Maths

INTENT

At St Thomas’, we want all children to become confidence mathematicians who are equipped with the skills required in order to problem solve independently in both maths and other subjects in the curriculum. We aim to develop pupil’s creative, technical and practical skills to prepare them for an increasingly technological world. We aim to give all children the opportunity to reason within maths and do not believe in limiting expectations of any child. Our maths curriculum is designed with the aim to give the children the recall of key skills in multiplication, division, addition and subtraction which will equip them for their lives beyond the classroom. We aim to provide children with engaging, challenging and thought-provoking work in all areas of Mathematics, including: measure, statistics, place value, shape, position and direction, fractions, percentages and decimals, by the end of Year 6.

IMPLEMENTATION

Maths at St Thomas’ allows all children to be competent, problem-solving Mathematicians who are confident in using the correct terminology and vocabulary. Arithmetic and key skills are discretely taught and both mental and written strategy are expected from the children in order for them to have the ability to select the most efficient way of completing a task. Technology is evident throughout Maths at St. Thomas’ and enhances learning. Numbots is used within key stage 1 ands Times Table Rockstars is used within Key Stage 2 to provide the children with additional support in number and times tables. Mastery is taught in every year group so that every child is allowed to learn through fluency, variation, mathematical thinking and making connections. Children are also encouraged to use equipment where appropriate in every year group. This gives children a deeper understanding of concepts and make connections between physical and symbolic representations.

IMPACT

At St Thomas’ assessment in mathematics is carried out through both formally and informally. Formal assessments are carried out in every year group half termly. This allows staff to track children’s progress and informs future planning. Live marking is carried out in each lesson. This ensures children’s misconceptions and errors are picked up instantly and they can receive the required support in order to progress. Through this assessment structure, and through the implementation, allows all children at St. Thomas’ to gain enjoyment from maths and allows them to feel the sense of achievement. They can rapidly recall relevant facts and reason with high amount of confidence. They will become competent, problem-solving mathematicians who are equipped with the knowledge and skills which will help prepare them for their future lives.