Why do we teach what we teach? (Our intent)

Maths is a core curriculum subject, meaning that it is seen as a subject which is essential to your child’s future success both in education and in adult life. At St Mary’s we teach children to be proficient and passionate mathematicians. We want every child to be fluent in their knowledge of mathematical facts (for example: number bonds; multiplication tables; mathematical facts such as how many grams in a kilogram and days of the week); confident in their use of mental maths and efficient at using both informal and standard written methods for the four rules of number. We want children to be able to use their understanding of number and calculation skills to solve every day mathematical problems. In addition to this, we want children to have a secure understanding of a wider range of mathematical topics such as fractions, measure and geometry and to use their knowledge and skills to reason and problem solving. In order that your child becomes a proficient and passionate this subject, they need to feel good about themselves as mathematicians. We aim to foster this through our teaching.

How do we teach it? (Our implementation)

In St Mary’s we use a mastery approach to teaching, embracing the five big ideas of mastery:

• connecting new ideas to existing knowledge and understanding;
• using a concrete (maths equipment)  pictorial (diagrams) and abstract (calculations only) approach to teaching new mathematical ideas;
• developing mathematical reasoning through investigation and discussion;
• quick and proficient recall of facts (e.g. multiplication tables) and procedures (e.g. calculation methods);
• showing new ideas in lots of different ways and in different types of questions.

As the basis for our curriculum we use the White Rose Mastery Scheme created by a UK based maths hub. We supplement this with longer problem solving tasks; a short daily arithmetic lesson and a short rapid recall session. The aim of these is to develop maths fluency with facts and procedures. Mathematical language is a key focus in all maths lessons. We also incorporate maths in other areas of the curriculum for example measuring and weighing in design technology and statistics in science.

What is the difference that this makes? (Our impact)

At St Mary’s children love maths. They have a secure recall of facts, are confident with procedures and enjoy the challenge of reasoning to solve mathematical problems. St Mary’s pupils can talk about their maths, explain their mathematical reasoning and even convince others that their problem solving solution is correct. St Mary’s pupils are well-prepared to use maths across the curriculum at secondary school, in the world outside of school and in their future lives.