Maths at SMC
Our maths curriculum is structured using a variety of schemes including White Rose, which support planning for the teaching and learning in arithmetic, fluency, reasoning and problem solving. The new maths curriculum ensures that when a child is introduced to a key new concept, they should have the opportunity to build competency in this concept by taking this approach.
We use the 2014 National Curriculum Maths planning document as well as other resources as tools for planning and teaching.
2014 National Curriculum Maths planning document
Children at our school have a great passion and enjoyment for Maths. It is taught to be fun, engaging and enjoyable, as well as challenging, giving children the freedom and independence to question, investigate, test and understand a concept through their own means of investigation.
Concrete
Concrete is the ‘doing’ stage, using concrete objects to model problems. Instead of the traditional method of math teaching, where a teacher demonstrates how to solve a problem, children are encouraged to use apparatus to represent the problem how they see it using objects.
Pictorial
Pictorial is the ‘seeing’ stage, using representations of the objects to model problems. This stage encourages children to make a mental connection between the physical object by replacing it with a visual representation through drawing.
Abstract
Abstract is the ‘symbolic’ stage, where children now progress to representing the object as a number or mathematical symbol showing their understanding of the problem.
Within lessons, children are provided with a variety of tasks which test their fluency, reasoning and problem-solving skills. They are encouraged to explain their understanding through rich conversations with peers and adults. When they have grasped a concept, they are encouraged to tackle more challenging tasks which deepens their understanding and allows them to look for patterns, connections and generalisations.
Our aim is for all children to enjoy maths through a supportive learning environment where all questions and answers are respected, mistakes are embraced and used as part of the learning process, allowing for all children to gain a sense of achievement and pride through their hard work and determination to succeed.
Free online maths – Mathletics
All our pupils have their own username and password so they can log onto Mathletics where they can complete a variety of activities to support their learning in maths. This exciting resource funded by the school, children can earn points and gain bronze, silver or gold certificates which are celebrated during Friday’s assembly.
