Mathematics
Mrs Natalie Jarvis
Mathematics Subject Leader
At Telford Infant School we believe that every child is capable of success and can develop positive attitudes and interests in mathematics, a core subject of the curriculum and a vital part of everyday life. As an infants school, our curriculum aim is to ensure that by the time they leave our school, all pupils have a passion for maths and are curious about number, shape and measure in the world around them. Ensuring that all pupils have a strong understanding of number and place value and are fluent mathematicians, not only in their quick recall of number facts such as the bonds, doubles and halves, but in their ability to apply this knowledge to a given problem. This provides a solid foundation in the basic mathematical skills vital for everyday life and future learning in mathematics.
In the Early Years, pupils develop a strong grounding of numbers up to 10. The importance of spotting relationships, patterns and the connections between these numbers is of great importance, laying the foundations for the children’s future enjoyment and learning in mathematics.
Daily Maths Lessons
At our school, we use the mastery approach. This supports the children to develop fluency and build a deeper understanding of the maths they have learnt. We use the Department for Education recommended scheme Power Maths across the school, where children are given the opportunity to apply their skills and knowledge when problem solving and reason in a variety of different contexts. More information on mastery can be found in the useful links section below.
In our lessons, there is a strong focus upon the use of practical equipment during our maths lessons, such as concrete objects and the use of a range of models and images, supporting the children to gain a deeper conceptual understand of the different areas of mathematics. When teaching, we understand the importance of speech and language skills when learning in mathematics, with staff using ‘stem sentences,’ modelling clear language to support children with their understanding of mathematics and helping them to explain their mathematical thinking.
Number Facts and Understanding Number
Within Key Stage One, the children have regular Maths Blast sessions, using the Maths Number Sense programme, which supports children with their mathematical fluency in being able to recall and apply number facts rapidly and accurately. In the Early Years, as well as Power Maths, the children watch Number Blocks, aimed at introducing and deepening children's understanding of early number.
Across the school, teachers plan for a range of different opportunities that allow pupils to apply and use their mathematics skills in a range of other curriculum areas and contexts, for example in Science, Design Technology and Computing.
How your child will make progress in Mathematics during their time at Telford Infant School.
Learning throughout the school is incremental, with the whole class taught together focussing on depth, so that all children have the chance to embed learning. Where needed, pupils are given targeted maths interventions and ‘reactive teach’ sessions, to ensure that they are ready to continue with the learning sequence. For a very small number of pupils who require an individualised curriculum, teachers will adapt and plan the curriculum to meet the specific needs of learners.
Examples of activities from Year 2 Maths transition day.
A Harry Potter based maths game.
We all included different number facts in our number games.
We all had a great time.
Mrs Pugsley shared with us how she uses maths to check Henry the tortoise's weight.
Ms Roberts needs to use her maths skills when she completes her crochet.
Mrs Pugsley used a protractor and ruler when measuring for her latest sewing project.
Mrs Jarvis has to weigh out the food for Kona the Guide Dog. He also gets weighed each week when he is at work.
In Year 2 we have been completing some fun Christmas Maths activities. We have had to use our problem solving skills and reasoning.
One of the problems involved identifying missing numbers.
Another problem was a 2D shape problem.