Mathematics

“Mathematics is not about numbers, equations, computations, or algorithms: it is about understanding” – William Paul Thurston

At Coton Green Primary School, maths is an inclusive and exciting subject where all children are able to succeed. Across school, in every classroom, maths is practical, visual and creative. Our aim is that every child leaves Coton Green a confident mathematician who cannot only solve calculations, but also explain, prove and reason within them.

Early Mathematics in the Early Years Foundation Stage

An engaging and encouraging climate for children’s early encounters with mathematics develops their confidence in their ability to understand and use maths.

At Coton Green Primary School, the children in EYFS experience rich learning opportunities which foster and develop mathematical thinking. Alongside this, they practise and develop fluency with basic number facts and learn about key mathematical code and representations such as numerals, signs and number sentences. This prepares them to continue their Maths learning in Key Stage 1.

Mastery

Aligning with the experiential opportunities in EYFS, we use a mastery approach to teaching and learning in Maths to ensure that children develop deep and lasting understanding of mathematical procedures and concepts.

We use the White Rose Maths Scheme of Learning as a guide and follow their yearly overview to ensure that sufficient time is given to build and develop number competency as well as to ensure coverage of the full range of mathematics within the Primary National Curriculum. The emphasis is on a ‘Everyone Can’ Maths approach and teachers plan sequences of lessons, targeted support and interventions to ensure that children are enabled to stay together and to master Maths.

Each mathematical concept or procedure is built up in ‘Small steps’ with guidance taken from White Rose Maths Scheme Small steps Guidance and from progression in the strands of the DfE Ready to Progress Criteria.

Concrete, Pictorial and Abstract

When introducing concepts, children are given the opportunity to support their understanding using concrete manipulatives alongside pictorial models. These may also help the children to explain their reasoning and to apply their skills to problem solving.

Children learn to use a range of pictorial representations including part whole models, bar models, number lines, place value charts etc. Ultimately, we aim for children to be confident with independent use of abstract mathematical methods.

Mathematics in Years 1-6
We have adopted the ‘Maths Mastery Approach’ which is centered around ‘5 Big Ideas’ for success. Teaching for mastery is a transformational approach to teaching and learning where children are taught to solve problems, think logically and explain whilst become fluent in calculation and number facts.

This is a research-driven teaching and learning method that meets the goals of the National Curriculum.

What does it mean in practice? In summary, a mastery approach…

Puts numbers first: Our schemes have number at their heart, because we believe confidence with numbers is the first step to competency in the curriculum as a whole.
Puts depth before breadth: we reinforce knowledge again and again.
Encourages collaboration: children can progress through the schemes as a group, supporting each other as they learn.
Focuses on fluency, reasoning and problem solving: it gives children the skills they need to become competent mathematicians.

A Maths Mastery Curriculum is based upon small steps to learning. Day by day, children learn new content that consistently builds upon secure understanding from previously taught lessons. This sequencing is fundamental in ensuring all children achieve. To support new, and consolidate prior learning, a multitude of mathematical equipment is used in classrooms. Having this hands-on approach to mathematics means that abstract concepts can be understood and explained by children in a logical way.

To ensure the Maths Mastery Curriculum at Coton Green is consistent across all classrooms, White Rose Maths resources are used. These high quality resources ensure that the progressive sequencing of lessons are clear and consistent across school, and that the visual representations facilitate the children’s understanding. For more information regarding the resources used in school, please follow the links below.

https://whiterosemaths.com/advice-and-guidance

To add fun, challenge and engagement whilst learning, we also use TTRockstars which is a multiplication app that helps develop quick recall of both times tables and related division facts. The children engage in individual sessions and also ‘Battles’ amongst their friends and classmates. For more information, please follow the link below:
https://ttrockstars.com

The Mathematics Lead in school is Mrs K Lucas.

Maths Calculation Policy– Addition and Subtraction- Y1- Y6

addition-and-subtraction-calculation-policy-1 Download

Maths Calculation Policy– Multiplication and Division Y1- Y6

multiplication-and-division-calculation-policy Download

Year Group Overviews

Reception

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Year 5

Year 6

The Arthur Terry Learning Partnership, a charitable company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales.

Registered Office: The Arthur Terry School, Kittoe Road, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, B74 4RZ

Tel: 0121 323 1134

CEO Richard Gill CBE NPQH, NLE, FRSA

Company Number 07730920.

The Arthur Terry Learning Partnership is committed to keeping our students safe, both in school and the wider community. As part of our safeguarding arrangements, we have a two-way information sharing agreement in place with the local police authority. The agreement is compliant with Crime & Disorder Act 1998 (s.115) and Data Protection Act 1998(s.29.3; s.35.2.), and focuses on preventing young people from becoming involved or further involved in crime and anti-social behaviour as a victim or offender.

If you have any queries about the partnership policy, please contact Mrs S Bailey, ATLP Safeguarding Lead.