MATHEMATICS
2024-2025
TIMES TABLE ROCKSTARS
We use a fantastic online programme to develop knowledge of times tables and division facts for all pupils from Y3-Y6. Times tables are recognised as essential knowledge to access many mathematical concepts
When it comes to times tables, speed AND accuracy are important – the more facts your child remembers, the easier it is for them to do harder calculations. ‘Times Table Rock Stars’ is a fun and challenging programme designed to help pupils master their times tables.
This programme can be accessed online via the web address www.ttrockstars.com. You may also download an App for the Iphone/Ipad or Android App through which your child may practice
MATHS AT BOURNEHALL
VALUE STATEMENT
At Bournehall Primary School we value maths because it:
- makes an important contribution to all aspects of life
- enables children to understand and appreciate relationships and pattern in both number and space in their everyday lives
- underpins so many aspects of our daily lives, such as architecture, art, music, money and engineering.
- plays a critical part in the economic health of the nation.
A MATHEMATICIAN:
- understands the important concepts and makes connections within mathematics
- explores a broad range of skills when using and applying mathematics
- has fluent knowledge and recall of number facts and the number system
- thinks independently and perseveres when faced with challenges, showing confidence of success
- embraces the value of learning from mistakes and false starts
- reasons, generalises and makes sense of solutions
- shows fluency in performing written and mental calculations and mathematical techniques
- uses a wide range of mathematical vocabulary
- shows commitment to and passion for the subject
(Chris Quigley - Essentials Curriculum)
The 2014 National Curriculum for maths aims to ensure that all children:
- become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, including through varied and frequent practice with increasingly complex problems over time, so that pupils develop conceptual understanding and the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately
- reason mathematically by following a line of enquiry, conjecturing relationships and generalisations, and developing an argument, justification or proof using mathematical language
- can solve problems by applying their mathematics to a variety of routine and non-routine problems with increasing sophistication, including breaking down problems into a series of simpler steps and persevering in seeking solutions
All maths lessons hold these aims at their core and, in addition, they:
- revise, revisit and secure previously learned concepts (usually as a mental starter)
- provide plenty of opportunities to problem solve and explore possibilities
- model accurate use of mathematical vocabulary
- have the ‘Times Tables Challenge’ at least three times a week (KS2)
- use concrete resources to support understanding (from Year Reception to Year 6)
- take into account pupils’ prior knowledge and understanding
- encourage creative thinking, explaining and reasoning
DELIVERY of our maths curriculum
We follow Herts for Learning ESSENTIAL maths. The learning sequences enable teachers to teach a carefully planned, small-step progression through the maths national curriculum from Reception to Year 6, deepening understanding year on year.
The following threshold concepts (from Chris Quigley’s Essentials Curriculum) are embedded within the Essential maths scheme:
- know and use numbers
- add and subtract
- multiply and divide
- use fractions
- understand the properties of shapes
- describe position, direction and movement
- use measures
- use statistics
- use algebra
Through the teaching of the ‘Essential maths’ curriculum pupils will make rich connections across mathematical ideas to become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, reason mathematically and become competent in solving increasingly sophisticated problems.
Daily teaching combines a concrete – pictorial – abstract approach enabling children to explore mathematical concepts; the children are provided with multiple representations of new concepts to ensure they have a deep and secure understanding of the new learning. By revisiting these concepts year on year children can build upon and deepen their knowledge and understanding.
CONDITIONS FOR LEARNING
Children tell us that they enjoy maths and learn best when they:
- work together to solve problems
- know what they have done well and what they need to do to improve
- play maths games and solve puzzles
- have time to work things out
- select from a range of equipment
- learn from their mistakes
- practise their mental maths skills
