Maths
'Key stage 2 progress in mathematics was significantly above national and in the highest 20% of all schools in 2019.'
- IDSR, 2019
The aims of our Maths teaching at St Paul’s Catholic Primary School are aligned with the aims of the National Curriculum: fluency, reasoning and problem solving – both in lesson and across the curriculum. We recognise that pupils need to learn basic number facts and acquire fluency in procedures, alongside developing conceptual understanding if they are to be able to solve increasingly complex problems in life and later in the workplace.
A mastery approach to the teaching of mathematics has been adopted, so that we have high expectations of all our pupils. We endeavour to make the maths curriculum accessible to all pupils; moving them through the programme of study at broadly the same pace, with opportunities to work on the objectives more deeply for those who grasp concepts rapidly..
Teachers from EYFS to Year 6 follow the White Rose Schemes and use a wide variety of resources to provide pupils with a range of challenges where they can apply their skills. Pupils who are not fluent with previous learning will consolidate their understanding through additional practice before moving on, therefore ensuring that they are ready for the next steps in learning.
In Reception, pupils have a daily Maths lesson using, ‘Power Maths’ which is closely aligned to the White Rose Hub learning scheme used in KS1 and KS2. A graduated approach to the teaching of skills ensures that, before a pupil reaches Year 1, they are able to count to 10, but also understand the true value of numbers.
Key Stage 1 pupils, focus on place value and the meaning of numbers using practical activities and a range of visual representations to support their understanding. Once place value is secure, the vocabulary around the four formal operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division) are introduced – including using and applying number bonds to 100.
Key Stage 2 mathematics builds on the learning from KS1 and pupils are exposed the real - life challenges where they are asked to apply their knowledge. They are also encouraged to deepen their understanding by explaining their reasoning and use mathematical vocabulary more frequently.
