Maths

Intent

At Paxton we strive to ensure that every child will master mathematical concepts through the ‘Teaching for Mastery approach.’ Mathematics teaching at Paxton aims to develop fluency, reasoning and problem solving in order to promote confidence in knowledge. Our curriculum is designed to ensure that all children have a secure, solid foundation of the maths skills and that their understanding is transferable so that they are equipped for each new key stage and for later life.

Implementation

What do we mean by ‘Teaching for Mastery’?

The essential idea behind ‘Teaching for Mastery’ is that all children need a deep conceptual understanding of the mathematics they are learning so that:

· Future mathematical learning is built on solid foundations which do not need to be re-taught.

· There is no need for separate catch-up programmes due to some children falling behind;

· Children who, under other teaching approaches, can often fall a long way behind, are better able to keep up with their peers, so that gaps in attainment are narrowed whilst the attainment of all is raised.

The five big ideas (fluency, representation and structure, variation, coherence and mathematical thinking) are incorporated in every maths lesson. Through the use of concrete, pictorial and abstract representations, all pupils develop a conceptual understanding and apply this to fluency, reasoning and problem-solving activities each lesson. Where possible learning is introduced in a real context, to make learning purposeful and relatable to the children.

As well as daily maths lessons, all classes have a daily fluency session where pupils develop their instant recall of relevant number facts, with a new focus each half term. This is a progressive programme across the school so that knowledge is embedded into the long-term memory. Instant recall, is essential in pupils being able to make progress within lessons and across the school year.

Impact

To ensure consistency throughout the school, leaders ensure that:

Staff receive regular training and support including training from the DfE Maths Hub.
Termly summative assessments are monitored and appropriate intervention put in place following Pupil Progress meetings with SLT.
Parents are provided with information throughout the year about how to support their child with maths.
Weekly maths homework is provided through the platform of Mathletics in KS2 and NumBots in KS1.
Learning walks provide opportunities for both formal and informal feedback.
We regularly invest in maths resources where and when needed.

As a result of this, pupils make good progress from their starting points, teaching and learning is consistent and children enjoy Mathematics!

Enrichment

At Paxton, we strive to enrich our students’ mathematical knowledge by offering the enrichments opportunities that go beyond the classroom. Examples of enrichment offered to students include Maths competitions, trips, workshops and external speakers which have a positive impact on their learning and understanding of mathematics, as well as their levels of enjoyment and participation.

You can read our Paxton curriculum progression for maths here