Maths

Here at Smallwood, we are passionate about maths and for the high quality teaching and learning of mathematics.

Every day, your child takes part in a variety of maths learning opportunities.

Our maths lessons are carefully designed to ensure that every child achieves well and is challenged to think critically about their learning. We also do our best to engage our pupils through stimulating games, fun challenges and thought-provoking activities which relate to your child’s everyday life.

We believe that every child can succeed in maths and we aim to instil this belief in the children themselves.

We are at the very beginning of the journey of implementing the principles of Teaching for Mastery, a product of extensive research into the highly successful teaching practice in Singapore and Shanghai. A whole class teaching approach is adopted, keeping the class working together, with no acceleration to new content. This is to avoid superficial, surface learning and foster a deep, secure understanding of all the concepts taught. The learning needs of every child are addressed through skilful questioning and appropriate intervention – this provides the necessary scaffolding or challenge for all.

Many parents will find that the way maths is taught now is very different from their own experience. If there are aspects of maths you would like to know more about, please try to attend one of our parent workshops, discuss with your child’s teacher or chat with me before or after school.

If ever you have any queries or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us. We love maths and we want you to love it too!

Many Thanks

Mr Amit Patel
Assistant Headteacher
Maths Subject Lead

Intent

To foster a passion for mathematics, developing an understanding of the importance of being numerically literate and how maths connects to the world around them. For every single pupil to believe that they can succeed in mathematics.
For all pupils to be able to articulate their learning confidently using correct mathematical language.
For all pupils to master the skills and concepts expected of them in order that they are ready for the next stage in their journey.

Implementation

High expectations for all pupils, including those with SEND

TfM approach including (but not exclusively)

Planning for microscopic progression

Use of the CPA approach in order to embed concepts

Structured practice of skills to develop fluency

Development and use of correct mathematical language, modelled through the use of STEM sentences to develop mathematical reasoning

High quality questioning to embed and secure understanding
Bespoke support and planning in order to meet individual needs including

Differentiation and scaffolding

Small group teaching

Opportunities for pre and post teaching

Discussions and support from phase leader and SENCo

Enrichment opportunities including

Visitors

Themed days

Opportunities for cross-curricular learning

At Smallwood, we use the White Rose Maths Schemes of Learning to guide our planning. We also use professional development resources from the NCETM to support our approach to the learning and teaching of mathematics.

The National Curriculum for Mathematics aims to ensure that all pupils:

become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, including through varied and frequent practice with increasingly complex problems over time, so that pupils develop conceptual understanding and the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately
reason mathematically by following a line of enquiry, conjecturing relationships and generalisations, and developing an argument, justification or proof using mathematical language
can solve problems by applying their mathematics to a variety of routine and non-routine problems with increasing sophistication, including breaking down problems into a series of simpler steps and persevering in seeking solutions