Maths
Mathematics at Pelham Primary School
Our Intent
At Pelham Primary School our intent is to encourage all children to have the confidence to enable them to use their skills to solve a range of problems through fluency with numbers and mathematical reasoning. We aim for the children to leave Pelham as confident and independent mathematicians, with a deep understanding of Maths. This allows the children to recognise the maths that surrounds them every day, which will enable them to be able to develop vital life skills and therefore become lifelong learners.
Implementation
The 3 aims of the National Curriculum are fluency, reasoning and problem solving. At Pelham, we teach these aims through the mastery approach. The mastery approach is a belief that:
- all children are capable of understanding and doing Mathematics;
- children are efficient in their fluency skills enabling them to apply them to a range of increasingly complex problems;
- children have access to concrete resources, are able to represent through pictures and diagrams and as a result access abstract symbols to create a depth of understanding;
- all children are challenged at their own level, with support being given to struggling learners, and explorations of concepts at greater depth for the children exceeding at their age level;
- Mastery learning is transferable to a range of problems, teaching children to think outside the box, be efficient, be resilient, make connections and apply real life contexts to their learning.
Impact
A deep understanding is achieved by learning each topic in greater depth. Children master concepts rather than learning procedures by rote. Number sense and place value comes first, and is of great importance as it underpins everything mathematical. We recognise that fluency is not just about remembering facts but being able to apply those facts to all areas of their mathematical learning.
'Number Ninjas' Newsletters
During the period of school closure the publication of 'Maths Corner' began in the weekly Parent Newsletters. Since then 'Maths Corner' has changed name and is now bigger and better than ever before. Below are all editions of the newsletter which are full of activities, challenges and ideas on how to include Maths learning into every day activities.
Support and Guidance for Parents and Carers
KS2 Maths Ambassadors
KS2 Maths Ambassadors were appointed in October 2021. These children will be at the forefront of promoting Maths throughout the school.
This team of children will work alongside Miss Nelson and Miss Bradfield to undertake some of the following responsibilities;
-Run and manage whole school maths competitions.
-Support children within KS1 with basic mathematical recall facts (number bonds etc.).
-Run a drop in session for children in KS2 who need further support with their homework.
-Facilitate a lunch time club which will focus on a variety of different skills, including problem solving.
-Help to upkeep the new Maths display and create and change the 'Problem of the Fortnight'.
-Write news snippets which can be added to the parents newsletter.
-Take visitors and school Governors on Maths themed Learning Walks.
Maths Blog
Each week the Maths Ambassadors work together in pairs to create content for the Maths Blog. The children decide what they would like to showcase and publish; they interview, take photos and celebrate successes that happen throughout the school.
