Maths

Thank you for visiting the Maths curriculum pages. We hope you enjoy discovering how important maths is to us, and what it looks like here at our school.  Our main Maths scheme that we use is Maths No Problem, which is tailored to meet all the objectives of the National Curriculum, along with using the CPA (concrete, pictorial and abstract) approach to encourage robust conceptual understanding in all learners.

Maths Policy
Calculations Policy

Maths Curriculum Intent

Our Maths Mission here at St James’ is to promote and develop children’s enjoyment and enthusiasm for maths through exciting, practical, first-hand learning and opportunities. We give children the chance to explore and investigate maths problems, puzzles and to be able to see patterns and relationships between numbers.  Maths comes into every area of our lives and, by enthusing children and developing a love and understanding in maths, we are opening more doors for them in the future.

Since we adopted a mastery approach to mathematics here at St James’, we have seen an increase in children’s ability to apply what they know and understand into everyday situations. We are not only building upon academic foundations but are also equipping them with life skills.

At our school, we pride ourselves on developing a resilience and deep understanding of Maths, and of changing Maths worriers to Maths warriors. We do this through a range of strategies including the use of concrete apparatus, pictorial and visual representations. We observe and assess our pupils and, when necessary, give children access to extra help and support.

Our aim is to ensure that all pupils become fluent and competent in the fundamentals of mathematics, including the varied and regular practice of increasingly complex problems over time. They will be enabled to reason mathematically by following a line of enquiry, understanding relationships and generalisations and developing an argument, justification or proof using mathematical language.

What does Maths look like at St James?

In addition to our Maths Scheme, Maths No Problem, these are some of the things you are likely to find if you were to wander around our classrooms.

EYFS

  • Counting forwards and backwards
  • Singing
  • Number blocks- CBbeebies
  • Numicon
  • Counting games
  • Maths in all areas
  • Tape measures
  • Calculators
  • Scales
  • Money
  • Real life
  • Role play
  • Colouring
  • Painting
  • Environment

 Key Stage 1 –  Years 1 and 2

  • Working wall – updated weekly (to encourage independence) last lesson we learned…(prompt/reminder)
  • Maths vocabulary
  • Maths books available in library
  • Maths area – clearly labelled for independence – used in continuous provision
  • Daily counting- 1s,2s,5s,10s, forwards and backwards in 1s
  • Daily Maths No Problem – Journal and workbooks
  • Children create own context maths word problems
  • Use of end of topic mind work outs for children as a challenging extension, as well as “chilli challenges”.
  • Times Tables games 3x week
  • Bingo maths on iPads
  • Guided groups. All groups are supported at least once per week.
  • Visuals- Hundred square, 0-20 word numeral number line
  • Resources – counters, base 10, ten frames, hundred squares, whiteboards, number lines
  • Weekly mental maths
  • Time-counting, games, activities
  • Collaborative learning

Key stage 2
Years 3 and 4

  • Daily fluency- My mini maths- weekly focus plus 4 operations each day. 8 questions in total used in order to ensure there is no dip in data for ability in arithmetic.
  • Maths No Problem- mastery approach to problem solving
  • Group and peer partner work within Maths No Problem
  • Post and pre teaching using Maths no Problem
  • Times tables games
  • Times tables packs
  • Maths working wall
  • Number squares
  • Concrete equipment/ visuals
  • Weekly arithmetic test
  • TT Rock stars
  • Times tables tests every week
  • Times tables packs that go home with children- one per term
  • Group work- once a week for strugglers- post and pre teaching
 Years 5 and 6

  • TT Rock stars session in school- access at home
  • Daily fluency- My mini maths- weekly focus plus 4 operations each day. 8 questions in total used in order to ensure there is no dip in data for the arithmetic tests
  • Maths No Problem – mastery approach to problem solving
  • Group work- Extra groups of children are taken out in the afternoon to look again at anything they may have struggled with that day. Also, groups of similar ability children go through their work/tests with a teacher/ TA. Post and pre teaching
  • Times tables games
  • Percentages games
  • Angles and algebra games
  • Maths working wall
  • Number squares
  • Concrete equipment/ visuals
  • Weekly arithmetic test

Maths in Action

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Key documents

Maths Policy
Calculations Policy
Mathematics Programme of Study (DfE)
Maths No Problem Framework for Progression in Mathematical Vocabulary