Mathematics
Mathematics at Penwortham Primary School
At Penwortham Primary School, our Mathematics curriculum aims to develop pupils who are confident, fluent and flexible mathematicians. We want pupils to make sense of the world around them, recognise patterns and relationships, and apply their mathematical knowledge to solve problems in a wide range of contexts.
Our approach to Mathematics reflects our school values of Aspire, Belong, Care and Discover, supporting pupils to persevere, think deeply, collaborate effectively and develop a positive mathematical mindset.
Our Mathematics Curriculum
Our Mathematics curriculum is designed to:
develop fluency in number, calculation and mathematical facts
enable pupils to reason mathematically and explain their thinking clearly
develop problem-solving skills through rich and varied tasks
build secure conceptual understanding and connections across mathematics
ensure all pupils experience success and challenge
We aim to ensure that all pupils develop a deep and secure understanding of mathematics that prepares them for future learning and everyday life.
Implementation: Our Mathematics Journey
Mathematics learning begins in EYFS, where children develop a strong foundation in number, shape, space and measure through practical, play-based and adult-led learning. Teaching is informed by Development Matters and supported by Red Rose Maths Scheme of learning and the NCETM Mastering Number programme.
As pupils move through school, learning is carefully sequenced to build on prior knowledge following the White Rose Maths Scheme of learning.
In Key Stage 1, pupils develop fluency and confidence with number and calculation. In Key Stage 2, pupils deepen their understanding, make connections across concepts and apply their learning to increasingly complex reasoning and problem-solving tasks.
The White Rose Maths Scheme of learning is a well sequenced programme allowing pupils to make progression throughout both Key Stages in all strands of the National curriculum for Maths. It provides essential practice of key fluency facts along with opportunities for pupils to apply reasoning.
Across all year groups, pupils develop their understanding of:
number and place value
calculation and mathematical structures
reasoning and justification
problem-solving in varied contexts
How Mathematics Is Taught
Mathematics is taught daily using a Teaching for Mastery approach. Our teaching is underpinned by the Five Big Ideas of Mastery: coherence, representation and structure, variation, mathematical thinking and fluency.
Key features of our approach include:
clear, concept-based units that build understanding step by step
regular opportunities for pupils to reason, explain and justify their thinking
carefully chosen representations and models
daily practice of key facts and skills to secure fluency
high expectations for all pupils, with appropriate support and challenge
The NCETM Mastering Number programme is delivered weekly across EYFS, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. This programme allows our pupils to rehearse key number facts to ensure fluency is developed allowing for the reduction of cognitive load when carrying out questions requiring deeper understanding and application.
Fluency facts continue to be prioritised throughout the school including completing the Maths Hubs Times Tables programme in Years 2-6.
Times Table Rock Stars and Numbots is an online resource used to develop rapid recall of multiplication facts across the school from EYFS to Year 6.
Lessons are inclusive and adapted to meet the needs of all learners, including pupils with SEND, ensuring that every child can access learning and make progress.
Weekly homework challenges are set in Years 1-6 using SUMDOG to support independent practice of skills and concepts taught during the week.
Impact
As a result of our Mathematics curriculum, pupils:
demonstrate strong fluency in key number facts and calculation
reason mathematically and explain their thinking using appropriate vocabulary
apply their knowledge to solve problems confidently
make connections across different areas of mathematics
show resilience, confidence and enjoyment in learning mathematics
By the time pupils leave Penwortham Primary School, they are well prepared for the next stage of their mathematical learning and equipped with the skills needed for future study and everyday life.
The Mathematics curriculum at Penwortham Primary School is regularly reviewed to ensure it is ambitious, coherent and accessible to all pupils. The subject leader monitors the quality of teaching and learning through lesson visits, work scrutiny, pupil voice and analysis of assessment information to ensure strong progression in mathematical knowledge, fluency, reasoning and problem-solving across the school.
Teaching is consistently aligned to a Teaching for Mastery approach, supported by the White Rose Maths sequence and NCETM guidance. Staff are supported through clear curriculum documentation, shared models of practice and ongoing professional development, ensuring consistency and high expectations in all classes.
As a result, pupils demonstrate secure understanding of mathematical concepts, increasing fluency in key facts and confidence in reasoning and explaining their thinking. Pupils are resilient learners who engage positively with challenge and show enjoyment and confidence in Mathematics.
Assessment in Mathematics
Assessment in Mathematics at Penwortham Primary School is closely aligned to the curriculum and is used to support pupils in building secure knowledge and understanding over time.
Teachers use ongoing formative assessment within lessons to check pupils’ understanding, identify misconceptions and adapt teaching to meet pupils’ needs. This includes questioning, observation of pupil work and listening carefully to how pupils explain their mathematical thinking.
Summative assessment is used at planned points to check how securely pupils have learned the intended curriculum content. This information helps teachers and leaders identify strengths and any areas where additional support or practice is needed. Assessment is not used to generate excessive data, but to inform teaching and ensure pupils are supported effectively.
Statutory assessments are carried out in line with national requirements, including the Multiplication Tables Check (MTC) in Year 4. Outcomes from assessments are used to support pupils who require further consolidation and to ensure all pupils are working towards the curriculum expectations.
Leaders use assessment information to evaluate the impact of the Mathematics curriculum, ensuring that teaching remains focused on developing fluency, reasoning and problem-solving and that pupils are building mathematical knowledge securely over time.
Mathematics in Action
Maths is everywhere!
Watch this video to see Maths in real life!
Here’s what Mathematics looks like at our school.
Watch our own Numberblocks video from Numbers Day!
Pupils with SEND
All pupils are able to access the learning in Maths due to the accessible approach and delivery of lessons. Pupils of all ability are encouraged to use manipulatives in lessons to explore new concepts in a concrete approach before moving on to a pictorial then abstract method. Pupils engage in verbal discussions with partners to explore their reasoning and understanding of prior and new concepts.
All pupils learn together in an inclusive manner in order to access their current year group's learning.
Parent support
If you're looking for further support for your child in Maths, have a look at the Parent support area on the White Rose Maths website or try these other links for more support.
https://whiteroseeducation.com/parent-pupil-resources/maths
Early Years and KS1
BBC Bitesize KS1
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zjxhfg8
CBeebies Maths
https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/topics/numeracy?page=2
Numberblocks – animated number stories to 20
https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/shows/numberblocks?page=2
KS2
BBC Bitesize KS2
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/z826n39
All Key Stages
Maths Factor – highly recommended by parents but subscription based
https://www.themathsfactor.com/
Busy Things Website – multi curriculum, many interactive numeracy games
Crickweb – free interactive resources for all key stages
White Rose Maths – parental subscription to support learning from same scheme of work as school
https://resources.whiterosemaths.com/content-restricted/
Top Marks – lots of free interactive resources and Maths games for all key stages
ICT Games Maths – lots of free games and teaching resources to support learning: https://www.ictgames.com/mobilePage/index.html
Maths Zone – free maths games: https://mathszone.co.uk/
http://amathsdictionaryforkids.com/
http://www.ilovemathsgames.com/ http://www.mathsisfun.com/index.htm http://www.multiplication.com/ http://www.primarygames.co.uk/ http://resources.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/maths
Subscription based resources, but good reviews: https://www.mathsbox.org.uk/
Primary Stars - https://primarystarseducation.co.uk/
Primary resources - http://www.primaryresources.co.uk/
Maths Shed - https://www.mathshed.com/
Maths Whizz - https://www.whizz.com/
Master the curriculum – you register and can download a number of free resources - https://masterthecurriculum.co.uk/
Musical Maths Times Tables Pop Songs https://musicalmaths.com/category/teacher-resources/
Websites designed for Parents
National Numeracy Parent Toolkit has a wealth of tips and advice for parents. http://www.nnparenttoolkit.org.uk/
https://www.nationalnumeracy.org.uk/helping-children-maths/family-maths-toolkit
Oxford Owl includes a range of activities, top tips and eBooks to help your child with their maths at home. http://www.oxfordowl.co.uk/maths-owl/maths
Maths 4 Mums and Dads explains some of the milestones children make between the ages of 3-and-11-years-old. http://www.maths4mumsanddads.co.uk/index.php
Nrich. A range of maths games, problems and articles on all areas of maths. Parents of Key Stage 1 children should select ‘stage 1’ and parents of Key Stage 2 children should select ‘stage 2’.
http://nrich.maths.org/frontpage
If there's anything you're not sure, always come and see Mrs Lambert who is always ready to talk about Maths!