Maths
| ‘Mathematics is all around us, it’s in the patterns in nature, it’s in the rhythms of music.’ |
Gloria Ford Gilmer
At Winnersh Primary School, we understand that maths is an integral part of our lives and is a tool that enables us to describe and make sense of the ever-changing world in which we live. We feel strongly that it is our children’s right to understand the language of maths and we believe that confidence leads to competence. We therefore recognise that it is our responsibility to promote maths as a subject that is challenging, rewarding and fun.
Children are taught that maths is not all about getting the right answer; in fact, they are encouraged to embrace challenge and to regard it as the first step to success; they are shown explicitly how making mistakes provides learning opportunities. We aim to foster in our children the following: a curiosity that leads them to pose questions; creativity and logic in their approach to solving problems, and a willingness to take risks.
How do we teach maths?
Our aims are achieved through thoughtfully planned lessons that are delivered in a supportive environment where children learn from each other. They are given opportunities to work both independently and collaboratively, and are expected to communicate respectfully and effectively with each other. Teachers recognise how vital it is for children to develop oracy skills. Mathematical vocabulary is clearly explained and modelled to the children which enables them to use it appropriately in their own communication. Whole class discussions, talk partner work, team challenges and peer tutoring are examples of where these skills are practised. As a school, we have chosen the White Rose scheme of learning to help us achieve our intent.
White Rose is a scheme of work recommended by the DfE and NCETM (National Centre of Excellence for the Teaching of Maths). The White Rose overviews are designed to support the aims and objectives of the National Curriculum.
White Rose overviews:
- have number at their heart; a large proportion of time is spent on developing competency in number.
- ensure teachers support the ideal of depth before breadth.
- give children the opportunity to work together through the schemes.
- allow for plenty of opportunities to build reasoning and problem-solving elements into lessons.
Whilst we follow the White Rose scheme of learning, teachers adapt the blocks of learning to cater for the learning needs of our children. They endeavour to combine an optimal mix of mastery and spiral approaches.
Features of a mastery curriculum:
- Devoting more time to the introduction of key concepts
- Teaching the whole class together (the same lesson content at the same time)
- CPA approach – using Concrete, Pictorial and Abstract resources
- Anticipating (and planning for) misconceptions
- Developing metacognitive skills in children
- Children learn to use a variety of representations
- Planning questions carefully
- Provision of scaffolding when necessary
- Prompt intervention to support those at risk of falling behind
- Challenge provided for those children who have grasped the concept (they are given stretch activities to deepen their understanding of the concept being taught)
Features of a spiral curriculum:
- Topics are revisited
- Levels of difficulty increase
- New learning is related to previous learning
By nurturing competent and creative mathematical thinkers, we intend for children to leave Winnersh Primary School feeling confident and excited about embarking on the next chapter of their Maths adventure.
Developing fluency
Although maths is so much more than being good with numbers, it is imperative that children acquire sound number sense if they are to experience success in developing reasoning and problem-solving skills. Our adoption of a new number fact and times tables scheme is intended to equip children with a rapid recall of multiplication facts while gaining a solid understanding of the commutative property of multiplication and the relationship between multiplication and division.
In EYFS, children practise number recognition and counting daily. From Year 1 and throughout the rest of the school, children practise number facts and then move on to times table facts, practising these daily. Children spend roughly 3-4 weeks on each times table and complete one test per day in their school booklet.
Multiplication tables check
“The multiplication tables check (MTC) is statutory for all year 4 pupils. The purpose of the MTC is to determine whether pupils can recall their times tables fluently. It is designed to help schools to identify pupils who have not yet mastered their times tables, so that additional support can be provided” (DfE, 2023).
This check takes place in June and children complete the test using an iPad. They are given time to practise throughout the year so that they are familiar with the format.
Class teachers will discuss this further with parents during their Year 4 curriculum meeting and at parents’ evenings.
For more information click here: Multiplication tables check - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Times table games
The Maths Factor Times Tables Check - Start
Multiplication Tables Check - Mathsframe
Multiplication Tables Check - 2025 - Timestables.co.uk
Times tables Speed Test X - Timestables.co.uk
Resources to support Parents
On the White Rose website, you will find a mini-series called ‘Maths with Michael’. Here you can watch some short informative video clips and there are some printable resources to give further information about how we teach maths.
Maths with Michael | Michael Underwood | White Rose Maths
Homework
Please visit your child’s Google Classroom page where you find out more information about what maths learning is currently being taught and practise your child could do at home. In Upper Phase, children also have homework set on Google Classroom using Eedi, which is an online platform that is tailored to individual needs.
Useful Websites
Math Games Online | Play Free Games on PrimaryGames
Hit the Button - Quick fire maths practise for 6-11 year olds (topmarks.co.uk)
Primary Resources: Maths: General Resources
Topics in Mathematics - Primary Students | NRICH (maths.org)
Maths Zone Cool Learning Games – Maths Games and Learning Activties for Fun