Mathematics
At Holt Farm Infant School we aim to foster in children a genuine love of maths and provide them with the necessary support and opportunities to become confident and fluent mathematicians.
Our aims in the teaching of Mathematics are:
- To teach children to make sense of the world around them by developing their ability to calculate, reason and solve problems.
- To become fluent and confident in the fundamentals of mathematics.
- To promote enjoyment of learning through practical activity, exploration and discussion.
- To teach high quality lessons that are both challenging and enjoyable for all pupils.
- To enable pupils to be effective problem solvers who are resilient enough to persevere with tasks that are challenging.
- To help children understand the importance of mathematics in everyday life.
- To apply their mathematical skills and understanding to solve problems in a range of contexts.
- To support all children in reaching their full potential in mathematics.
At Holt Farm Infants School we teach for mastery which means that we structure our curriculum and teaching to enable children to develop a deep conceptual understanding of mathematics rather than only teaching them a procedure to get the right answer. Being able to explain how they got an answer, why that answer is right and what might happen if a particular variable was changed are the hallmarks of a competent mathematician.
Our curriculum is progressively sequenced from EYFS to KS1 to ensure that new knowledge and skills build on what has been taught before. Lessons are designed to support learners in building firm mathematical foundations.
Teachers adapt our curriculum in accordance with their assessment of pupils’ needs to ensure that meaningful links between children’s learning in maths and their topics are made, and that learning is revisited to encourage securing knowledge into children’s long term memory. For example, Year 2 learn about positional/directional language in the Summer Term when they cover the topic of Pirates, as the children can apply their mathematical skills when helping a pirate to navigate a treasure map.
Concrete, Pictorial, Abstract
Mathematics can be challenging due to the abstract nature of many of the concepts and the use of symbols. To succeed in mathematics symbols need to be brought to life and concepts illustrated so clearly that pupils can develop a deep understanding of them. At Holt Farm Infant School we believe that all students, when introduced to a new concept, should have the opportunity to build competency and understanding in this topic by taking the concrete-pictorial-abstract approach.
Concrete: Children have the opportunity and are actively encouraged to use concrete objects (cubes, tens frames, Base 10 etc) to physically represent and explore mathematical concepts. For example, when learning how to add two numbers together the children might start by counting out two piles of cubes and then counting the total.
Pictorial: Children build on this concrete approach by using images this time to help them visualise abstract mathematical concepts and to help them solve problems. For example, children might draw 5 circles and then another 4 circles to help them work out 5 + 4 =.
Abstract: With the foundations firmly laid, children can then move to an abstract approach using numbers and key concepts with confidence. For example, they might use a number line or count on mentally to add 5 + 4 =. Or they might know that double 5 is 10 so 5 + 4 = 9.
NECTM Mastering Number
We are proud to be taking part in NECTM's Mastering Number programme.
The Mastering Number Programme has been developed by the National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics (NCETM). It aims to secure firm foundations in the development of good number sense for all children from Reception through to Year 1 and Year 2.
The intention is that children will leave KS1 fluent in addition and subtraction number facts and confident to use their knowledge flexibly.
Mastering Number sessions are inclusive with all children securing the same learning point in an interactive and engaging manner. Pupils are encouraged to become mathematically observant, look for relationships, make connections with prior learning and communicate their mathematical ideas.
Within the programme children use a variety of resources, representations and models that help develop their sense of number. They explore subitising and investigate how a number can be composed of two or more smaller numbers. The programme also uses the engaging Numberblocks children’s TV series animations to support the key teaching points.
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Maths Documents