Maths

At Pebsham, we use a programme called My Mastery to teach maths in every class from EYFS to Year 6.

My Mastery’s aim is to help all children enjoy and succeed in mathematics. They want the children to be equipped with an understanding of mathematics that will be relevant and useful in their future learning and in the world of work.

The programme has been designed to provide children with a deep conceptual understanding of mathematical principles, the ability to confidently communicate in precise mathematical language while becoming mathematical thinkers. Using the correct mathematical vocabulary is very important. Children may start to talk at home about 'digits' or 'integers' rather than just 'numbers'. Mathematical vocabulary is taught specifically for each topic. This is re-introduced and used daily, as well as being on display to remind the children. The expectation is that teachers use the correct vocabulary and children respond using it as well.

Each school year begins with a focus on the areas of maths that have the most connections, which help to consolidate learning. Lessons are designed to build on prior knowledge. This gives pupils the opportunity to 'master maths'; by using previous learning throughout the school year, enabling them to develop mathematical fluency and conceptual understanding.

Children may come home talking about Concrete Learning, Pictorial Learning and Abstract Learning. Parents may find that children are using more equipment and drawing their maths out more than you may have expected - this is to deepen their learning and understanding.

  • Concrete - the doing: The children are introduced to an idea or a skill by acting it out with real objects. This is a 'hands on' using real objects. They may use counting blocks, number cubes, fraction tiles, counters, or other everyday objects such as buttons or bottle tops.

  • Pictorial - the seeing: The children may also begin to relate their understanding to pictures , such as a diagram or picture of the problem.

  • Abstract - the symbolic: The children are now able to record problems by using mathematical method, for example: 12 ÷ 2 = 6. This is the most formal and efficient stage of mathematical understanding.

Lesson format

Each lesson starts with a quick 'Do Now' task - a task that they should be able to do without adult support or guidance.

New learning is then introduced and children are given talking time to discuss the areas of new learning, building on their vocabulary.

The learning is then developed further, building a deeper understanding before the children take part in an independent task. The lesson finishes with a chance to check the understanding and celebrate success.

Maths Meetings (Also known at Pebsham as a Maths Party!)

At a different time in the day, every class takes part in a Maths Meeting. At Pebsham we prefer the term Maths Party.

This is a chance for a quick 15-20 minute session to reinforce key areas of maths and revise previous learning. These are a fun, motivating session where children are fully engaged. Singing and chanting are used to support pupils and areas such as calendars and time are discussed regularly as these are areas that children often need to revisit. Each class has a Maths Meeting board with lots of pictures and visuals to help support the children.

Mastering Number

At Pebsham we strongly believe in providing the best mathematical experience from the day that the children begin in reception. Alongside My Mastery we have teamed up with the NCETM to run a project in EYFS and KS1 called Mastering Number. In addition to their daily Maths lessons, a few times a week the children will spend around 15 minutes participating in these sessions. A lot of the sessions will involve a piece of equipment called a Rekenrek - similar to an abacus. The aim over time is that children will leave KS1 with additional fluency in calculation and a confidence and flexibility with number.