Maths

Mathematics is a creative and highly inter-connected discipline that has been developed over centuries, providing the solution to some of history’s most intriguing problems. It is essential to everyday life, critical to science, technology and engineering, and necessary for financial literacy and most forms of employment. A high-quality mathematics education therefore provides a foundation for understanding the world, the ability to reason mathematically, an appreciation of the beauty and power of mathematics, and a sense of enjoyment and curiosity about the subject.

(National Curriculum 2014).

As can be seen from the above introduction from the National Curriculum, mathematics is significant to all aspects of our lives and helps us to make sense of our world. At Barningham CEVC Primary School, we promote an understanding of mathematics, and hope to inspire curiosity and passion in the subject, supporting children to engage with it, build upon their own understanding and promote a natural desire to learn.

At Barningham CEVC Primary School we have adopted a mastery approach to teaching and learning in mathematics. Mastering maths means pupils acquiring a deep, long-term, secure and adaptable understanding of the subject. Throughout their time at Barningham CEVC Primary School, we aspire that all pupils will develop a deep understanding of the subject. They will become fluent in mathematics through varied and frequent practice, so they can develop conceptual understanding and the ability to recall and apply their knowledge. Through the mastery approach, we aim to develop skills to reason mathematically. Pupils will be able to utilise their knowledge and understanding to tackle challenging mathematical problems, recognising links and patterns, and will be able to support their findings and solutions, with evidence and justification, while being able to articulate this with appropriate mathematical language. As the pupils progress through school, they will be equipped with the skills needed to solve problems, applying their mathematic knowledge to interpret and break down problems with the resilience to seek solutions.

Our Maths Promises

At Barningham CEVC Primary School, we promise:

  • to provide the pupils with well-planned lesson, where children develop their knowledge and understanding, through a mastery approach.
  • the pupils will develop mathematical thinking and conceptual understanding with concrete manipulative (objects) and pictorial representations (pictures), before pupils move onto abstract calculations (numbers and signs).
  • deepen pupils understanding through a mastery approach by going into more depth, rather than moving along the curriculum.
  • to develop pupil’s knowledge, accuracy and confidence when recalling number facts.
  • to develop pupil’s confidence and resilience in mathematics, providing them suitable strategies and approaches to succeed when faced with a challenge.

Times Tables

It is important that children are confident with their knowledge and understanding on multiplication and division facts. It is essential that they are able to recall these quickly and with confidence. When children are able to recall these facts quickly it enables them to answer mathematical questions with ease.

As a result, it is important at Barningham CEVCP we approach the teaching and testing of times tables in a similar and progressive format from Year 2 to Year 6.

According to the new National Curriculum 2014 the expectation of times tables in each Year Group is as follows:

  • Year 2: 2x, 5x, 10x
  • Year 3: 3x, 4x, 8x
  • Year 4: 6x, 7x, 9x, 11x, 12x
  • Year 5: All x and ÷ facts (12×12)
  • Year 6: All x and ÷ facts (12×12) and related language/symbols e.g. % and square root

Knowledge of these facts will be assessed through weekly tests, taken in the classroom. The children will be provided with a schedule to outline which multiplication and division facts they will be assessed on each week. Please ensure the children practice these at home. The children have access to a Times Tables Rock Stars account. This will enable the children to become more confident with their times tables (and associated division facts) and support their mathematical learning. They have received their login details to access the site.