the new concepts they are learning. This is then built upon using pictorial representations, which the children can use to reason and solve problems. When children are ready, they will move on to using an abstract approach, recording their maths using symbols. We also focus on the understanding of key vocabulary within each year group, to ensure children can use the correct terminology confidently. 

At Moon’s Moat, we feel that the teaching of mental maths is of great importance. To support learning, we use RAPA CODA NUMBO to help teach children specific mental strategies they can use (Round and Adjust, Partitioning, Count on, Double and Adjust, and Number Bonds). These are introduced in KS1 and built upon each year as children move up to KS2. As part of our learning in mental maths, Multiplication is also taught and built upon starting in Year 1, to ensure children develop confident recall of key number facts. Children in Year 4 will take part in the Multiplication Tables Check.

The expectation is that the majority of pupils will move through the programmes of study at broadly the same pace. However, decisions about when to progress should always be based on the security of pupils’ understanding and their readiness to progress to the next stage. Pupils who grasp concepts rapidly should be challenged through being offered rich and sophisticated problems before any acceleration through new content. Those who are not sufficiently fluent with earlier material should consolidate their understanding, including through additional practice, before moving on.

By the time children leave school at the end of Year 4, children understand the relevance and the importance of what they are learning in relation to real word concepts. Children know that maths is a vital life skill that they will rely on in many areas of their daily life. Children have a positive view of maths, and enjoy being challenged. Children are confident to 'have a go' and choose equipment they need to help them with the strategies they think are best suited to each problem. Children will be able to demonstrate quick recall  of facts and procedures, including the recollection of times tables. Children will also be confident using the appropriate vocabulary. They should also apply their mathematical knowledge to science and other subjects.

 To find out more about the Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check, please click here. 

 Maths workshops

Each year Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 have maths workshops when we invite parents to learn different methods the children are using within school. They then are given the opportunity to practice these strategies with their children, with teachers available to discuss any problems or misconceptions. It is also an opportunity for parents to see the different images and models we use within our school.

MATHS LINKS

The links below are either free websites or websites the school currently subscribes to. If a log in is needed, you will be able to find all the relevant information needed in the front of your child's home school link book.  Please speak to a member of staff if you are having any trouble logging in.

Times Table Rock Stars https://play.ttrockstars.com/auth/school/student

Hit the Button https://www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games/hit-the-button

Education City https://www.educationcity.com/

Multiplication Challenge https://tt.serveweb.co.uk/new/