Maths Mastery ApproachAcross the Pioneer Federation schools we are ‘teaching for mastery in maths’ this phrase describes the elements of classroom practice and school organisation that combine to give pupils the best chances of mastering maths. This approach enables pupils to acquire a deep, long-term, secure and adaptable understanding of the subject.
Intent
Our Mathematics curriculum follows the key aims of the National Curriculum. We aim to ensure that all pupils (regardless of their ability) become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics and in number so that pupils develop solid conceptual understanding and the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately. Children are taught to reason mathematically by following a line of enquiry, finding connections and establishing relationships whilst using mathematical language. Our mathematics curriculum carefully sequences knowledge, concepts, and procedures to build mathematical knowledge and skills systematically over time.
Our intent is for all pupils to:
- become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics so that they develop conceptual understanding and the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately
- be able to solve problems by applying their mathematics to a variety of problems with increasing sophistication, including in unfamiliar contexts and to model real-life scenarios
- reason mathematically by following a line of enquiry and develop and present a justification, argument or proof using mathematical language
- have an appreciation of number and number operations, which enables mental calculations and written procedures to be performed efficiently, fluently and accurately to be successful in mathematics
Implementation
Our teachers use the White Rose schemes of learning (3.0) (SOLs) for mixed age classes. The aim is to develop a culture of deep understanding, confidence and competence in maths – a culture that produces strong and secure learning.Lessons will:
- Be planned using the White Rose mixed age overviews – small steps
- Use a step by step, whole class approach to teaching
- Involve teaching using concrete, pictorial and abstract concepts
- Teach and use explicit mathematical language
- Allow to children to select and challenge themselves mathematically
- Give children an opportunity to practise key mathematical skills and concepts
- Use concrete resources and have then accessible for children to self-select
- Be presented in a way that is accessible and inclusive to varying learning styles
Where appropriate pre & post teaching of vocabulary, concepts and processes will be provided. Physical resources will be adapted to provide reasonable adjustments to those with physical challenges and some children will be given time to explore how to use specific resources.
Impact
By the end of primary school we aim for children to be fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics with a conceptual understanding and the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately. They should have the skills to solve problems by applying their mathematics to a variety of situations with increasing sophistication, including in unfamiliar contexts and to model real-life scenarios. Children will be able to reason mathematically by following a line of enquiry and develop and present a justification, argument or proof using mathematical language.