Maths

Subject Leader: Mr. Gatrill

‘Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of all garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.’

Matthew 13 vs.31-32

Our entire curriculum, including Mathematics, is underpinned by the ‘Parable of the Mustard Seed’ and summarised by our motto:

Together may we give our children: roots to grow and wings to fly. 

Intent

At Trinity Academy Eppleby Forcett and Middleton Tyas, we place the greatest importance on the teaching and learning of Mathematics. Mathematics helps us to make sense of our world and participate in modern society. Through our Mathematics curriculum we want all children to develop into confident and competent mathematical thinkers, who are able to use Mathematics in real life situations.

Implementation

Our Mathematics curriculum focuses on the mastery approach to learning where, starting from our early years setting, all pupils build on the foundations of the subject to develop a conceptual understanding with the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately in a range of contexts.

It is our belief that, through the mastering of Mathematics, all pupils can acquire an intrinsic understanding of Mathematics. We do not narrow our Mathematics curriculum, but scaffold pupil’s learning through a cycle of ‘Concrete, Pictorial, Abstract’ (CPA) to ensure that every child can access rich, challenging and engaging lessons.

Similarly, through reasoning and problem solving extension activities, we ensure all children (include our more able) are challenged with their learning.

In the EYFS statutory educational programme for Mathematics, children focus on developing a strong grounding in number, recognising mathematical patterns and relationships as well as developing vocabulary.  There is a focus on number to ten, subitising, composition, comparing quantities and counting beyond ten. Mathematics is taught through whole-class activities and concepts are practised through independent play. Maths is practical, fun and can be found throughout the learning environment both indoors and outdoors.

From Reception onwards, we use White Rose Maths’ small steps of learning to provide the framework to our Mathematics curriculum. These small steps provide children with time to understand key mathematical concepts. We supplement our curriculum with a variety of other resources that are aligned with White Rose Maths, ensuring we provide an enjoyable, engaging and varied curriculum to help pupils develop a love of learning and work towards mastery with differentiated resources.

Alongside White Rose, children in Reception and Key Stage 1 also access ‘Mastering Number’ – a scheme run through the National Centre for the Excellence in Teaching Mathematics (NCETM). Through this programme, children leave KS1 with fluency in calculation and a confidence, and flexibility, with number.