Mathematics

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. 

Mathematics is an interconnected subject in which pupils need to be able to move fluently between representations of mathematical ideas. The programmes of study are, by necessity, organised into apparently distinct domains, but pupils should make rich connections across mathematical ideas to develop fluency, mathematical reasoning and competence in solving increasingly sophisticated problems. They should also apply their mathematical knowledge to science and other subjects. 

The expectation is that the majority of pupils will move through the programmes of study at broadly the same pace. However, decisions about when to progress should always be based on the security of pupils’ understanding and their readiness to progress to the next stage. Pupils who grasp concepts rapidly should be challenged through being offered rich and sophisticated problems before any acceleration through new content. Those who are not sufficiently fluent with earlier material should consolidate their understanding, including through additional practice, before moving on. 

DfE Mathematics Programmes of Study, September 2013 

Intent:

At Pathfinder C of E Primary School, we intend for all pupils to experience and inspiring, number-rich and motivational maths environment, filled with opportunities to achieve mastery. We aim for all pupils to have access to a maths curriculum which meets the needs of all learners and equips them with the mathematical skills necessary to succeed in the future. We also want all pupils to develop a positive and independent attitude to maths. In order to master maths, children must acquire a deep, long-term, secure and adaptable understanding of the subject; we want pupils to build a deep and conceptual understanding of concepts which will enable them to apply their learning in different situations. 

Following a Pathfinder-adapted White Rose curriculum of learning ensures every child can achieve excellence in mathematics, as it provides children with a deep understanding of the subject through concrete, pictorial and abstract approaches to ensure pupils fully understand what they are learning and why. 

Our youngest children will begin their early mathematical development supported by excellent early mathematical teaching which supports the development of early number sense, giving them the foundational skills needed to confidently reason and solve mathematical problems. With this solid foundation in place, each school year begins with a focus on place value concepts and skills which are then applied and connected throughout the school year to consolidate learning. This gives pupils the opportunity to ‘master maths’, by using previous learning throughout the school year. This cumulative approach ensures prior learning is revisited and connected to new practices. 

Our intent is for every child to leave Pathfinder as able and independent mathematicians, with the confidence and skills required to calculate fluently, reason confidently and solve problems efficiently. They will be thoroughly prepared in all aspects of mathematics and fully equipped for the next step in their educational journey. 

Implementation:

Our maths curriculum at The Pathfinder is delivered with the support of the White Rose maths scheme, complimented by Complete Maths. White Rose supports teachers to deliver well-structured and engaging mathematical opportunities that enable our children to learn, revisit and progressively develop their skills in maths at an age-appropriate level. 

Teachers and other adults working in EYFS are fully trained in supporting early mathematical development and helping our youngest learners to acquire early number sense. This is achieved through practical and engaging activities, which children can access, alongside adults or independently with peers, to practice their maths skills. 

In Key Stages One and Two, maths lessons are planned to follow the small-step mastery approach to acquiring maths skills as set out in the White Rose maths scheme. This scheme supports teachers to plan and deliver lessons which teach pupils essential skills, give them time to develop their fluency and apply their knowledge to practice mathematical reasoning and solve problems, whilst also revisiting prior knowledge and skills. Teachers promote and encourage pupils to work collaboratively, as well as independently, and provide excellent modelling of all mathematical processes and concepts as part of everyday teaching. Teachers also provide opportunities to engage in practical lessons and outdoor learning where possible. 

All staff at The Pathfinder are trained regularly in the maths schemes taught, have high expectations for every child; ensuring number-sense and place value are taught first to give solid foundations to build upon; a research-based curriculum where objects and pictures are always before numbers and letters, and problem solving is central so children can calculate with confidence. Lessons are well resourced to ensure all children can meet the expectations of their year group. 

Aside from maths lessons, we are currently in the process of developing Tutor sessions for all year groups. Tutor, part of the Complete Maths scheme, aims to give children independence in their own mathematical journey through the online portal, tutorials guided by trained mathematicians and pre-requisite testing and algorithms. Combined with the White Rose small-steps, this engaging resource can be tailored to plug gaps found in a child’s mathematical knowledge, and encourage them to explore their mastery skills in a variety of ways. 

Pathfinder children are also encouraged to practice their multiplication skills regularly on Times Table Rock Stars – an online activity in which children hone their skills with speed an accuracy. Weekly challenges across the school are celebrated as well as individual achievements. Activity days are planned to encourage pupils to use the resources regularly and to ensure maths is exciting and accessible for all. 

Impact: 

Together our approach at The Pathfinder results in high-quality maths provision, which creates an atmosphere of engagement and fascination in the subject. Through consistently clear learning objectives, linked to National Curriculum statements, all our children make good or better progress from their starting points. Children leave us able to relate mathematics to a range of contexts, feeling equipped to approach new and unfamiliar problems they face with confidence and with use the language needed to reason their thinking. With this in mind, such optimistic attitudes, which persist to seek a solution, ensures all our children leave with a mathematical skill set that is imperative to success.