Sulhamstead and Ufton Nervet CE (VA) Primary School

Summary Statement

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.

Through our maths teaching at SUN we aim for children to:

• Develop a fascination with mathematics and enjoy it!
• Be competent and confident when applying mathematical knowledge, concepts and skills to a wide range of situations.
• Be able to reason, think logically and work systematically and accurately
• Be able to communicate mathematics in various ways, e.g. through oral/visual presentations, in tables, equations, jottings etc

We follow the guidance from the National Curriculum when teaching maths at SUN. We also use the Collins Busy Ants Maths Scheme, Enrich Maths, White Rose, NCETM website as well as a range of other resources.

Teachers plan on a half termly basis – mapping out what will be taught over those weeks. This broad outline is included on the half termly curriculum letters. Detailed plans are then written for each week and each year group. Daily lessons are then evaluated and changes made as required for the following day’s teaching.

Maths is taught every day in a dedicated maths lesson and also in other areas of the curriculum. E.g. Recording temperatures and then drawing and interpreting graphs. Lessons often start with mental maths questions to help the children practise and develop their mental calculation methods. At the end of lessons, children have the opportunity to explain, reflect on and extend their learning.

Times tables are expected to be learnt throughout the school and are tested on a regular basis.

In Ash and Sycamore classes, weekly maths homework is set and occasionally in Oak class.

The progress of children is continually monitored and support is given to pupils who require additional input or interventions. Formal assessment is undertaken by termly testing. This then identifies areas that may need revisiting in the following term; this informs teachers’ future planning.

At the end of Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, children take the national SATS tests. Parent information meetings are held to explain these. This is only part of the assessment that informs the next year group of the children’s abilities.

Occasionally, more general parent information meetings are held to explain the schools teaching of mathematics in specific areas. 

As always, please do not hesitate to pop in and have a chat if you are unsure about any aspect of the teaching of maths at our school.