Mathematics
OUR Mathematics Curriculum
Download: Scroll through the PDF below to find out more about our Mathematics Curriculum.
At Olveston CEVC Primary School, we are committed to fostering a genuine enthusiasm and love of learning for mathematics among our children. We firmly believe that every child has the potential to succeed in mathematics. We use White Rose Maths as a resource for our mastery approach and the principles of this approach include: representation and structure, mathematical thinking, fluency, variation and coherence.
At the start
In Our EYFS program, we focus on developing strong number sense in our children using the NCTEM mastering number scheme. Through taught session and continuous provision, we introduce new learning each week to reinforce their understanding. Year 1 and 2 complete the NCTEM mastering number scheme alongside the mathematics curriculum setting fifteen minutes aside daily to really embed those fundamental number skills. We believe that the early development of maths not only build mathematical confidence it also helps form the love of maths. In Key Stage 1 we use White Rose to plan lessons and ensure a progressive mathematical approach.
The Second Phase
In Key stage 2, we build on the strong foundations set in KS1. We continue to base our planning on the White Rose small steps. We teaching sequence into manageable small steps and effectively apply the concrete, pictorial, abstract (CPA) approach. During daily teaching, our class teachers provide STEM sentences and modelling to encourage mathematical discussions, reasoning and problem-solving skills.
For children who need further support, we provide scaffolds to ensure they fully grasp concepts before moving on. These scaffolds are likely to involve using concrete resources (physical manipulatives) or practical representations. For children who grasp the learning quickly, we provide variations to deepen their understanding and challenge them further within their age-related curriculum.
Our calculation policy is utilised with great care to ensure that children are not pushed beyond their level, but rather given opportunities to deepen their understanding within it. Problem solving ‘Explore it’ tasks are very popular among our children!
Our Maths Curriculum has four overarching aims:
- To foster positive attitudes, fascination and excitement of discovery through the teaching and learning of mathematical concepts.
- To ensure pupils become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, developing conceptual knowledge and an ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately.
- To ensure that pupils can reason mathematically and solve problems.
- For our children to develop a ‘can do’ attitude and see themselves as mathematicians.
What does this look like in the long term?
By the time Year 6 comes to an end and children transition to secondary school, our goal is for Olveston mathematicians to possess a profound, lasting, secure and adaptable comprehension of the subject. This understanding will be built upon the CPA process, ensuring that children fully grasp the concepts rather than simply memorising steps. As a result, they will be able to identify when answers do not align with mathematical logic. Furthermore, these skills in calculations and understanding will empower them to confront problems with confidence and resilience.
Feedback from secondary schools shows that the children of Olveston have a strong mathematical understanding and continue their success in to secondary education.
