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 encourage and develop children's independence through the use of marking stations. They also provide children feedback on their own progress within lessons.

We use the White Rose Maths Hub to inform our planning.

The Teaching Routine

We have a consistent routine with teaching mathematics from Reception to Year 6. We use an "I do, We do, You do, Fluency, Reasoning and Problem Solving" approach.

Each lesson starts by looking at a KIRF (Key Instant Recall Fact) - see below for information on what these are for each year group.

Lessons then move on to a review of prior learning, followed by Flashback 4s. These are based on number and times tables.

The lesson then moves on to I do, We do, You do, Fluency, Reasoning and Problem Solving.

• I Do = the teacher models how to answer questions, using strategies.

• We Do = the children are given the same style of questions which have been modelled in "I do". With the teacher, the children work through the problems together. The teacher provides additional support and modelling of the concept being taught as needed.

• You do = This is an assessment opportunity to see which children are ready to go onto independent work and which children require further support.

The children will then begin their independent work

• Fluency: Children will continue their learning, answering 4 to 6 more questions

• Reasoning and Problem Solving: Children will have 8 Reasoning and Problem Solving questions to answer, using their knowledge and explaining their answer (as well as how they got that answer)

At the end of the lesson, there will be a class Reasoning and Problem Solving activity.

Values Across the Curriculum

During Maths lessons pupils take part in group and partner work, which supports our value of koinonia, working together to achieve 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.

Key Instant Recall Facts (KIRFs)

KIRFS are the "Key Instant Recall Facts" that children need to secure during their primary years. They include facts such as number bonds and times tables. They are particularly useful when calculating, adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing but also underpin many other areas of mathematics. For example, in order to find equivalent fractions in Year 6, children need to be able to rapidly recall their knowledge of common multiples (numbers in particular times tables). When children have quick access to a bank of facts, which incur little cost to the working memory, they have more capacity to think about more complex problems that draw on these facts. We have noticed without regular rehearsal, these facts are forgotten so it is essential they are practised regularly and embedded in the children's long-term memory so they can be recalled quickly and accurately.

Maths Methods

Reception and Year 1 - Addition Methods

Reception and Year 1 - Subtraction Methods

Year 2 - Addition Methods

Year 2 - Subtraction Methods

Year 2 - Multiplication Methods

Year 2 - Division Methods

Year 3 - Addition and Subtraction Methods

Year 3 - Multiplication Methods

Year 3 - Division Methods

UKS2 - Addition Methods

UKS2 - Division