Our Approach and Policies
Mathematics equips children with a uniquely powerful set of tools to understand and change the world. These tools include logical reasoning, problem-solving skills, and the ability to think in abstract ways.
Our school places great emphasis on the child’s acquisition of basic skills, especially the rapid recall of number bonds and times tables. The children are taught to think mathematically and to problem-solve from a number of different perspectives with a focus on understanding the mathematics behind the questions.
In KS1 we have adopted a very successful program called Maths No Problem. Maths No Problem originated in Asia and covers all aspects of Mathematics using the CPA (concrete, pictorial and abstract) approach. Every section is introduced using different characters that have differing mathematical dilemmas. Each lesson follows a specific pattern that allows an in-depth focus on the mathematical skills needed to solve all kinds of problems. The patterns is; In Focus, Let's Learn, Activity, Guided Practice and Workbook. Each of these aspects is explained further below.
In Focus
Each lesson begins with a challenge that pupils attempt to solve (usually set out as a question) using resources supplied by the teacher and by working independently or collaboratively. This section of the lesson is called the 'In Focus' task. An example of an In Focus Task is shown below;
Let's Learn
During this section of the lesson the pupils are taught the mathematical skills needed to solve the problems. Pupils are taught through problem solving activities and are guided through the support of the adults in the classroom. It is also an opportunity for pupils to test different strategies to find the one that is appropriate to them individually.
Activity
During some sessions an Activity is suggested in order to help pupils become confident with the skills they have learned. The activities normally take the form of a game that allows the pupils to be fun and creative with their newly learned mathematical skills.
Guided Practice
During Guided Practice pupils are given a series of problems to solve using the skills that they have developed during the lesson. Pupils are also given support from adults if there are any misconceptions or for those that are not as confident. This allows pupils to experiment with different resources and strategies in the comfort that any misconceptions will be addressed and in turn build the confidence of pupils.
Workbook
The final part of the lesson allows the pupils to show the skills they have learned, during the lesson, by completing and solving problems that are set out in the workbook. Each time the pupils use their workbooks they are completing between 2 and 5 pages worth of problems that become progressively more complex the further the pupils complete or solve the problems.