Mathematics

Mathematics is taught daily. Children are taught using a concrete-pictorial-abstract approach and they 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 to understand and explain what they are doing. These include everyday objects, counters, cubes, ten frames, numicon and base 10 apparatus.

Pictorial – Children build on this concrete approach by using pictures to represent objects. These representations can then be used to reason and solve problems.

Abstract – Children can then move on to an abstract approach using numbers and key concepts with confidence.

Mathematics is an exciting and challenging subject and is essential to everyday life. We want all of our children to develop the ability to reason mathematically, solve problems and gain a sense of enjoyment and curiosity about the subject.

Maths includes counting and comparing numbers, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. It also involves measuring (distance, time, weight etc.), fractions and decimals, shapes (2d and 3d) and presenting information in tables and graphs.

Mathematical skills are taught through practical activities using apparatus such as numicon, counters and cubes, bead strings and base 10

By the time children leave our school, our aim is for each individual to become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, for example knowing and using number bonds and times table facts. An emphasis is placed on learning mathematical vocabulary and encouraging children to talk about their work using the higher-level skills of comparing, explaining and justifying their answers.   Puzzles and problems are used to help children to reason strategically to find solutions.