Mathematics
Intent
Mathematics is a creative and highly interconnected 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.
At St Patrick’s Catholic Primary, children will become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics through the deep learning provided by a mastery approach. They will be able to reason mathematically and solve problems by thinking and questioning openly, applying these skills in all areas of the curriculum.
Implementation
At St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School, we believe that all children can master a deep understanding of mathematical concepts. To implement this approach, we use the Maths No Problem scheme, which delivers Singapore Maths Mastery methods effectively by making problem solving a key focus of lessons. The lessons are structured in four main parts:
- Explore and Master – introduction to lessons with a problem or question to discuss as a group before going on to look at different methods for solving these.
- Guided Practice – opportunity for children to practise and apply the new skills.
- Workbook – where children secure their knowledge and understanding independently.
- Journal (where applicable) – children who are more fluent may finish the lesson with extensions and deeper applications of their learning.
Impact
With the expectation that all children can secure an understanding and love of maths through a mastery approach with a focus on problem solving, we use a range of assessment strategies to ensure that all pupils achieve their full potential.
The structure of Maths No Problem lessons enables teachers to instantly assess which children require opportunities to explore deeper learning and which children may benefit from support. This means valuable time is not lost while children wait for their books to be marked; support is given through quality first teaching within the lesson. For children who would benefit from further explanation or from having misconceptions addressed, this is covered by an additional taught session on the same day, so that children can continue to access learning at the same pace as their peers.
In addition to formative ‘in-lesson’ assessment, pupil discussions and book monitoring, we also measure the impact of our maths curriculum through termly assessments linked to the Maths No Problem scheme. This enables us to track progress and identify potential gaps in learning to address through targeted work.
Times Tables
TIMES TABLES ROCKSTARS
Times tables are the foundation of our maths learning. To support this all the children are enrolled with a Times Tables Rockstars account. Times Tables Rockstars involves question-based games which automatically adapt to each child’s unique learning needs, helping them to recall their times tables in record speed. Children access Times Tables Rockstars in class but as it is accessible on any device, via the app or browser, this means that children can play anytime, anywhere.
