Mathematics
‘Pure mathematics is, in its way, the poetry of logical ideas.’
Albert Einstein
The mathematics provision at Warter has seen significant changes since the beginning of the school year. All children (from Nursery to Year 6) are now taught using a ‘mastery approach’ which aims to provide children with a deep, secure and adaptable understanding of mathematics. Our curriculum has been designed using a sequential, small steps approach that ensures both coherence and consistency within and across all year groups. From Year 1 to Year 6, our curriculum follows a research-based approach to the teaching of maths and provides guidance on the delivery of each concept, including stem sentences, models and visual tools, as well as key vocabulary.
Our curriculum develops children’s fluency, reasoning and problem solving skills, with procedural fluency and conceptual understanding being developed in tandem. Lessons are broken down into small, connected steps that gradually unfold the concept, providing access for all children and leading to a generalisation of the concept and the ability to apply the concept in a range of contexts. The structure and connections within the mathematics are emphasised, so that pupils develop deep learning that can be sustained.
Children working at a greater depth are challenged in a number of ways: through identifying and articulating patterns and relationships, in response to teacher questioning, through challenge in problem solving and by deepening mathematical reasoning. Support is provided to enable all children to move through the curriculum together.
To reduce cognitive load, provision is in place to promote children’s rapid recall of number facts. In KS1, we have recently introduced Number Sense Maths, which is a systematic and structured programme that is designed to enable children to develop both a deep understanding of number and number relationships, and fluency in addition and subtraction facts. Retrieval practice is promoted through the use of Times Tables Rockstars and Mathletics and in KS2 the additional use of daily arithmetic and 5-a-day maths challenges; interventions are responsive and address the individual needs of the children.
