Maths

Concrete, Pictoral and Abstract

Maths provides pupils with a powerful set of tools with which to calculate, reason and solve problems. The National Curriculum for mathematics describes what must be taught in each year group. At St Andrew’s Junior CE, all year groups follow the National Curriculum (2014) using the school’s long term plan that covers the objectives. Children need to master key mathematics skills, rather than striving to solely achieve the next objective year on year. The aim of the curriculum is to instill a deeper understanding of mathematics, such that it can be applied to different contexts within the field.

It is important to create a whole school approach, of which staff, children, parents and governors have a clear understanding. This agreement reflects how essential mathematics is in the education of our pupils. Understanding the relationships and patterns that form between numbers is important for pupils to solve problems, within their education as well as their everyday life. Therefore it is imperative that a positive attitude towards maths is encouraged amongst all of our pupils, in order to nurture self-confidence and a sense of achievement. To help create this attitude we teach through a concrete, pictoral, abstract approach that develops a deep and sustainable understanding of maths.

Arithmetic

To help pupils become confident mathematicians we have arithmetic lessons on a weekly basis and also have weekly problem solving lessons. These lessons give children seven different approaches to help them confidentially tackle any maths problem. In other lessons through the week children strive to challenge themselves in their learning and do this using a range of resources and equipment to assist them.

TT Rockstars

We also encourage the children to use ‘TT Rockstars’. Times Tables Rock Stars is a carefully sequenced programme of times tables practice. When it comes to times tables, speed AND accuracy are important – the more facts your child remembers, the easier it is for them to do harder calculations. Times Table Rock Stars is a fun and challenging programme designed to help students master the times tables.

The children can become a Times Table Rock Star by answering any multiplication fact up to 12×12 in less than 3 seconds! The fast paced maths games help rapid recall of important facts. Each pupil in our school has a personal login. To access the site click here.

Maths at St. Andrew's website version