We believe that mathematics is more than just learning about calculations. We aim to develop a sense of number and reasoning that allows children to use their maths knowledge in real-world situations. With the skills learned and developed through school, our children are able to question the world around them and identify patterns and suggest reasons for them. St Patrick's children are lifelong mathematicians.
Curriculum Structure
We follow Power Maths (Active Learn) - a whole-class, text-book based mastery resource that empowers every child to understand and succeed. Power Maths rejects the notion that some people simply ‘can’t’ do maths. Instead, it develops growth mindsets and encourages hard work, practice and a
willingness to see mistakes as learning tools
Foundations
We understand that the art to teaching and learning maths is to do so on secure foundations. These begin at home and nursery and we continue to develop them throughout Reception and KS1. Our infant classes support the learning of these essential foundations through the Mastering Number Programme. The programme works in a similar way to phonics for literacy - a highly structured approach to over teaching aspects of mathematical understanding such as subitising, counting, comparing and accurate use of vocabulary.
Fluency
Fluency involves children becoming so familiar and skilled with mathematical knowledge that it is almost second nature. Through carefully crafted lessons which revisit prior learning and build on this knowledge, children repeatedly practice procedures and apply knowledge in a range of contexts.
Reasoning
Reasoning revolves around the idea that once knowledge is secure, it can be manipulated and reapplied to variety of scenarios. Whilst all children access problems which require a level of reasoning, children are often challenged with deeper explanations or by proving their ideas.
Teaching and Learning
Whilst teaching and learning will naturally vary by year group and by the area of mathematics being taught, there are several aspects which all lessons share. These include:
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Adaptive teaching - extending the more able through questioning and supporting those who need it through adult support or use of additional resources and manipulatives.
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Discussion led learning.
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AFL strategies, such as hinge questions or mini quizzes deployed to identify misconceptions.
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Independent practice where children have the opportunity to apply new learning to fluency and reasoning based questions and tasks.
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Guided practice where teachers assess understanding.
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Accurate mathematical vocabulary modelled and used by all members of the class.
Assessment
In St Patrick's, we use a range of assessment strategies throughout the year. Formative assessment is threaded throughout each lesson and allows the teacher to immediately see which children have understood the concept. At the end of each unit in Power Maths, the children complete an 'End of Unit Check' to assess their understanding and to see if they have mastered the learning. Twice yearly, during Assessment Week, the children in KS2 complete an 'Arithmetic' and 'Reasoning' TestBase Assessment Paper. We use this as our summative assessment and use this to inform their progress throughout the year.
Below you will find the Yearly Overviews each year group follows - in line with Power Maths (White Rose Edition).
How can I support my child at home?
Supporting your child at home
As a school, we strongly believe that children's education is most effective when schools and families work together. Homework is set weekly and will always include a mathematical element, usually revisiting prior learning or practising essential knowledge, for example times tables to number bonds. All children are provided with logins for Power Math’s online learning platform (Active Learn), NumBots and Times Table Rockstars and they are encouraged to regularly use these tools to improve their confidence and fluency.
Active Learn (Power Maths): ActiveLearn: Login (activelearnprimary.co.uk)
Times Table Rockstars: https://ttrockstars.com/
NumBots: https://numbots.com/
Hit the Button: https://www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games/hit-the-button