At Emsworth Primary School, our Maths curriculum includes all the elements of the revised National Curriculum for mathematics and is taught wherever possible through real life contexts or current themes to allow children to practise their acquired skills with purpose and relevance.

We believe that mathematics allows us to make sense of the world and widens horizons by giving us the tools to analyse, communicate, use information, and build on ideas. Through carefully structured planning, our children explore skills and knowledge in depth and gain a secure understanding of each core unit. We maintain high expectations of our pupils to develop rapid recall and effective written strategies for problem solving. Key knowledge and skills are also revisited regularly allowing repetition to embed learning. 

Intent

 What are we trying to achieve?

• Children become confident, competent and independent mathematicians
• Build a deep conceptual understanding of maths and its interrelated content so that children can apply their learning in different situations
• Develop children’s ability to articulate, discuss and explain their thinking using appropriate mathematical vocabulary
• ‘Mistake friendly’ classrooms where children see mistakes as learning tools – there is an emphasis placed upon developing the power to ‘think’ rather than just the ‘do’
• Instil the mind-set in every child and staff member that everyone can do maths and that maths is for everyone!
• Children develop into resilient and inquisitive learners – skills needed to become life-long mathematicians
• Deliver an inspiring and engaging mathematics curriculum, taught by highly-enthusiastic staff, which sparks curiosity and excitement and which nurtures confidence in maths.

Implementation

 How is our vision translated into practice? 

We recognise the value of making a coherent journey through the national curriculum. Each year group follow a medium term plan where small, cumulative steps build a solid foundation of deep mathematical understanding. Formative assessment is threaded throughout each lesson and each unit of work; appropriate revisions in our planning are made by the class teacher to ensure all lessons are tailored to best meet the needs of their children. 

It is essential that children have a deep understanding of the most important elements that underpin the mathematics curriculum so that there is consistency and continuity as children move from one year group to the next. In order to meet our aims above and the requirements set out in the EYFS framework and the Primary National Curriculum, we will implement the following:

• Maths is taught daily using White Rose Progression Schemes of Work; this creates an integrated approach to fluency, reasoning and problem solving. From EYs through to KS2  we use resources and worksheets provided by White Rose Maths, as well as creating our own content.
• Our maths lessons follow a structured routine of 'starter' - 'input' - 'main activity' - 'extension' and/or 'challenge'. We have found that this routine has helped improve rapid recall, reasoning and fluency.
• A range of reasoning resources are used to challenge all children and give them the opportunity to reason with their understanding.
• Children are taught using a variety of targeted, differentiated small groups, mixed ability paired work and whole class lessons, supported by LSAs.
• Lessons use a Concrete, Pictorial and Abstract approach to guide children through their understanding of mathematical processes.
• Where possible, links are made with other subjects across the curriculum.
• We continuously strive to better ourselves and frequently share ideas, articles and practices that have been particularly effective. 

Impact

As a result, of our Maths teaching you will see: 

• Engaged children who are all challenged.
• Confident children who can all talk about Maths, their learning and the links between Mathematical topics.
• Lessons that use a variety of resources to support learning.
• Different representations of mathematical concepts.
• Learning that is tracked and monitored to ensure all children make good progress.

 Important Dates 2023-2024

National Curriculum & EYFS Framework

Primary National Curriculum

EYFS Framework

TT Rockstars & Numbots

Times tables facts underpin much of what the children will learn in maths in the upper years of primary school and so being proficient in these support the children to be successful in their maths learning. Therefore, the expectation is that all children know their times tables confidently up to 12 x12 by the end of Year 4.

We have recently relaunched TT Rockstars at Emsworth Primary School, as well as subscribing to Numbots, which focuses on subitising, adding, subtraction and number bonds. These interactive games encourage the children to practise their number knowledge in a non-pressured or competitive environment. We regularly run 'battle of the bands' competitions; the children enjoy the opportunity to compete against their opposing class and teachers have noticed the improvement in speed, accuracy and recall.

Useful Websites