Mathematics at Huyton with Roby
Our aim at Huyton with Roby C of E Primary School is for children to enjoy mathematics and have a secure and deep understanding of essential mathematical concepts as they grow as independent and individual learners. Mathematics helps us make sense of the world and we want children to see the mathematics that surrounds them every day and enjoy developing vital life skills in this subject.
Aims for our pupils
- To become confident with number, including fluency with mental calculation and look for connections between numbers.
- To become problem solvers, who can reason, think logically, work systematically and apply their knowledge of mathematics.
- To develop their use of mathematical language.
- To become independent learners and to work co-operatively with others.
- To develop a growth mindset and positive attitude towards mathematics.
Mastery Mathematics
At Huyton with Roby, all pupils will experience the ‘mastery approach’ to learning maths, using the underlying principles of the Maths No Problem mastery programme. We want pupils to build a deeper understanding of concepts that will enable them to apply their learning in different situations.
Mastery maths rejects the idea that some people just ‘can’t do maths’. We have high expectations and encourage a positive ‘can do’ mindset towards mathematics in all pupils, creating learning experiences which develop children’s resilience in the face of a challenge. We encourage pupils to see making mistakes as a learning opportunity rather than a failure.
Lessons are designed to prompt a CPA (Concrete, Pictorial and Abstract) approach.
- Concrete refers to children choosing to use objects or manipulatives to solve problems or calculations
- Pictorial refers to children choosing to represent their thinking through picture form
- Abstract refers to children using a range of written methods and strategies to solve problems and calculations.
All lessons are designed with careful small steps, questions and tasks in place to ensure the learning is not superficial. They should provide opportunities to practise and rehearse (fluency), explain and discuss their understanding using mathematical vocabulary (reason); and apply their learning in lots of different contexts (problem solve).
The three parts to a lesson are:
- Anchor Task/In Focus – the entire class spends time understanding and picking apart a problem to solve. This engages pupils by creating excitement for learning where challenges are provided through stimulating contexts.
- Guided Practice – Through effective questioning, the teacher can then tailor the tasks to best support and challenge the pupils. A variety of tasks will be presented in different ways, where CPA methods are undertaken using practical equipment and written methods simultaneously.
- Independent practice/ Workbook – Pupils can show how they work through tasks independently using the skills and methods practised in the Guided Practise part of the session.
All children will be given opportunities throughout their lessons to journal their mathematical thinking in order to show their deeper understanding of mathematical concepts.
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
Children in EYFS explore mathematical concepts through active exploration and their everyday play-based learning. Children are taught key concepts and develop number sense using a hands-on practical approach.
EYFS practitioners provide opportunities for children to manipulate a variety of objects which supports their understanding of quantity and number. Practitioners allow children time for exploration and the use of concrete objects helps to support children’s mathematical understanding.
Mathematics in the early years provides children with a solid foundation that will enable them to develop skills as they progress through their schooling and ensures children are ready for the National Curriculum. Children are taught key concepts and develop number sense using a hands-on practical approach and follow the Maths No Problem Foundations scheme of work. This scheme of works embeds mathematical topics through exploration, playing with manipulatives and collaboration.
If you are interested in finding out more, the link below has a set of videos specifically made for parents: https://mathsnoproblem.com/en/parent-videos/
Documents
Times Table Rock Stars
When it comes to times tables, speed AND accuracy are important – the more times table facts your child remembers, the easier it is for them to do harder calculations. Times Table Rock Stars is a fun and challenging programme designed to help students master the times tables! It can be played online on an app and there are also pen and paper activities which we will sometimes play in school.
To be a Times Table Rock Star you need to answer any multiplication fact up to 12×12 in less than 3 seconds! Each week, your child will be learning and practicing one or several times tables – they will be aiming for accuracy and speed.
In ‘Garage’ mode, the programming of the website sets each child the next few facts they need to know, so it is always tailored and based on their ability. In ‘Studio mode, the children are provided with the opportunity to challenge themselves at all the times table facts up to 12 x 12. This will improve their Rock Status.
‘Soundcheck’ is a TTRS’s version of the Y4 government check up – if you wanted to investigate, it’s 25 questions with 6 seconds to answer each one. This will help your child become more fluent with their times table knowledge.
There are many ways to help your child – daily practice is just the start. The documents below will give you both a full introduction to Times Tables Rockstars and some extra ideas to encourage your child as they progress.
We expect that children access TTRS at least three times a week to practise their times tables, sometimes those set by the teacher or those set by the programme itself. However, the more children play, the more coins they can earn and the more they get to spend upgrading their Rock Star.
The Times Table Rock Star app is available to download on iTunes and Android.
https://www.ttrockstars.com
If you are ever unsure of your child’s username or password, please see your child’s class teacher who will be able to assist.
Useful and Fun Maths Websites!
- The National Numeracy Challenge is a great way to test your knowledge of Maths: https://www.nnchallenge.org.uk/home/index.html
- A whole host of puzzles ranging in level of ability from starter to Einstein! All topics in Maths covered. Great, if you have 5 minutes! https://www.mathsisfun.com/puzzles/
- Powerlines is a logic puzzle that requires perseverance but does come with a hint of frustration. There are 3 levels to challenge yourself. http://www.primarygames.co.uk/pg2/powerlines/powerlines1.html
- Printable number puzzles for children and adults. Work together. All great fun!!!! https://www.puzzles-to-print.com/number-puzzles/
- Try this incredibly addictive number game using logic and negative numbers. 48 levels of challenge! This will drive you to logic! parity (maths-resources.com)