Mathematics

Our Curriculum Intent

For children to: 

• develop a love of mathematical learning that serves them in their lives now as well as in the future
• be able to access the full maths curriculum – learning is adapted and modelled to suit the children’s needs.
• be able to see patterns and connections within the number system so children can think deeply about what they have learnt and apply it to new situations
• be skilled at explaining the journey to their answer (using the appropriate vocabulary) and making discoveries of their own
• be able to recognise which models, images and manipulatives will help them with a particular challenge
• be proficient in number with the expertise to apply their understanding to real life contexts across the wider curriculum
• to use metacognition to develop their own reliable, efficient, and effective strategies for calculating reasoning and problem solving through logical, systematic approaches.

Implementation

At Alexandra Junior School, mathematical skills are taught following a curriculum based on White Rose Maths. Lessons include elements of problem solving and reasoning alongside regular practice of fluency skills. We develop children’s understanding, using the Concrete, Pictorial and Abstract approach appropriately.

Concrete – children use concrete objects and manipulatives to help them understand and explain what they are doing.

Pictorial – children then build on this concrete approach by using pictorial representations, which can then be used to reason and solve problems.

Abstract – With the foundations firmly laid, children can move to an abstract approach using numbers and key concepts with confidence.

All children are encouraged to use mathematical language to explain their ideas and develop their reasoning skills.

Our Maths Calculation Policy shows the progression of strategies we teach in addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. We have adopted the Southwark Calculation Policy.

Impact

At Alexandra Junior School, we expect our children to be able to quickly recall number facts and procedures allowing them to make progress in all areas of the maths curriculum.   

We believe that a mathematical concept or skill has been mastered when a child can show it in multiple ways, using the mathematical language to explain their reasoning, independently applying the concept to new problems in unfamiliar situations. This is what we intend all our children to achieve.

At Alexandra Junior School, we aim for all children to leave us with the confidence, skills and understanding that they need in order to proceed with success at secondary school and beyond.

Maths Progression Overview

National curriculum in England: mathematics programmes of study - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)