Mathematics

The focus of the maths curriculum in Reception is on ensuring children have an excellent understanding of the basic concepts of number along with a real-world understanding of maths through shape, space and measurement. Children are taught how to write numbers but the focus is on the understanding of the concepts.

We use an innovative, focused program of work which teaches children mathematical concepts practically first, before moving on to pictorial representations and finally the abstract recording.

In Key Stage 1 and 2 we follow a mastery maths curriculum.

Children are taught using the following structure:

1. Starter- Retrieval Practice: Knowing More, Remembering More activity, consisting of 4 questions recapping prior learning.  

2. Multiplication Practice: Review of the times tables for the year group. 

3. Pre-assessment: The teacher will share the Learning Intention with the class and allow children time to choose their starting point for the lesson. A red question should be available for children to check prior knowledge and the teacher can use this as a tool for assessment for learning. 
 

4. Guided practice: (10 minutes) – Here the teacher gives a whole-class input, with lots of opportunities for children to talk to their partner about particular questions, apply their learning to mini-tasks, and clarify misconceptions (The teacher isn’t talking for 10 minutes).  

5. Understanding Check: This can be in the form of a reasoning/application question for children to apply their knowledge.  

6. Independent Activities: (15-20 minutes) – Here the children are independently completing the fluency, reasoning/application and problem-solving tasks.  

When teaching a practical photo lesson, record the learning on a sheet with the L.O, Date and photos.  

Depending on the length of the unit, a consolidation lesson will be conducted at the end of the unit to assess and challenge pupils reasoning and understanding of the unit. For greater depth children, reasoning and problem-solving activities will be available.   

Documents