Maths
We aim to create mathematicians who are fluent in all areas of maths and can use this deep understanding to reason and problem solve. At Alt, we follow the White Rose Maths Scheme, which focuses on an ‘every child can’ approach, through concrete, pictorial and abstract strategies to develop and build competency. Lessons are planned to systematically teach children how to use structured models such as ‘bar modelling’ and ‘maths talk’ to support their learning and encourage independence. Children in all groups can access the maths curriculum and have strategies to support them to visualise word problems, use mathematical language and explain their reasoning.
The national curriculum for mathematics aims to ensure that all pupils:
- become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, including through varied and frequent practice with increasingly complex problems over time, so that pupils develop conceptual understanding and the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately
- reason mathematically by following a line of enquiry, conjecturing relationships and generalisations, and developing an argument, justification or proof using mathematical language
- can solve problems by applying their mathematics to a variety of routine and non-routine problems with increasing sophistication, including breaking down problems into a series of simpler steps and persevering in seeking solutions
At Alt Academy, we want the maths lessons to be fun and inspiring, engaging the children with fluency, problem solving and reasoning.
We want the children to feel empowered and motivated by mathematics with the opportunities we provide as a school. We are committed to developing a curiosity for the subject, as well as ensuring children understand the value and importance of mathematics in the wider community and can translate their skills, knowledge, and experiences in everyday life.
Communication: children are encuraged to talk about their mathematics and the thought processes used to solve problems. They are given opportunities to explain their reasoning and reflect on the effectiveness of methods they use.
Learning to learn: children are challenged to know how to work independently as well as in a group environment, they show perseverance and resilience as they work through the different problems presented.
Reasoning & creative thinking: children are taught to ask questions about their learning and to explain and justify their reasons for their choice of methods. They are given prompts and scaffolds to aid them in exploring problems that have a range of answers and are encouraged to trial and error different methods, understanding which work well and why.
Working with others: pupils are taught to listen and take turns, using a range of co-operative structures to work with others within the group and to adjust their work because of information from others. They are encouraged to provide constructive feedback to peers and explain their reasoning to others.
Using Technology: pupils are taught to use the internet and to use a range of software and other digital resources to enhance their mathematical learning.
The mathematics curriculum has been tailored to ensure children are fluent, can problem solve and can reason. To learn mathematics effectively, some things must be learned before others. You will see an emphasis on number skills first, carefully ordered, throughout our primary curriculum.
All year groups follow a yearly overview, which breaks down the different mathematical strands into small steps, these small steps build conceptual understanding and provide a foundation for further learning in that area of mathematics.
By using Mixed Age Scheme as the basis of a scheme of work, we can ensure that we are fulfilling the aims for mathematical learning stated in the National Curriculum. The Mixed Age Scheme supports our desire to create enthusiastic, inquisitive and resilient mathematicians.
This structure of the lessons delivered helps to strengthens connections between prior learning and new learning. Provides learning in manageable chunks and allows modelling and practice to take place before pupils are expected to work independently. Throughout maths lessons children are actively engaged, encouraged to use mathematical language and explanations and use co-operative structures in a variety of fluency, varied fluency, problem solving and reasoning activities. They are taught new concepts using concrete resources, develop understanding using pictorial methods, persevere with worded problems and give explanations for their methods, approach and thinking within opportunities for reasoning through use of their daily maths journals
https://whiterosemaths.com/advice-and-guidance
