Maths at Old Sarum Primary

Intent

Mathematics plays a fundamental role in everyday life. At Old Sarum, our purpose is to give children the foundation for understanding mathematical concepts as well as developing their reasoning and problem solving. This means that children at Old Sarum become curious mathematicians with the skills needed to support them across the curriculum and in everyday life. We aim to develop the children’s enjoyment of maths and inspire all to achieve their potential regardless of barriers to learning.

Implementation

Our mastery approach to the curriculum is designed to develop children's knowledge and understanding of mathematical concepts from the Early Years through to the end of Y6.

Mathematics at Old Sarum:

In school, we follow the EYFS framework and the national curriculum. We use the White Rose Scheme of Work as a guide to support teachers with their planning and assessment.
The calculation policy is used within school to ensure a consistent approach to teaching the four operations over time.
Basic maths skills are taught daily, focussing on key mathematical skills including place value, the four operations and fractions.
We are working on improving the development of early number sense by following the Mastering Number programme in EYFS-Year 2.
Children in Years 2-6 have access to TT Rockstars to support the development of their times tables knowledge. Children have access to this both at home and at school through use of class laptops. Children in EYFS and Year 1 have access to Maths Seeds.
Lessons use a Concrete, Pictorial and Abstract approach to guide children through their understanding of mathematical processes.
Pre-teaching is used at the beginning of every lesson to support children to ensure they are ready for new learning. This is mostly using concrete resources to support the link between concrete, pictorial and abstract.
Resources are readily available to all children to support their understanding and to help make links between concrete, pictorial and abstract learning. Children are encouraged to develop the independence to know which resources they need and when to get them.
At the start of each new topic, key vocabulary is introduced and revisited regularly.
Children are taught through clear modelling and have the opportunity to develop their knowledge and understanding of mathematical concepts. This is supported through the use of guided practice where children are guided through a worked example before moving on to independent practice.
Feedback is given in line with our feedback policy. Formative assessment within every lesson helps teachers to identify the children who need more support to achieve the intended outcome and who are ready for greater stretch and challenge.
Children are praised for effort rather than just correct answers to encourage a positive learning attitude.

Impact

As a result of maths teaching at Old Sarum you will see:

Engaged children who are challenged through reasoning and problem solving to deepen understanding.
Confident children who enjoy their maths learning and are keen to progress.
Children who enjoy playing with and investigating mathematical concepts in EYFS. This has an impact on children progressing through the school who enjoy taking part in playground games and other hands on mathematical activities.
Enthusiastic children who take pride in the presentation of their work and their understanding.
Learning that is monitored and next steps which are planned for to ensure all children make progress against baseline assessments.