Mathematics
Maths
Maths at St James
Mathematics develops children’s ability to calculate, reason and solve problems to make them ready for their futures. At St James, we aim to encourage children to:
- solve real life problems in a variety of ways
- express and explain their preferred approach
- learn to question, prove and trial different methods.
- Understand that there might not always be one answer
- Find alternative ways to solve problems.
- Articulate and communicate their thinking and approach
- Challenge other’s methods.
- Have the resilience when faced with problems.
- Make connections to their prior learning and build upon it to make new connections to their wider world.
We use the White Rose Maths Hub to inform our planning and use same day marking known as 'Take 10' for all maths sessions. We believe that marking in mathematics, and indeed all subjects, provides effective impact upon learning when it is done at the time - beyond that it becomes a tick box exercise. Our children use marking stations to assist their own reflections and progress within lesson.
Our teaching of mathematics enables children to start at the point of learning that is correct for them. We use pre-learning tasks at the start of the unit to elicit levels of need. This is further supported by our use of "I do, We do, You do (pairs), You do" approach. Children are able to see and hear examples of how to solve problems and can be moved on, or kept a little longer in guided work with the teacher, as needed. Maths groups are fluid and remain dynamic and interchangeable each day. Not so much 'maths places' more the 'right maths place at the right time'. Children's learning moves from fluency to them applying this in reasoning and problem solving. Our children work with concrete objects as much as is required before moving to more abstract written methods as outlined in our policy.
We use a fast tracking system for children who, during pre-learning, evidence that they are ready to start at a much different pace and stage. This again should change from unit to unit. Our Maths teaching is personalised, with effective feedback given, and time to reinforce understanding.
Values Across the Curriculum
During Maths lessons pupils take part in group and partner work, which supports our value of koinonia, working together to acheive a shared goal - finding the answer to questions and solving problems. Pupils listen carefully to the teacher, as well as to each other, and support each other when solving problems or when they are stuck, which fosters mutual respect. Children also complete work individually and they have to trust in their own abilities.
Calculation Policy
Please click here to find a copy of our Calculation Policy. It contains the methods taught in school from Reception to Year 6. Although each calculation is split into year groups, children's prior learning and ability will be taken into consideration.
