Maths

The teaching of Mathematics at Bredbury St Mark’s reflects the main aims of the Primary 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 competence 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

assessments. 

Paper 1 assesses 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.