Mathematics teaching at Park Primary School is geared towards enabling every pupil to develop within their capabilities, not only the mathematics skills and the understanding required for later life, but also an enthusiasm and fascination about mathematics itself.
At Park, our teaching of mathematics across the school is based upon the mastery approach. The Singaporean Maths – No Problem! scheme of work is used to deliver the mathematics curriculum in Years 1 – 6.
Fluency in number is at the heart of our vision. In EYFS and KS1 we are part of the NCETM Mastering Number Programme. This project aims to secure firm foundations in the development of good number sense for all children from Reception through to Year 1 and Year 2. The aim over time is that children will leave KS1 with fluency in calculation and confidence and flexibility with number. In KS2 the focus is on rapid recall of times tables up to 12 (by the end of Year 4) and applying these facts to other parts of the curriculum. We aim to increase pupil confidence in mathematics so the children are able to express themselves and their ideas using the language of mathematics with assurance.
The mastery approach to teaching involves:
- Whole class moving through content at the same pace
- Time to think deeply about the mathematics
- Building self confidence in learners
- Differentiation through depth rather than acceleration
The children achieve mastery through exploring, clarifying, practising and applying their learning over time. When a child can represent their learning in multiple ways; they have the mathematical language to be able to communicate related ideas and they can think mathematically with the concept so that they can independently apply it to a totally new problem in an unfamiliar situation, then the mathematical concept or skill has been mastered.
Further information and videos about the Maths – No Problem! scheme can be found here:
Maths – No Problem! Parent Videos
Times Tables Rockstars
Times Tables Rockstars is an app or worksheet based activity where multiplication tables can be practised in a fun and engaging way. When logged on to the app, children can create their own Rock and Roll avatar, and compete in different game areas to increase their recall and speed of recall of multiplication and related division facts. School competitions are regularly held to encourage children to take part and become more confident in their recall of times tables. The ‘Soundcheck’ area of the game is designed to mirror the format of the new government Year 4 multiplication tables check, beginning in 2020. Visit the Times Tables Rockstars website to find out more. |
Numbots
Numbots is an online maths game which supports children’s understanding of number bonds; it is appropriate for all KS1 pupils and any others who would like to practise this key skill. All children have a unique login and password, and have been shown how to play this in school. As with the practice of all maths skills, little and often is the key! The game can be accessed by downloading the Numbots app (enter Park Primary as your school and no payment is required), or through the website: www.numbots.com |
Important Information
Maths Games for Developing Skills
Playing games is a great way to develop fluency skills; why don’t you give these games a go. If you find other examples of great maths games, let Ms Phelan know.
Topmarks Lots of fun games for children from Reception through to Year 6. These puzzles help to develop fluency.
7puzzleblog Daily number puzzles to challenge your thinking.
KhanAcademy Visit this website to learn more about all the different areas of maths.
WODB (which one doesn’t belong) Visit this site to develop your reasoning skills.
Please encourage your child to use the maths following resources to help them increase their confidence in maths and to help them progress in the key skills. (jump to Early Years or Developing Maths Skills)
Early Years
Early Years Mathematics Songs:
- Ten Green Bottles
- 5 Little Speckled Frogs
- Months of the Year
- Days of the Week
- 1 to 20 Song
- 2D Shape Song
- 3D Shape Song
Early Years Home Ideas
Developing Mathematics Skills