Maths
Maths at Petts Hill
Our ambition for every learner:
At Petts Hill we are building a whole new culture of deep understanding, confidence and competence in maths – a culture that produces strong, secure learning and real progress. We are shaping assured, happy and resilient mathematicians who relish the challenge of maths. We are committed to working together to be and give the very best, and to make a difference to every pupil.
Focus on depth- deepening pupils understanding:
At Petts Hill we follow the White Rose scheme of work which is based around the principles of mastery. Following this scheme allows all pupils to benefit from deepening their conceptual understanding of mathematics.
It incorporates concrete, pictorial and abstract approaches to help pupils explore and demonstrate mathematical ideas, enrich their learning experience and deepen understanding.
Concrete – pupils have the opportunity to use concrete
objects and
manipulatives to help them understand and explain what they are doing.
Pictorial – pupils then build on this concrete approach by using pictorial representations. These representations can then be used to reason and solve problems.
Abstract – With the foundations firmly laid, pupils are able to move to an abstract approach using numbers and key concepts with confidence.
What we do to achieve these ambitions:
Problem solving:
Mathematical problem solving is at the heart of our approach. Pupils are encouraged to identify, understand and apply relevant mathematical principles and make connections between different ideas. This builds the skills needed to tackle new problems, rather than simply repeating routines without a secure understanding.
Mathematical concepts are explored in a variety of representations and problem-solving contexts to give pupils a richer and deeper learning experience. Pupils combine different concepts to solve complex problems, and apply knowledge to real-life situations.
Reasoning:
The way pupils speak and write about mathematics transforms their learning. Approaches used are carefully sequenced, structured approach to introduce and reinforce mathematical vocabulary. We are teaching pupils to explain the mathematics in full sentences. Being able to say not just what the answer is, but how they know it is right. This is key to building mathematical language and reasoning skills.
Fluency:
Pupils should be able to recall and apply mathematical knowledge both rapidly and accurately. However, this is not just for memorisation – it is far more than this. As well as fluency of facts and procedures, pupils are taught to move confidently between contexts and representations, recognise relationships and make connections in mathematics. Frequent, carefully designed, intelligent practice from teachers help them to achieve a high level of fluency.
The teaching at Petts Hill enables pupils to truly grasp a concept, and the challenge comes from investigating it in new, alternative and more complex ways. Pupils at Petts Hill become independent, reflective thinkers, whose skills not only liberate them in maths but also support them across the curriculum.
How we measure our success:
Our Maths Curriculum is high quality, well thought out and is planned to demonstrate progression. Children are assessed as to whether they are working within age related expectations. At the end of KS1 an assessment of achievement is made by teacher assessment. In year 4 the children take the National Multiplication Check.
In KS2 children are tested each term, with a final year test in June, in conjunction with teacher assessment. In addition, we measure the impact of our curriculum through the following methods:
- Pupil discussions about their learning; which includes discussion of their thoughts, ideas, processing and evaluations of work.
For more information on the programmes of study for Maths click below: