MATHEMATICS
‘Everything around you is mathematics’
INTENT
At Prince Albert School we know that good mathematical understanding is vital for the life opportunities of our pupils. We believe that all of our pupils can achieve in mathematics and recognise that the key to unlocking their potential is through the development of mathematical fluency and secure a deep understanding fo reasoning and problem solving. We want our pupils to be aspirational, therefore our aim is to develop a positive culture of confidence, competence and attitude to maths that produces strong, secure learning. We want pupils to develop an enjoyment and enthusiasm for maths that will stay with them throughout their lives and empower them in future life.
IMPLEMENTATION LONG TERM OVERVIEW
Our curriculum is based on the National Curriculum and promotes problem solving and resillience. Our curriculum is carefully planned and sequenced so that new knowledge and skills build on what has been taught previously. Our calculation policy ensures that the appropriate methods are taught and developed in each year group, whilst understanding that sometimes children find their own efficient methods along the way.
At Prince Albert mathematics is taught daily to introduce, consolidate and strengthen either new or previously taught concepts. Teachers plan for and address misconceptions to ensure that all pupils are developing their mathematical understanding.
Every lesson begins with mental maths practice, to ensure that we develop the pupil’s fluency with mathematical facts and concepts. Planned retrieval practice ensures that children ‘know more, remember more’ and in turn can do more.
MENTAL MATHS PROGRESSION
At Prince Albert Primary School, we employ a variety of teaching styles and opportunities for children to learn and develop their mathematical skills and competencies, both individually and collaboratively. The main aim of all lessons is to develop pupil’s fluency, reasoning and problem solving and apply these to a variety of contexts. Mathematical vocabulary is modelled throughout every lesson developing the pupils’ ability to discuss their work using the appropriate terminology and vocabulary. Links are made across the curriculum particularly in, Science, Geography and Computing. Teachers model using Rosenshine’s principles, with clear success criteria to enable pupils to achieve the learning intention. At Prince Albert we believe that inclusive education means providing all pupils with appropriate education and support alongside their peers. In mathematics, this is no different. Our curriculum ensure that pupils needs are met through, small steps, effective scaffolding and adaptive teaching techniques. Where necessary, additional intervention and adult support will help foster a love for mathematics and a positive attitude to what can be achieved.
Formative assessment is utilised throughout lessons and summative assessments made termly.
From Year 2 all children have access to their own personal ‘Times Tables Rockstar’ account, where they can compete against other pupils and classes in school. This gives children the opportunity to practise and improve their rapid multiplication skills with increasing accuracy.
IMPACT
By the time pupils leave Prince Albert to go onto secondary school, most pupils are fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics and can independently apply their knowledge to a range of increasingly complex problems. Our maths books demonstrate a range of activities showing evidence of fluency, reasoning and problem solving. Mathematical concepts and skills are mastered and our pupils can demonstrate them in multiple ways. We have fostered an environment where pupils understand that we learn from our mistakes mistakes because the journey to finding an answer is important.