Maths Overview

Mathematics is integral to all aspects of life and, with this in mind, we endeavour to ensure that children develop a positive and enthusiastic attitude towards Mathematics that will stay with them throughout their lives.  Maths helps children to make sense of the world around them, this is achieved by understanding relationships and patterns in; quantity, space, shape and measure in everyday life.  At St Augustine’s Catholic Primary School, Mathematics is taught daily.  Children receive a formal maths lesson and also have hands-on practical experience of mathematical activities across the curriculum.  Our aim is to make maths relevant, achievable and fun for all.

Mrs McInnes

Mathematics Co-ordinator

Programme of Study

Here at St Augustine’s, we follow The Gateshead Core Curriculum for our Maths teaching.  This is a Spiral Curriculum following the National Curriculum for Key Stages 1 and 2.  Each area of Maths is broken down into topics, which are then revisited throughout the year.  We use a range of DFE-approved resources to deliver and supplement the curriculum to match the needs of the children.

What does Maths look like at St Augustine's?

Non-Negotiables

We have identified key objectives (non-negotiables) that we believe are the fundamental building blocks for children to access and achieve across the maths curriculum.  Revisiting these concepts frequently facilitates the retention of strategies and supports them being retained into the children’s long-term memory.

Through our ambitious curriculum, we aim for children to become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, including through varied and frequent practice with increasingly complex problems over time, so that pupils develop conceptual understanding and the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately. All pupils should be able to use spoken and written language with confidence and clarity to explain and justify mathematical reasoning and have a deep conceptual understanding of mathematical concepts and be flexible and resourceful problem solvers.

We use a Mastery approach to teaching and learning Maths and through, our children benefit from an improved learning retention and they will develop mathematical understanding, reasoning and problem-solving abilities that will stay with them even after they have left St Augustine’s.

Our curriculum is designed so all learners can achieve. The ‘5 a day approach’ and Rosenshine principles are used when planning and teaching maths across school. We use flexible grouping within our lessons. At the planning stage, teachers consider what scaffolding may be required for children who may struggle to understand certain concepts in the lesson and suitable ‘rich tasks’ for those who may grasp the concepts more rapidly. Additional high-quality materials that enhance the delivery of lessons may include:

-       NCETM spine Teaching materials

-       NCETM Teaching for Mastery resources

-       NCETM Progression maps KS1 & KS2

-       NRICH for rich and sophisticated problems.

-       Gareth Metcalfe “I See Reasoning,” “I See Problem solving.”

-       Online – TT Rockstars,

-       White Rose Problem Solving Tasks

Reception and KS1 take part in the Mastering Number programme. The aim over time is that children will leave KS1 with fluency in calculation and a confidence and flexibility with number. Attention will be given to key knowledge and understanding needed in Reception classes, and progression through KS1 to support success in the future. 

Early Years

Children are exposed to Maths throughout the day in Early Years.  It is evident in the established classroom routines, their environment and in the teaching of discrete Maths lessons. Mathematics involves providing children with opportunities to develop and improve their skills in counting, understanding and using numbers, sequencing, classifying, grouping, ordering and creating patterns, calculating simple addition and subtraction problems and to describe shapes, spaces, and measure.  Children use a range of concrete apparatus, including Numicon, to ensure they have a firm understanding of mathematical concepts.

Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2

Lessons in Key Stage Two begin each lesson with ‘Fast Five’ where the children answer five questions from previously taught concepts: the non-negotiables.  Children in Key Stage One have their understanding of number enriched by a daily session of Mastering Number alongside a Fast Five session.  Problem solving and reasoning activities are integrated in all elements of the maths curriculum in order to bring it to life in ways that engage every pupil. We teach using a Concrete, Pictorial and Abstract approach to ensure the children have a firm understanding of the concepts they are being taught.  This is also evident in our calculation policy to ensure the children have a sound understanding of the formal written calculation methods.

Subject Coverage

Reception

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 3/4

Year 4

Year 5

Year 5/6

Year 6

Multiplication and division facts

The recall of multiplication and division facts are essential for children for children to access a range of mathematical concepts.  In June, Year 4 complete a Multiplication Test Check (MTC).

The purpose of the check is to determine whether pupils can fluently recall their times tables up to 12, which is essential for future success in mathematics. It will also help your child’s school to identify pupils who may need additional support.  The MTC is an on-screen check consisting of 25 times tables questions. Your child will answer 3 practice questions before moving on to the official check, and will then have 6 seconds to answer each question. On average, the check should take no longer than 5 minutes to complete.

Information for parents can be found following this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/multiplication-tables-check-information-for-parents

Times Table Rock Stars

When it comes to times tables, speed and accuracy are important – the more facts a 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 pupils master their times tables.  It is recommended that children do several short bursts of times table practice per week to build up their speed and accuracy.

This programme can be accessed online at https://ttrockstars.com

Each child in Year 2 – 6 has their own username and password.  Pupils can also access the Times Table Rockstars app, which can be downloaded from an Android or Apple device.  School has subscribed to the website and the app, therefore there is no cost to families.

Class teachers will set tables for children on Times Tables Rock Stars.  Teacher set tables are available in Garage mode.  To improve their rock speed, children should regularly access Studio mode.  In multiplayer mode, Rock Arena allows players to compete against all other members of their class and questions will only come from the times tables the teacher has set for the week, similar to the Garage.    Rock Festival  games are open to players from around the world.  Questions are selected at random from 1×1 to 12×12.

The children complete activities at school, however they should also access the website or app at home to make the most of the programme.  Each time they log in and play, they receive rewards that can be spent improving their avatar, as well as gaining certificates.

Whole School Events

As a school, we take part in various events to allow for children to share in a common theme of learning. In November, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 celebrate in Maths Week England by participating in Time Table Rock Stars ‘Rock Out’ competition to compete against other schools nationally to be the most dedicated Time Table Rock Stars school.

Useful Links

Here are some useful websites and apps your child might enjoying using to support them in their learning: