Maths
   

Intention
 

At Star Primary, we have high aspirations for all learners. We want our children to develop a life-long love for mathematics, to understand its relevance to the world they live in and to use their financial literacy to help them live fulfilling and productive lives.

Our mathematics curriculum is designed in a way that helps teachers deliver high quality and engaging lessons whilst also being balanced, progressive and challenging for all learners. We promote maths as an interconnected subject with pupils making rich connections between mathematical concepts and also across other subjects.  Pupils develop a deep level of mathematical thinking and conceptual understanding that is sustained over time. 

We aim for our pupils to be competent problem solvers; following lines of enquiry and developing their reasoning skills with an increasing level of sophistication as they move through the school.

We strive to ensure our children are fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, can recall knowledge rapidly and accurately,  reach  their mathematical potential and meaningfully engage with the world they live in.

Implementation
 

At Star Primary, our maths provision is underpinned by our Teaching for Mastery approach. Some of the research supported approaches include:

  • CPA approach – Concrete, Pictorial, Abstract. A research supported approach which allows children to make greater sense of mathematical concepts which by nature are abstract for children. 
  • Depth and breadth over acceleration – To avoid superficial learning, teachers carefully sequence lessons so that children have opportunities to demonstrate mastery at each point of the lesson before being moved on. 

Other ways in which we ensure a high quality maths provision at Star Primary include:

  • All classes from Reception to Year 6 follow the Maths – No Problem! scheme of work, a DfE and NCETM approved programme of study developed in Singapore and fully aligned with the UK National Curriculum. 
  • All lessons employ ambitious, precise and high quality vocabulary which the children are taught to use orally and in their written work to express their mathematical thinking.
  • Children have opportunities to reflect, refine and question their mathematical thinking through journaling which begins in year 1 and increases in frequency as the children progress through school. 
  • Continuous professional development – We constantly look to develop our practice by regularly attending relevant courses and engaging with our local Maths Hub.

Impact
 

Our pupils have great passion and curiosity for mathematics and can apply their understanding to a wide range of contexts. Our dynamic and progressive curriculum cultivates genuine enthusiasm, confidence and curiosity in the subject which leads to deep level thinking and understanding. Pupils are confident and believe in their mathematical potential as they are not held back by the false notion that they “can’t do maths”. This is reflected in our end of Key Stage attainment which consistently ranks above national averages. We provide a fantastic foundation for pupils to meet the challenges of secondary education and beyond.
In The Classroom Progression Framework Key Vocabulary National Curriculum
Maths parent guide – EYFS Maths parent guide – KS1 Maths parent guide – KS2 Teaching for Mastery
Multiplication Times Tables Check – Year 4  Interactive Apps

 

Enrichment
 

We celebrate an Outdoor Maths Week which encourages mathematical thinking in “real life” scenarios, provides memorable and meaningful mathematical experiences and contributes to the overall self-image children have about themselves as mathematicians. In addition, we celebrate Rock Stars Day where each child is encouraged to dress up as a Rock Star for a times table fluency inspired day. The children take part in challenges throughout the day honing their times tables fluency whilst serving to underline its importance and value to our pupils in a fun-filled and motivational day. World Maths Day is another whole school event where pupils are set different challenges which promotes mathematical reasoning and boosts the children’s ability to problem-solve.  We provide children with login details to the interactive maths apps Mathletics and Times Tables Rock Stars. This allows for pupils to develop their number fluency whilst also being engaging and motivational.

 

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