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Mathematics

At Dorridge Primary School our intent is to promote a culture of enjoyment of mathematics, foster a resilience in pupils’ and promote ‘I can do’ attitudes and approaches to embed a depth of understanding of the subject. We aim to inspire and create confident and happy mathematicians who thrive from the challenge of mathematics across the curriculum.

Maths is taught daily, in line with the programme of study detailed in the National Curriculum for Mathematics; Maths lessons are carefully structured to move in very small steps, and to include a variety of ways of presenting the maths. The idea is to teach each concept in depth, before moving on too quickly.

In line with the National Curriculum we aim to ensure that pupils:

  • Become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, including through varied and frequent practice with increasingly complex problems over time, so that pupils develop conceptual understanding and the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately
  • Reason mathematically by following a line of enquiry, conjecturing relationships and generalisations, and developing an argument, justification or proof using mathematical language
  • Can solve problems by applying their mathematics to a variety of routine and non-routine problems with increasing sophistication, including breaking down problems into a series of simpler steps and persevering in seeking solutions

We have implemented the White Rose Scheme of Learning to support the teaching of Mathematics at Dorridge Primary School. This involves teaching children in progressive small steps, using carefully selected models and images to support their learning; Concrete manipulatives and pictorial representations are powerful teaching and learning tools when it comes to developing a deep conceptual understanding of the abstract notations.

The emphasis on the problem solving and reasoning elements of mathematics are a key focus of White Rose Maths Scheme of Learning and approach. This incorporates teaching children to talk about the how and why they have completed problems in such a way whilst continuously developing mathematical vocabulary.

In Reception and Key Stage 1, we are following a new scheme called mastering number, alongside White Rose. This consists of 4 short weekly sessions using a tool called a 'rekenrek'. This aims to secure firm foundations in the development of good number sense for all children. The aim is that over time the children will leave KS1 with fluency in calculation and a confidence and flexibility with number. Attention is given to key knowledge and understanding needed in Reception classes and the progression through to support KS1.

Maths at Home

Mathletics brings classroom practice safely into the home and is set weekly by your child’s maths teacher on a Tuesday. The activities assigned are aimed to reinforce lessons taught in school, and help your children gain mastery over maths topics or push ahead of what’s being taught. Mathletics provides all our pupils with the opportunity to put their mathematics skills to use through engaging, fun and rewarding activities and challenges.

Times Tables Rock Stars is a carefully sequenced programme of daily times tables practice that is accessible to all pupils in Year 2 and Key Stage 2. The online tool is aimed at improving multiplication facts recall speed and pupils are encouraged to climb the ladder to stardom whilst reinforcing and learning mathematical facts. This is an extremely beneficial tool ahead of the Year 4 Multiplication check.

Maths is Fun!

At Dorridge Primary, we thoroughly enjoy implementing mathematical theme days and taking part in events such as World Maths Day and NSPCC Number Day where the children are involved in a range of fun maths activities and challenges. We also have TTRS battles within year groups and key stages to encourage the children to continue to practise their times tables in a fun and enticing way.

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION & ONLINE RESOURCES:

EYFS

In the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), children strive to ensure that will develop a strong grounding in number, essential for providing children with the platform to excel mathematically.

We intend to for children to develop a deep conceptual understanding of the numbers to 10, the relationships between them and the patterns therein. By providing frequent, varied and engaging opportunities to build and apply this understanding, children will develop a secure base of knowledge from which mathematical mastery is built.

In EYFS, we ensure that the children will:

  • Develop an understanding of number to 10, linking names of numbers, numerals, their value, and their position in the counting order;
  • Subitise - to recognise quantities without counting - up to 5;
  • Automatically recall number bonds for numbers 0-5 and for 10, including corresponding partitioning facts.
  • Automatically recall double facts up to 5+5;
  • Compare sets of objects up to 10 in different contexts, considering size and difference;
  • Explore patterns of numbers within numbers up to 10, including evens and odds.

Effective Maths Resources available for subscription

  • Squeebles: A range of fantastic apps, also available from app stores, to support learning times tables, telling the time, fractions and calculations.
  • Aliens and Numbers: Enjoy discovering numbers with funny aliens, a fun way to practice sums and counting, Easy to use: your kids will have fun for hours as they learn and explore, with audio, perfect for all ages
  • Endless Numbers: Kids will have a blast learning number recognition, sequences, quantity, numerical patterns, and simple addition with the adorable Endless monsters. Each number features interactive sequences and equation puzzles with numbers that come alive, and a short animation that provides context and meaning to each number.