Mathematics

Head of Department: Mrs Sarah Beats

Maths is a vital part of the children's curriculum, as it not only develops skills and concepts but also promotes logical thinking and problem solving, and the application of skills to real life situations. The children receive at least one lesson a day with a total of six per week, apart from year four who receive seven. One lesson per week is timetabled in the ICT suite. The children are taught in two, three or four ability based sets depending on the size of the year group.

For the most able children, there is a weekly Gifted and Talented focus group which extends their thinking through investigations and problem solving, and begins to explore aspects of Maths beyond their current syllabus. For those children who need extra help, they are supported by the Learning Support Department both in the classroom and with individual lessons where appropriate.

Maths is taught through practical work as well as theoretical activities and the use of ICT. We make good use of the dedicated ICT suite, as well as the computers and interactive white boards in all of the classrooms.

The lessons flexibly follow the New Numeracy framework (2007), using a range of resources including the Ginn Abacus Scheme and Elmwood Target Maths. The lessons are developed to build both mental and oral skills as well as written methods. The framework allows teachers to provide the children with the best learning opportunities including supported and extension work, so that they can all fulfil their potential.

Each topic is taught in short units with time for application and problem solving aspects as well as building the methods. These topics are then revisited throughout the year providing time for introduction, consolidation,extension and review.