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How We Teach Mathematics

Harefield Primary School
Maths Statement

At Harefield Primary School, we believe that Maths should be fun and rewarding for all.  As such, we endeavour to make our work in mathematics engaging for all learners so they can confidently explore mathematical problems, using a range of strategies to explain, reason and problem solve whilst seeing its wider purpose.  We aim for our children to understand the ‘why’ behind the methods, connections and patterns using a Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract (CPA) approach that develops mathematical fluency and deepening understanding of each skill.  The CPA approach builds on children’s existing knowledge by introducing abstract concepts in a concrete and tangible way. It involves moving from concrete materials, to pictorial representations, to abstract symbols and problems.

A maths mastery approach is applied throughout the school to ensure our learning is designed in relatively small steps, which must be mastered before pupils move onto the next stage.  The current focus for the teaching of maths lessons is to ensure that planning matches the expectations and coverage from EYFS and the Mathematics guidance: key stages 1 and 2.  Our curriculum will develop as the year progresses to ensure it is line with this.  At our school, the majority of children will be taught the content from their year group only. They will spend time becoming true masters of content, applying and being creative with new knowledge in multiple ways.  We use mistakes and misconceptions as an essential part of learning and provide challenge through rich and sophisticated problems.

 At Harefield, we aim for all pupils to:

  • Become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics so that they develop conceptual understanding and the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately
  • Be able to solve problems by applying their mathematics to a variety of problems with increasing sophistication, including in unfamiliar contexts and to model real-life scenarios
  • Reason mathematically by following a line of enquiry and develop and present a justification, argument or proof using mathematical language
  • Have an appreciation of number and number operations, which enables mental calculations and written procedures to be performed efficiently, fluently and accurately to be successful in mathematics
  • Enjoy maths, love the challenges that maths brings and understand the importance of maths in real life 

Provision for SEND and Pupil Premium

In class, children will be taught and exposed to the expected learning for their year group. Support is put in place for children who are Working Towards, through pre-teaching, scaffolding, or specific interventions. For children who are working significantly below their year group level, a personalised curriculum will be taught to enable them to make appropriate progress. 

What else?

In order to support children to retain basic skills previously learnt, we have introduced 5 a day. Every day, children have 5 questions covering arithmetic skills that have already been taught to revise and encourage automaticity. 

Due to the introduction of the Year 4 multiplication check, we are developing a greater focus on times tables, particularly in Yr 3 and Yr 4. 

Currently, we are using the White Rose calculation policy to support strategies being taught in each year group. Our own calculation policy is being developed. 

Things you can do to help your child at home

  • Practising times tables and number bonds
  • Practising to become confident with the 4 operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division)
  • Real life maths skills such as telling the time, using money, measuring and weighing and estimation

As parents/ carers, you can access the following websites to support your child/ children: - 

https://ttrockstars.com/

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zjxhfg8 BBC Bitesize KS1

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/z826n39 BBC Bitesize KS2

https://www.topmarks.co.uk/

https://www.doodlelearning.com/ (only if your child has been given an account)