Mathematics
At St. Peter’s we strive for our children to engage in a mathematical curriculum that is both challenging and enjoyable.
Teachers provide a variety of mathematical opportunities enabling learners to develop as confident and fluent mathematicians, whilst applying their learning in order to reason and solve problems. As a school we follow the curriculum progression for mathematics from White Rose Education. This ensures clear progression through the different areas of mathematics from Reception through to Year 6. To find out more about the scheme of learning for each year group, click here.
In addition to this, pupils in Key Stage One and Lower Key Stage Two are taught strategies for fluent recall through the Fluency Bee programme which runs as part of their daily lesson. Throughout the school, pupils have access to a wide range of manipulatives to further their understanding of number, shape and measures, and are encouraged to use these at all stages of their learning. Teachers ensure that there are a range of opportunities to practise skills through calculations, problem solving and reasoning questions. That said, we fully recognise that children who are fluent with number bonds and times tables are more likely to be able to apply this knowledge to a range of calculations. Indeed many mathematical ideas are also applied to science and other areas of the curriculum.
To enable parents to support their child with mathematics, and to provide an overview of the how calculations are taught in each year group across the school, we have produced a calculation policy which is regularly shared with parents. You can find out more about the four main operations, and how these are taught progressively across the school, by downloading the 'Supporting Your Child with Mathematics' leaflet found at the bottom of the page.
The school also has subscriptions to a variety of online resources to support pupils in their learning. To support fluency in number bonds, starting in Key Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2) we make use of Numbots. This is a structured programme which moves pupils progressively through calculating strategies. Pupils are able to move onto the next stage once their knowledge is judged as fluent and consistent. Once knowledge is secure, challenge activities can be unlocked which give pupils the opportunity to practise calculations in timed activities.
From the end of Year 2 and into Key Stage 2 (Years 3, 4, 5 and 6), pupils use Times Tables Rockstars to support them in becoming fluent in their times table knowledge. Similar to Numbots, class teachers choose a starting point for each child in this programme and are able to monitor their progress.
There are many other online games and activities that can support pupils in their acquisition of mathematical skills and knowledge. Pupils are often directed to the Hit The Button website – this is a free site accessed online. You can find our more about homework, reading, phonics and spelling on separate pages on our website.
