Mathematics

Subject Leader: Simon Bushell

At St Francis we recognise that maths is an integral part of everyday life and with this in mind we endeavour to make sure that children develop a positive and enthusiastic attitude towards the subject. We want this attitude to stay with them forever. The fundamental skills that children learn in maths are important life skills that will prepare them well for the future.

We use White Rose Maths Schemes of Learning which we adapt to ensure good coverage of the curriculum and to support children to be the best mathematicians they can be. White Rose Maths is a master model approach to teaching which encourages a deep understanding of the small steps in mathematical understanding.

The scheme moves from concrete manipulatives, through familiar pictorial representations to help the children fully understand the most abstract aspects of mathematics. Click the links below to see calculation policy (showing progression of the principles throughout the year groups) and the progression in acquiring new mathematical vocabulary:

St Francis CE Primary School Calculation Policy Maths Vocabulary Gred by Year GroupWhilst we recognise the effectiveness of White Rose, we understand that taking activities from a wide range of sources helps to deepen children’s mathematical understanding. For instance, we use National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics (NCETM) resources to augment the coverage offered by White Rose. Further, we use nrich to stretch and challenge children through open ended problem solving.

At St Francis CE Primary School, maths is an integral part of the curriculum. In maths, we offer our children:

A broad range of skills in using and applying mathematics.
An understanding of the important concepts and an ability to make connections within mathematics.
Fluent knowledge and recall of number facts and the number system.
The ability to show initiative in solving problems in a wide range of contexts, including the new or unusual.
The ability to think independently and to persevere when faced with challenges, showing a confidence of success.
The ability to embrace the value of learning from mistakes and false starts.
The ability to reason, generalise and make sense of solutions.
Fluency in performing written and mental calculations and mathematical techniques.
A wide range of mathematical vocabulary.
A commitment to and passion for the subject.

Maths is taught daily, usually during the morning but is also integrated throughout the curriculum. Children are encouraged to develop their knowledge and understanding of maths through practical activity, exploration and discussion. They learn to use and apply mathematics in the areas of numbers, algebra, shape and space and data handling. From an early stage we build up children’s confidence and skill in using mental calculation strategies.

At St Francis we want every child to reach their full potential in maths. We teach the subject using a variety of methods such as practical investigations and outdoor learning to engage and excite the children and make the learning experience enjoyable for every child.

We use ongoing formative assessments to identify gaps in learning and use NTS assessments to measure the children’s progress at the end of each long term. Alongside this we identify gaps in children’s understanding using detailed assessments and then attempt to fill these gaps using focussed interventions in small groups.

Maths Curriculum Overview

Please click the link below to see an overview of the maths curriculum at St. Francis CE Primary School.

Maths Curriculum Overview

For a detailed mapping of national curriculum targets against St Francis curriculum, please click the link below:

Curriculum Mapped to National Curriculum

Times Tables

By the end of Year 4, children are now required to know and understand the times tables facts up to 12 x 12. An effective understanding and recall of times tables is the foundation of most of the mathematics children will complete at primary school and the National Curriculum places a huge emphasis on knowing them early.

Learning multiplication facts is a vital part of any child’s mathematical development. Once rapid recall of multiplication facts becomes possible, a whole host of mathematical activities will seem easier. Children need to be able to recall multiplication facts in any order and also to derive associated division facts. The National Curriculum’s expectations for each year group are set out below:

Year 1 - Count forwards and backwards in steps of 2, 5 and 10.

Year 2 - Recall and use multiplication and division facts for the 2, 5 and 10 multiplication tables up to 12x in any order.

Year 3 - Recall and use multiplication and division facts for the 3, 4, and 8 multiplication tables up to 12x in any order.

Year 4 - Recall and use multiplication and division facts up to 12×12 in any order.

Year 5 and 6 - Recall and use multiplication and division facts up to 12×12 and apply knowledge to help solve decimal multiplication and division, e.g. 12x12= 144 so 12x1.2=14.4

We also use Times Tables Rock Stars to help support this. If you require log-in details for this, please talk to your child's class teacher.

Below you will find some activities to suport your child's mathematical understanding:

Click here for links to games and online resources to support your child with their times tables

www.timestables.co.uk

www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games/hit-the-button

www.timestables.me.uk

Online Resources:

Mathematics

Maths Curriculum Overview

Click here for links to games and online resources to support your child with their times tables

Click here for Early Years Foundation Stage Websites (Nursery and Reception)

Click here for KS1 (Years 1 and 2)

Click here for KS2 (Years 3-6)