Mathematics

Children take part in a daily maths lesson throughout the school. The length of time spent on this will be determined by the age of the child, but by Year 3 it will normally be 50-60 minutes.

Whilst our approach to the teaching of maths encompasses the development of the National Numeracy Strategy, in Year 6 we also include areas relevant to the Common Entrance syllabus and this ensures that children are taught all the necessary skills and strategies. The four principal areas in maths are:

-         using and applying maths

-         number / algebra

-         shape, space and measurement

-         handling data

We aim to give children the opportunity to acquire a broad base of relevant mathematical concepts, related wherever possible to practical experience and language development. We endeavour to provide opportunities for pupils to develop their understanding and apply it accurately in a variety of mathematical situations.

Mental agility is very important and strategies are taught to enable children to calculate quickly and accurately. Opportunities are given for children to discuss the maths work they do and to compare the methods used to find the most effective and efficient ways of solving problems.

We employ a published scheme of work as the basis of our maths teaching, i.e. Abacus Evolve. Other schemes are also used to provide extension work when necessary, e.g. Maths Spotlight and Essential Mathematics. Opportunities to extend concepts and apply knowledge across the curriculum are taken wherever possible.

Our Year 3/4 class is a mixed age/ability group whilst Years 5 and 6 are taught separately three times a week and come together to learn twice a week.

All children are tested at the end of each term as well as every half term, and numeracy ages are measured and recorded in the autumn.

In order to develop good working habits and self-discipline, maths homework is given twice a week. The length of time and content will depend on the child’s age and stage of development.

Children have access to a variety of resources including practical apparatus, calculators, computer software and mathematical games.