Mathematics
Mathematics teaches us how to make sense of the world around us through developing the ability to calculate, to reason and to solve problems. It enables us to understand and appreciate relationships and patterns in both number and space in all aspects of life. Mathematics is a useful tool to communicate information in other subjects, in everyday life and the world of work. Our principal aim is to develop children’s knowledge, skills and understanding in mathematics which we do through daily lessons. The New 2014 National Curriculum document is the basis for the weekly planning completed by teachers. Most lessons begin with whole class teaching input followed by children’s independent work. Lessons are differentiated to ensure the specific needs of groups and individuals are catered for at their own level. Groups who are identified as needing extra support often work in directed groups, led by teachers or teaching assistants. Teachers use a variety of teaching and learning styles in order to motivate and engage children. Children work independently, in pairs and in groups during maths lessons using a range of resources, activities and equipment. All classrooms should include maths areas or working walls, which should be changed regularly, where materials are displayed to support children in their learning process. Alongside the National Curriculum document, staff also use the Big Maths document to support planning and teaching of number and calculation skills. CLIC maths skills are planned into lessons daily, usually as a maths starter, to enable children to keep basic maths skills sharp. Children complete regular Big Maths Beat That tests and appropriately levelled CLIC tests to practice and assess these skills.