Mathematics
at St Bernadette
"I like a good challenge and maths is the perfect lesson for that!" Year 6 pupil, January 2024
At St Bernadette, we use the 'Maths No Problem' spiral scheme of learning to underpin our maths curriculum and support our learners. At the heart of the approach is our intuitive, consistent lesson structure that supports all of our children to learn maths for mastery. When taught to master maths, children develop their mathematical fluency without resorting to rote learning and are able to solve non-routine maths problems without having to memorise procedure. Our children are consistently revisiting and reinforcing their maths learning.
Please follow the link below which will lead you to helpful videos to support you in understanding some of the key approaches and supporting your child at home.
https://mathsnoproblem.com/en/resources/school-at-home
Also, our teachers upload weekly pre-teaching of maths skills to Google Classroom- please check this platform regularly for updates on how best to support your child.
Fluency, reasoning and problem solving are central to our mathematics curriculum
Fluency in maths is about developing number sense and being able to choose the most appropriate method for the task at hand; to be able to apply a skill to multiple contexts. The National Curriculum states that pupils should become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics through varied and frequent practice.
Reasoning in maths is the process of applying logical thinking to a situation to derive the correct problem solving strategy for a given question, and using this method to develop and describe a solution. Put more simply, mathematical reasoning is the bridge between fluency and problem solving.
Problem solving is about engaging with real problems; guessing, discovering and making sense of mathematics.
Assessment
As part of their daily mathematics teaching, children are given rapid feedback and intervention to address any misconceptions that may have arisen during the lesson. This will be assessment for learning caputured 'in the moment' or at another point during the day. At the start of all lessons, children complete a Four From Before activity to help recap prior learning- this also allows time for teachers to model and recap learning with a smaller group of children before the new learning is introduced. Children are also regularly supported to extend their learning using Green Challenge Questions. These are further mastery questions that all children have access to. Extra support is provided where needed.
Children are formally assessed at the end of each mathematics topic using revision questions based on their learning. At the end of each term, during our whole school assessment weeks, children also complete assessment papers linked closely to their prior learning. Assessment data is used in Pupil Progress meetings between the senior leadership team, SENDCO and class teacher to identify focus groups, develop strategies to ensure gaps are closed in a timely manner. Teachers communicate regularly with parents about the best way to support their child at home.
Times Tables
At St Bernadette, each year group has a times table focus, this ensures progression and that all of our children are practising key times tables on a regular basis. Children from Y2-6 use TTRockstars on a regular basis in school and at home and take part in lots of competitions including 'England Rocks'!
Please see the document on the right for year group expectations.
Years 3 and 4 complete weekly Five Minute Frenzies, where children work through a set of timestbale challenges.
At the end of Year 4, all children will take part in a Multiplication Check. Please see the supporting documents page for guidance.
