Mathematics
Maths progression of skills, knowledge and understanding
Being confident with number - and able to tackle problems is not just about 'learning maths' - at Woodlands C. of E. Primary School we see mathematics is a life skill. As such, we place great emphasis on helping all of our children to become number confident and able to enjoy the challenge and need for perseverance that mathematics presents.
At our school we understand that mathematics is not only about getting 'sums' right or wrong - we see maths as an opportunity to develop the following key skills:
- Looking for patterns and generalising
- Showing curiosity and persevering
- Solving and posing problems
- Making connections across mathematical topics
- Communicating mathematically
- Reflecting on learning and knowing next steps
The National Curriculum for mathematics aims to ensure that all pupils:
- become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, including through varied and frequent practice with increasingly complex problems over time, so that pupils have conceptual understanding and are able to recall and apply their knowledge rapidly and accurately to problems
- reason mathematically by following a line of enquiry, conjecturing relationships and generalisations, and developing an argument, justification or proof using mathematical language
- can solve problems by applying their mathematics to a variety of routine and non-routine problems with increasing sophistication, including breaking down problems into a series of simpler steps and persevering in seeking solutions.
The content of the mathematics curriculum is divided into parts, which are revisited through school. This ensures a continuity and progression of skills.
- Number, Place value, Rounding, Approximation & Estimation
- Addition and Subtraction
- Multiplication and Division
- Fractions, Decimals and Percentages
- Measures
- Geometry - Properties of Shapes
- Geometry - Position, Direction and Movement
- Data
- Ratio and Proportion
- Algebra
Throughout the above content, children are focused on ‘Using and Applying’ throughout; children use the skills and knowledge they have gained in solving practical problems to both learn and further develop mathematical concepts.
Calculation Policy
To ensure consistency in the approaches used to teach mathematical concepts, all staff follow a calculation policy. This plans for progression ensuring pupils have appropriate prior knowledge before learning new methods. As children move through school, they begin to see operations represented in increasingly complex and abstract ways. This policy also aims to provide parents with guidance to support their child at home
The Woodlands CE Primary calculation policy can be found here
Multiplication times table check
At the end of Year 4, Children will complete the statutory multiplication times tables check. The purpose of this check is to determine whether pupils can recall their times tables fluently. It is an on screen check consisting of 25 times table questions. They will have 6 seconds to answer each question. All pupils in in Key Stage 1 and 2 are given access to Times Table Rockstars to help them prepare for this test. If parents require a reminder of their child's log in please speak to the school office.
Arithmetic and Maths Passports
In order to develop fluency in arithmetic, all children work towards completing their maths passport. Children challenge themselves with increasingly more difficult arithmetic tests. Pupils are given 6 minutes to complete the arithmetic test and they are allowed up to 3 mistakes. Passport tests are completed twice a week in school. If you want to work on these at home, they can be found below: