Subject Leaders: Mrs Winders, Ms Brennan

“Millions saw the apple fall, but Newton asked why.”
Bernard Baruch

At St Mary’s Blackbrook we believe that every child has the potential to succeed in mathematics and our curriculum design is intended to foster enjoyment of maths and develop successful learning by developing the necessary skills to become confident and fluent mathematicians.

Here at St Mary’s our aim is to ensure that children are not only given the tools and knowledge to develop a strong conceptual understanding in Mathematics but are also given the gift of enjoyment in Mathematics for all, and for Life! We believe that a high quality mathematics education is essential.  Our maths curriculum aims to develop children’s ability to calculate, reason, problem solve and have a good understanding of the basic fundamentals in every year group.

Mathematics in EYFS

In Foundation Stage it is vital that children learn to enjoy and play with mathematics for its own sake and use it in multiple, real-life contexts, developing a deep understanding of number, shapes, space and measures. This is implemented through planned, purposeful play and through a mix of adult-led and child-initiated activity.

In nursery maths is taught primarily through provision. Adults will provide opportunities for exploration of shape, space and measure, opportunities to engage imaginatively with mathematical ideas, number rhymes, books and stories linking, symbols, patterns, and fingers. Children will play games, use big maths outdoors, provide opportunities for maths in daily routines and familiarity with investigation mathematical tools. Children can choose their own mathematical interests, low floor, high ceiling problems to solve creatively. Mathematical language is used and represented daily. Staff in the early years will be playful with mathematical ideas and promote sustained shared thinking with children e.g. what if… ongoing observations of the children will support assessment and reflective practice in the early years.

In EYFS 2 we have focused daily taught sessions as well as opportunities for real mathematical experiences throughout the setting. Fluency and number sense are also developed thorough at least three times weekly sessions from the ‘Mastering Number’ programme.

Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2

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 nonroutine problems with increasing sophistication, including breaking down problems into a series of simpler steps and persevering in seeking solutions.

Find out more about Mathematics at St Mary’s Blackrook by clicking on the links below.