Maths
The National Curriculum for Maths
The National curriculum for mathematics aims to ensure that all pupils:
- Become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics
- Reason mathematically
- Solve problems
At the Bilingual Primary School, we aim to implement these requirements by teaching a mastery curriculum. The essential idea behind mastery is that all children need a deep understanding of the mathematics they are using so that future mathematical learning is built on solid foundations. We expect the majority of children to move through the maths curriculum at broadly the same pace; however, more time might be spent on a concept with children who are not ready to progress, while other children may grasp concepts more quickly and challenged with more sophisticated problems rather than moving them onto new content.
There are four key aspects to mathematical mastery:
- A mastery approach
This includes a belief that all pupils are capable of doing and understanding maths, given sufficient time. With good teaching, appropriate resources, effort and a ‘can do’ attitude, all children can enjoy and achieve in mathematics.
- A mastery curriculum
This offers one set of mathematical concepts and big ideas for all pupils. All children need access to these concepts and ideas and to the connections between them. Using manipulables and pictorial representations can be beneficial for helping children to master new concepts, and enable children who prefer a visual approach to learning to keep up with the class.
- Teaching for mastery
This involves keeping the class working together on the same topic, whilst at the same time addressing the need for all pupils to master the curriculum and for some to gain greater depth of proficiency and understanding. Challenge is provided by going deeper rather than accelerating into new mathematical content. More time is spent on teaching topics to allow for the development of depth and sufficient practice to embed learning.
- Achieving mastery of particular topics and areas of mathematics
Mastery is not just being able to memorise key facts and procedures and answer test questions accurately and quickly. It involves knowing ‘why’ as well as knowing ‘that’ and knowing ‘how’. It means being able to use knowledge appropriately, flexibly and creatively and to apply it in new and unfamiliar situations. Mastery of facts, procedures and concepts needs time to explore the concept in detail and time to allow for sufficient practice to develop fluency.
Home learning in mathematics
We do not set weekly maths homework; however, we encourage children to use the following online resources:
TT Rockstars is a fantastic online way to develop knowledge of times tables and division facts for all pupils from Y1-Y6. Times tables are recognised as essential to access many mathematical concepts. When it comes to times tables, speed AND accuracy are important – the more facts your child remembers, the easier it is for them to do harder calculations. Times Table Rock Stars is a fun and challenging programme designed to help pupils master the times tables!
The same password will also allow your child to access Numbots, which is an online game (currently only playable at play.numbots.com or through the Numbots app) playing little and often will significantly improve your child’s recall and understanding of number bonds and addition and subtraction facts, which are critical foundations in maths.
Children also have access to Mathsframe, who provide online games, aimed mainly at children in Key Stage 2, which can be played on computers or tablets.
