Maths

The 2014 National Curriculum for Maths aims to ensure that all children:

• Become fluent in the fundamentals of Mathematics
• Are able to reason mathematically
• Can solve problems by applying their Mathematics

Mental arithmetic and mathematical fact knowledge are key components in the process of achieving mastery in mathematics. Our maths lessons make the acquisition of these skills fun and engaging, enabling all children to feel successful in Maths.

At Littleocoates Primary Academy, our aims in mathematics are:

• To help children be confident and competent with numbers and measures. This requires an understanding of the number system, a range of computational skills and an inclination and ability to solve number problems in a variety of contexts. Mathematics also demands practical understanding of the ways in which information is gathered by counting and measuring, and is presented in graphs, diagrams, charts and tables.
• To develop an awareness of the language of maths and mathematical concepts
• To encourage children to question and reason
• To develop children’s capacity for logical thinking
• To recall mathematical facts accurately and quickly

At Littlecoates Primary Academy, these skills are embedded within Maths lessons and developed consistently over time. We are committed to ensuring that children are able to recognise the importance of Maths in the wider world and that they are also able to use their mathematical skills and knowledge confidently in their lives in a range of different contexts. We want all children to enjoy Mathematics and to experience success in the subject, with the ability to reason mathematically. We are committed to developing children’s curiosity about the subject, as well as an appreciation of the beauty and power of Mathematics.

The White Rose Maths scheme is used as a basis for the Long and Medium Term Planning across all year groups. This not only ensures coverage of the whole curriculum but has been designed to build upon previous skills and knowledge. This is supplemented with a variety of other resources.

Concrete, pictorial, abstract

All pupils, when introduced to a key new concept, should have the opportunity to build competency in this topic by taking this approach. Pupils are encouraged to physically represent mathematical concepts. Objects and pictures are used to demonstrate and visualise abstract ideas, alongside numbers and symbols.

Concrete – children have the opportunity to use concrete objects and manipulatives to help them understand and explain what they are doing.

Pictorial – children then build on this concrete approach by using pictorial representations, which can then be used to reason and solve problems.

Abstract – With the foundations firmly laid, children can move to an abstract approach using numbers and key concepts with confidence.