MATHEMATICS

Subject Intent

Our Maths curriculum intent is based on the key belief that all pupils can do maths. Research teaches us that the UK is one of few advanced nations where it is socially acceptable, even fashionable, to profess an inability to cope with maths. As a society, we view failure in maths as ‘normal’ and perceive those who succeed as somehow ‘different’. Before a child can succeed, they need to have the confidence and belief that they can achieve in Maths. However, in order for this to happen, there needs to be a drastic shift to reverse the “can’t do” attitude towards mathematics.

Thus, our intent for Maths at Lanesfield, is to overturn this pervasive cultural deficit. A core principle of our Maths curriculum is to develop well-rounded mathematicians who have a resilient, growth mind-set. We will achieve this through our Maths Mastery curriculum. Through this approach, we will support pupils to develop a secure and deep understanding of fundamental mathematical concepts and procedures.

Not only will our pupils develop a fluency of maths, they will also develop their problem solving and reasoning skills. Furthermore, our curriculum will encourage them explore how and why the mathematics works so they can apply their mathematical knowledge to any unfamiliar situation once they enter the real life world. With the use of 1:1 iPads, pupils will be able to independently access mathematical learning, further developing their confidence and resilience as mathematicians. By developing a culture of open exploration and investigation in Maths lessons, every Lanesfield pupil will leave our school without a fear of Maths and with a recognition and value for their mathematical ability.

The national curriculum for mathematics aims to ensure that all pupils: 

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.

At Lanesfield, Maths is taught daily for one hour in Key Stages 1 and 2. In addition to this, we encourage cross curricular links with other areas of the curriculum to incorporate Maths.

Each week the children are taught a different area of Maths using Medium Term Plans (MTP’s) based on the National Curriculum. The topics the children cover are number and place value; addition and subtraction; multiplication and division; fractions (including decimals and percentages); ratio and proportion; algebra), geometry (which includes properties of shape and position and direction), statistics and measurement. The children are assessed against Age Related Expectations and these are categorised as ‘Entering’, ‘Developing’, ‘Secure’ and ‘Mastery’.

We believe that Maths plays a fundamental part in learning about the world around us. Teachers are encouraged to ensure that each lesson has a real life context (where possible) and that learning is fun and achievable. We provide opportunities for problem solving and reasoning, as well as practical activities to make learning engaging and accessible for all. In addition, we dedicate time in class to learn our times tables as it is a requirement that children know these up to 12 x 12 by the end of Year 4.