Maths

Intent

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

At St Bernadette’s, these skills are embedded within maths lessons and reinforced in science and geography lessons. They are 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 maths and to experience success in the subject.

Implementation

The content and principles underpinning the Mathematics curriculum at St Bernadette’s reflect those outlined in the 2014 National Curriculum. 

• Teachers reinforce an expectation that all children are capable of achieving high standards in Mathematics.
• The large majority of children progress through the curriculum content at the same pace.
• Differentiation is achieved by emphasising deep knowledge and through individual support and intervention. Parameters may also be changed within tasks to ensure challenge for more able learners. Further challenges are available for all learners and every child is encouraged to problem solve and reason mathematically.
• Practice and consolidation play a central role. Carefully designed variation within this builds fluency and understanding of underlying mathematical concepts.
• Manipulatives and pictorial representations are used across the school. 
• All calculation units will embed measure.
• Children are encouraged to analyse before answering questions.
• Teachers use precise questioning in class to test conceptual and procedural knowledge and assess children regularly to identify those requiring intervention, so that all children keep up.
• Working walls are built upon throughout each unit of work.

Impact

The school has a supportive ethos and our approaches support the children in developing their collaborative and independent skills, as well as empathy and the need to recognise the achievement of others. This is in line with the school’s core principles (ASPIRE). Regular and ongoing assessment informs teaching, as well as intervention, to support and enable the success of each child. These factors ensure that we are able to maintain high standards.

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