Years 1 - 6

Fluency in Counting (5 minutes)

Children are taken through a multiplication table of study in a specific way and are then challenged to apply their understanding to a series of increasingly complex challenges. This may move on to include the related division facts, squared, square root, fractions etc. 

Retrieval Starter (5 minutes)

This is again a very short activity that will look back on previously taught topics. This may include a simple question, pattern spotting, problem solving or reasoning.

This part of the lesson allows the opportunity to revise topics and apply their knowledge to a problem.

Lesson (50 minutes)

Lessons are coherently designed to sequence prior learning and build upon previously taught concepts so that pupils can make connections and spot patterns.

The lessons are designed to allow pupils to develop from concrete- pictorial – abstract understanding of a concept.

Concrete-

Pupils physically manipulate resources to support in the solving of a problem or understanding of a concept.

Pictorial-  

Pupils draw, or follow drawn images to support in solving a problem. This includes two key pictorial representations:

Part- Part- Whole (KS1)

Bar Model (KS2)

Abstract-

Pupils no longer require visual representation to solve problems. This can be completed through formal paper and pencil methods or mentally.

Early Years

In Early Years classes, pupils will be using a large variety of concrete materials to explore mathematical concepts both in ‘child-initiated’ activities and in teacher-led investigations which have been planned through the ‘Firm Foundations’ resource. Through these methods, pupils develop a deeper understanding of the value of numbers and in using and applying mathematical language to solving problems.