Mathematics
The teaching of Mathematics at Bredbury St Mark’s reflects the main aims of the Maths National Curriculum.
It is evident that there is a focus on:
- Mental recall of number facts
- Fluency and efficiency of methods used
- Reasoning and communicating understanding
It is evident that the depth of understanding is more important than coverage.
Children are encouraged to:
- Recall number facts
- Apply their knowledge of number facts
- Make decisions about the most efficient methods to use
- Explain their reasoning
- Articulate how they have completed a calculation
First4Maths Academy
At Bredbury St Mark’s, we adopt a maths scheme called First4Maths to support our teaching of maths. First4Maths supports children to have a positive view of maths through experiencing and enjoying a progressive curriculum as outlined in the yearly intent documents. Children become confident mathematicians through developing fluency, mathematical reasoning, and competance in solving increasingly sophisticated problems. It teaches children to interested in the patterns and connections in mathematics, and to see the power of maths in everyday life.
Following the intent documents, mathematical concepts are taught in small steps which supports progression. Essential skills and knowledge are prioritised and children are able to move successfully through each unit of maths. An I do, We do, You do approach to teaching is used in all lessons.This clear modelling supports the children with becoming increasingly independent. Each lesson begins with a Practice Makes Skilled task which provides an opportunity to reactivate prior learning.
Children have access to resources such as counters, tens and ones, multilink and place value counters at all times to support their mathematical thinking when necessary.
Assessment
Formative Assessment
Formative assessment within lessons ensures that teachers are confident about what each child knows and where their misconceptions lie. Adults can then provide support and enable children to move on.
Summative Assessment
Each unit concludes with an end of unit assessment. There are 3 end of unit assessements.
Paper 1 assessess the key learning from the unit through more accessible questions, focusing on the essential knowledge and skills children need to secure.
Paper 2 assesses the learning from the same unit through more challenging questions, including opportunities for children to apply their understanding to more complex reasoning and problem solving.
The Retrieval Assessment is designed to revisit and assess learning from all topics taught so far, supporting teachers with identifying what children have retained and where further retrieval or consolidation may be needed.
End of term tests (both NTS and previous SATs paper) are also used to support teacher’s assessment.
Progression in Calculation Methods
An outline of the methods used for each operation (broadly determined by Key Stage) is detailed in the First4Maths Calculation Policy documents (See downloadables).
An overview of the content taught in each year group is also available to download below.
Teaching Recall of Number Facts
In EYFS and KS1 the Mastering Number programme is followed to support the children with making connections between numbers and recalling their number bonds. In KS2, multiplication and division facts are taught to support the children with recalling number facts at speed.
All classes have four explicitly taught recall of facts sessions each week. Year 2 and KS2 also access Times Tables Rockstars weekly, an online programme designed to help children master their times tables by recalling them at speed.
