Mathematics
Coldfair Green Primary School Maths Curriculum Rationale
We currently use White Rose Maths as a spine for our maths teaching. We follow the White Rose Maths curriculum plans and their small steps in each topic. White Rose research-based schemes of learning are designed to support a mastery approach to teaching and learning and are consistent with the aims and objectives of the National Curriculum.
White Rose clearly sets out the progression of learning within the year group and throughout the Primary curriculum. It is a cumulative curriculum, which allows topics to be covered many times to consolidate knowledge. This echoes the CUSP Curriculum we follow within the rest of the school.
EYFS also follow the White Rose curriculum, which then allows for a succinct progression into Key Stage 1 and a coherent retrieval of previous learning to support the development of new skills within Maths.
White Rose uses the Concrete, Pictorial, Abstract approach and research shows that all children, when introduced to a new concept, should have the opportunity to build competency by following the CPA approach.
Mastery Approach to Mathematics
At Coldfair Green Primary School this is our definition of mastery, with regards to the teaching and learning of mathematics skills:
Mastery is … “A focus on achieving a deeper understanding of fewer topics through problem solving, questioning and encouragement of deeper mathematical thinking.”
We will know we have mastered a skill when we can
- Explain how we got an answer and why it is right
- Use and apply our knowledge in real life contexts
- Convince others why our answer is right
- Transfer skills from one context to another
- Apply our maths knowledge in any situation
- Solve maths problems
- Note connections and patterns between things
- Explain our thinking
- Persevere and know that understanding our mistakes helps us learn
- Answer questions in context
Teaching of Maths
The teaching of Maths is presented by teaching children to follow the White Rose scheme which includes small steps learning. This allows children to draw on previous learning and to gain a secure understanding of new concepts and methods before moving forward. This is then enhanced by teachers adding their own expertise, resources and experiences to create a progressive mathematical journey where children are encouraged to gain a love of mathematical learning and resilient attitude towards the subject. All teachers are committed to expect high standards and teach challenging, engaging and purposeful lessons.
In the curriculum
Objects and pictures
Children use concrete manipulatives (objects) and pictorial representations (pictures), before moving to abstract symbols (numbers and signs).
Language development
The way that children speak and write about mathematics has been shown to have an impact on their success. We use a carefully sequenced, structured approach to introduce and reinforce mathematical vocabulary.
Problem solving
Mathematical problem solving is at the heart of our approach – it is both how children learn maths, and the reason why they learn maths. By accumulating knowledge of mathematics concepts, children can develop and test their problem solving in every lesson.
Multiplication / Times Tables
We cannot stress enough how important times tables are to understanding maths. They underpin so many types of calculations the children need to be able to make and secure knowledge of the multiplication tables is essential.
Year 4 are externally tested on their tables as part of the National Multiplication Tables Check testing programme.
In this school we are teaching times tables in a range of ways designed to enable the children to learn them effectively in a fun way that will help them stay in their long term memory. We think it is important that children are exposed to regular repetition to supports them in moving things from their short term memory into long term memory where knowledge becomes more secure.
Here is a link for children to practise and get use to the Multiplication check
https://mathsframe.co.uk/en/resources/resource/477/Multiplication-Tables-Check
maths using white rose yearly overview.pdf