Maths
The national curriculum for mathematics aims to ensure that all 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.
Intent
At Bloxwich Academy, our mathematics curriculum has been designed:
- With the belief that no child should fail, and that deprivation is not an excuse for underachievement.
- To improve the life chances of all pupils.
- With the belief that the sharing of ideas between practitioners will result in improved pupil achievement. We know that we can achieve this by a no-nonsense approach to remain focussed on pupil achievement.
The national curriculum for mathematics aims to ensure that all 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.
Overview
We teach maths every morning with 5 lessons a week. 1 of these lessons is based around an arithmetic test that will allow children to show the progress they have made throughout the year. The other 4 lessons follow the White Rose Maths scheme of learning. This method helps build on children’s prior knowledge and to help them build solid foundations for future learning to build upon. Each lesson starts with a review/arithmetic practice to consolidate learning into their long-term memories. Following the teacher model, the class will complete varied fluency, reasoning or problem-solving tasks depending on where they are within their scheme of learning.
At the start and end of each block of learning, children will complete either a cold task or hot task (on LBQ for KS2 or from White Rose for KS1) to further show the progression in their learning. Early years hold daily maths meetings where all children are introduced to different aspects of maths – from subitising to shape. They will always have a maths station available to them for continuous provision to take place. We have also recently introduced the Mastering Number programme from reception to year 2 with the aim of being able to subitise and an increase in the automaticity of facts.
To cater for COVID-19, we have also introduced 2x weekly arithmetic sessions in the afternoon focused on the fundamentals.
Progression Skills
All children start with varied fluency so they can show that they can do the skill. After this, children will move on to reasoning activities (either verbal or written) where they must explain a concept to show that they understand it. Finally, children will have the opportunity to solve problems by applying what they have learned within a block of teaching.
Useful Links
TTRockStars - https://play.ttrockstars.com/auth
BBC Bitesize KS2 - https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/z826n39
BBC Bitesize KS1 - https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zjxhfg8
Hit the Button - https://www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games/hit-the-button
Homework
All children in KS2 are expected to play Times Tables Rockstars each week to build up their multiplication fluency. Children are aware of their usernames and passwords; however, if you are experiencing any issues, please see your child’s teacher. They can also access the other useful links.
