Maths at Palmarsh

At Palmarsh we want every pupil to develop a love of maths. We aim to deliver an inspiring and engaging mathematics curriculum which enables children to be numerate, creative, independent, inquisitive, enquiring and confident mathematicians. We work really hard to engage children of all ages and abilities, Maths is taught so that children can be fluent in number, can reason mathematically and are able to solve number problems. It is our intent to promote a lifelong, positive attitude towards maths. We like to encourage that everyone can work out the answer through the use of methods and manipulatives. 

We are following the National Curriculum for Mathematics, which aims to ensure that all pupils:

• Become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, including through varied and frequent practice, so that pupils develop conceptual understanding and recall and apply knowledge.
• Reason mathematically by following a line of enquiry, conjecturing relationships and generalisations, and using mathematical language.
• Can solve problems by applying their mathematics to a variety of routine and non-routine problems.

At Palmarsh, we plan our maths using the White Rose scheme of work. White Rose teaches children mathematical concepts through pictoral, practical and written methods in order to develop a deep understanding, confidence and competence in Maths and improve fluency. Fluency in Maths is about developing number sense and being able to choose and use the most appropriate method for the task at hand and be able to apply a skill to multiple contexts. It uses the CPA (Concrete, Pictorial, Abstract) approach, which is a highly effective approach to teaching that develops a deep and sustainable understanding of maths in pupils. Alongside this we use our calculation policy. 

The 4 areas of the National Curriculum are:

• Number
• Measures
• Geometry
• Statistics 

How we do this:

We teach using as concrete-pictorial-abstract model. This means introducing the children to concrete materials that illuminate mathematical structure, helping them to visualise the structure through images and drawings and recording the maths with abstract mathematical symbols. We aim for the children to be able to move fluently between the three different ways of representing mathematics questions or problems.

Fluency:

Fluency, both procedural and conceptual, is of the utmost importance in maths, particularly when it comes to gaining confidence. For this reason, a big emphasis will be put on learning number facts. The children will then learn how to use those facts to infer other facts. Good knowledge of number facts will allow children to calculate rather than count when they encounter mathematical problems.

Reasoning:

Mastery learning takes place through rich mathematical discussion. The children will be encouraged to explain their answers and make justifications. They will learn to challenge each other's mathematical thinking and to have their thinking challenged. Through discussion, the children will explore misconceptions and work towards mathematical generalisations.

Year 4 Multiplication check:  

From June 2022 the government have introduced a 'multiplication check' that all pupils in year 4 must take. On a computer children are asked 25 questions from the 2-12 times tables. They are given 6 seconds to answer each question. Times tables are used in all different aspects of maths. Here are a few websites that you can use to practise these: 

Hit the Button - Quick fire maths practise for 6-11 year olds (topmarks.co.uk)

Daily 10 - Mental Maths Challenge - Topmarks

Times Tables rockstars is a key tool we use to improve children's fluency. Years 3-4 aims to have at least 30 minutes per week in class dedicated to Times Tables Rockstars. Children are also able to access this at home. 

Times Tables Rock Stars – Times Tables Rock Stars (ttrockstars.com)