Intent of our Maths Curriculum
Our aim at St Alban and St Stephen Primary School is that children will learn to be confident in exploring and using a wide range of maths skills that they can build on in their future learning and use in their adult lives.
The purpose of Maths is the pursuit for truth and the thinking skills developed through the Maths Curriculum should inspire learners to be innovative, creative, critical and analytical learners. Enjoying the beauty of Maths enables learners to engage with the transcendent dimensions of life. It will inspire them to become the pioneers and inventors of today and the future.
Mathematics is a creative and highly inter-connected discipline. 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 provides a foundation for understanding the world, the ability to reason mathematically, an appreciation of the aesthetics and power of mathematics, and a sense of enjoyment and curiosity about the subject. And it is imperative our pupils value its importance within the wider world. Mathematics at St Alban & St Stephen Catholic Primary School & Nursery reflects the purposeful journey for the whole child, equipping our pupils with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in all aspects of life, both inside and outside of the classroom. It takes our children on a journey which provides opportunities for them to develop skills and knowledge – both academic and personal – which will ensure that success is achievable for all, regardless of circumstance.
Maths is a journey and long-term goal, achieved through exploration, clarification, practice and application over time. At each stage of learning, children demonstrate a deep, conceptual understanding of the topic and are frequently given opportunities of repetition, to build on this over time. Mathematics is a subject in which pupils need to be able to move fluently between representations of mathematical ideas. The programmes of study are organised into apparently distinct areas, but pupils should make connections across mathematical ideas to develop fluency, mathematical reasoning and competence in solving increasingly sophisticated problems. At St Alban & St Stephen Catholic Primary School, we encourage pupils to make links between subjects, supporting their understanding of how skills learnt in other areas of the curriculum can be revisited and further developed, progressing them into ‘deep-learning.’ Mathematics at St Alban & St Stephen Primary School enables pupils to explore the natural links between Computing, Science, Art and Design and Design and Technology, whilst nurturing skills of resilience, problem-solving, creativity and critical thinking: learning behaviours which we, at St Alban & St Stephen, hold in high regard. We value the development of the whole child and Mathematics adds another significant piece to our jigsaw puzzle; the skills and knowledge developed, both academic and personal, enables pupils to excel in all aspects of life, both inside and outside of the classroom.
Pupils have the confidence to explore Mathematical patterns and problems and to both make and learn from their mistakes. We support our pupils in using their mistakes and misconceptions to thrive!
We promote the enjoyment of Mathematics for all pupils and support the in experiencing success in the subject, with the ability to reason mathematically. We are committed to developing children’s curiosity about the subject, as well as an appreciation of the beauty and power of Mathematics.
Through our Maths curriculum, the children will experience the following:
- An understanding of the important concepts and an ability to make connections within mathematics.
- A broad range of skills in using and applying mathematics.
- Fluent knowledge and recall of number facts and the number system.
- The ability to show initiative in solving problems in a wide range of contexts, including the new or unusual.
- The ability to think independently and to persevere when faced with challenges, showing a confidence of success.
- The ability to embrace the value of learning from mistakes and false starts.
- The ability to reason, generalise and make sense of solutions.
- Fluency in performing written and mental calculations and mathematical techniques.
- A wide range of mathematical vocabulary.
- A commitment to and passion for the subject.
Implementation of the Maths Curriculum
All learning will start with revisiting prior knowledge and making meaningful connections. Staff will model explicitly the subject-specific vocabulary, knowledge and skills relevant to the learning to allow them to integrate new knowledge into larger concepts. At the beginning of the year, through the Hertfordshire Scheme – Essential Maths, all pupils in school review how our number system works and the basics of calculation with number, focussing initially on addition and subtraction. Methods for calculating are modelled and pupils are assessed formatively for their understanding during the lesson. Those who require further practice are focussed on for further intervention to ensure they are able to develop in their maths understanding. In addition to Essential Maths, pupils are supported in their understanding through the use of My Maths and Numbots ( KS1) and Times Tables Rock Stars ( KS2). All are online learning platforms which can be accessed outside of school. A Times Tables Rock Stars leader board is updated regularly. Consistent learning walls in every classroom provide constant scaffolding for children. Subject specific vocabulary is displayed on displays along with key facts, questions, and model exemplars of the work being taught. Maths assessment is ongoing throughout every lesson and, where applicable, through cross curricular themes. This allows the teacher to focus effectively on pupils who require further intervention, to ensure their maths understanding develops towards the required level, and also to enable appropriate challenge to all children. Pupils are given detailed feedback on their work in situ and in marked response, including next steps, to respond to in order to personalise their learning through editing and consolidating their understanding. Regular question level analysis from assessments allows teachers to monitor and intervene on maths areas of need. The SLT and Maths faculty monitor all pupil’s books and hold termly meetings with all teachers to assess individual children’s learning needs and progress.
Effective end of unit tests are used to review learning and check that children know more and remember more. Our mathematicians will be given a variety of experiences, both in and out of the classroom, where they are able to create memorable learning opportunities to further support and develop their understanding.Through our in-depth and carefully sequenced lessons, pupils’ mathematical skills and concepts are transferable to whichever area of mathematics is being studied and will equip pupils for both their future learning and future life.
The key mathematical skills and concepts taught are:
- Know and use numbers
- Add and subtract
- Multiply and divide
- Use fractions
- Understand the properties of shapes
- Describe position, direction and movement
- Use measures
- Use statistics
- Use algebra
The Impact of the Maths Curriculum
At St Alban & St Stephen, ‘pupil voice’ shows that pupils are confident and able to talk about what they have learnt in maths using subject specific vocabulary. Pupil voice also demonstrates that pupils enjoy maths and are able to recall their learning over time. Pupils’ work demonstrates that maths is taught at an age appropriate standard across each year group, with sufficient challenge and opportunities for pupils working at greater depth. Work is of a good quality and demonstrates pupils are acquiring knowledge, skills and vocabulary in an appropriate sequence. National testing at the end of the Key Stage also evidences impact. Our children are not just learners – they are problem solvers, investigators, enthusiasts, thinkers, decision makers, contributors, creators, role models, members of society, and ultimately the future of our community and the world beyond it. At St Alban & St Stephen , we relish building the mathematicians of the future!
Progression in Mathematics at St Alban and St Stephen RC Primary School and Nursery.
Maths curriculum map 2024-25
Maths Presentation for EYFS Parents January 2024
Maths Presentation for KS1 Parents February 2024
Maths Presentation for KS2 Parents April 2024