Maths at Ellistown

“Mathematics is a creative and highly inter-connected discipline that has been developed over centuries, providing the solution to some of history’s most intriguing problems. It is essential to everyday life, critical to science, technology and engineering, and necessary for financial literacy and most forms of employment. A high-quality mathematics education therefore provides a foundation for understanding the world, the ability to reason mathematically, an appreciation of the beauty and power of mathematics, and a sense of enjoyment and curiosity about the subject.”

 (Mathematics programmes of study: key stages 1 and 2. National curriculum in England. September 2013)

Intent

Through our teaching of mathematics at Ellistown, we aim for all of our pupils to be able to:

• Develop an enjoyment and curiosity for mathematics.
• Develop a positive attitude towards mathematics and have an understanding and awareness of the relevance of mathematics in the real world. Applying their skills not only to problems within the classroom, but also to ‘real life’ contexts.
• Develop competence and confidence in their understanding and use of mathematical concepts and skills. Build on prior mathematical knowledge year on year through revisiting and re-applying concepts.
• Have an ability to problem solve and reason, think logically and work systematically and accurately. Pupils are encouraged to be resilient and persevere.
• Develop independent and collaborative ways of working, explain and share their ideas – justifying their thinking.

Implementation

Maths at Ellistown:

• The White Rose scheme of learning is followed to ensure coverage across each mathematical area throughout the year. Lessons are adapted to meet the needs of the class and further resources are used within lessons to enhance each unit.
• Lessons include a variety of fluency, reasoning and problem solving activities which are accessed by all.
• EYFS and KS1 provide maths activities as part of continuous provision.
• A morning maths session of 20 minutes is used three times a week to revisit prior learning and practise key skills.
• Teachers and learning support staff work with small focus groups as identified but set groupings are not used within lessons.
• A range of resources and learning styles are used during maths lessons to ensure pupils are engaged in their learning e.g. ICT, active maths, group work, independent work, cross curricular opportunities. Practical resources include Numicon, Base 10, place value counters, counting sticks and bead strings.
• Each classroom has a maths area where pupils are encouraged to select their own resources to support their learning and the maths working wall promotes mathematical understanding.

Our Maths Curriculum