Mathematics
Intent
At Bede Community Primary School, we believe that mathematics is fundamental to everyday life, permeating activities from baking to budgeting. Inspired by Albert Einstein's words, "Without mathematics, there's nothing you can do," we are committed to nurturing confident and competent mathematicians. Our curriculum aims to instil a positive, can-do attitude towards mathematics, equipping children with skills essential for both daily application and future careers. We emphasize real-life contexts and connections with other subjects such as science and computing, ensuring relevance and engagement.
Implementation
Comprehensive Daily Teaching: Mathematics is taught daily, covering all aspects of the National Curriculum, guided by the National Primary Guidance and NCETM Curriculum Prioritisation units. This structured approach ensures coherence and progression across year groups. Teachers utilize Professional Development Materials from NCETM and local maths hub training to enhance subject knowledge and refine teaching strategies, fostering a mastery approach.
Concrete, Pictorial, Abstract Approach: Lessons follow a concrete, pictorial, abstract approach, enabling children to grasp abstract concepts through hands-on experiences and visual representations. This approach supports deeper understanding and builds confidence in mathematical reasoning and problem-solving skills.
Calculation and Representation: We adopt a CPA (Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract) approach with core representations consistently used throughout children's school journey. Regular revisiting of manipulatives supports children in consolidating essential mathematical concepts and enhances their problem-solving abilities.
Additional Maths Sessions: Dedicated daily additional maths sessions in Year 1–6 focus on fluency in recall, calculation methods, and number sense. The Mastering Number Programme, expanded to Year 4 and 5 for multiplication and division, ensures thorough coverage and consolidation of key concepts.
Assessment: In addition to ongoing informal assessments, we conduct formal assessments using NCETM topic assessments aligned with end-of-year expectations. Local Authority assessment profiles monitor progress termly, facilitating targeted interventions and immediate support where needed. Year 2 and 6 children undergo formal SATs tests to gauge attainment.
SEN Support: We believe in the potential of all children to succeed in mathematics. Lessons are differentiated to meet diverse learning needs, with adaptations made as necessary. Children working below year group content receive tailored interventions and a bespoke curriculum aligned with their learning plans or EHCPs, ensuring inclusive progress for all.
Impact
Positive Outcomes: The mathematics curriculum at Bede Community Primary School cultivates:
- Increasingly confident use of mathematical language and concepts.
- Clear progression in conceptual understanding through a concrete, pictorial, abstract approach.
- Deep-rooted familiarity with core representations, fostering a thorough grasp of mathematical principles.
- Emphasis on the automaticity of key facts and knowledge.
- Continuous assessment practices to uphold progress and attainment for all children.
Through rigorous teaching and a commitment to mastery, our curriculum prepares children to excel in mathematics, empowering them to navigate the complexities of the modern world with confidence and proficiency.