St John Bosco R. C. Primary
SchoolMaths
Intent
At St John Bosco RC Primary School, we are dedicated to providing our pupils with a comprehensive and adaptable mathematics curriculum that caters to their individual learning needs. Our primary objective is to ensure that this curriculum offers comprehensive coverage and progressive development throughout their educational journey, empowering every child to evolve into confident mathematicians.
We believe in fostering rich connections across all aspects of mathematics, nurturing fluency, reasoning, and problem-solving skills. Our classrooms are designed to be vibrant centres of discussion, where students engage in meaningful conversations with both their peers and teachers. We encourage our students to use mathematical vocabulary effectively, as this plays a crucial role in their ability to communicate and apply their knowledge.
Our committed teachers create an environment where children not only enjoy but also excel in mathematics, enabling them to realize their full potential. Our curriculum is flexible, and designed to accommodate students with special educational needs (SEND) and those for whom English is an additional language.
At St John Bosco RC Primary School, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive in mathematics. We intend that our pupils will be able to work with confidence across the different areas of maths; use numbers fluently and solve problems being able to explain their reasoning with accurate mathematical vocabulary. Importantly, they will understand how maths is used in real life. Together, we aim to inspire young mathematicians who are prepared to tackle any challenges they encounter and make a positive impact in the world.
In practice:
Maths is taught daily for one hour from Y1 to Y6. Power Maths, as recommended by the government, is the main maths resource for our school. It ensures there is a clear roadmap for teaching mathematics from Reception to Year 6. The flexibility built into the scheme allows teachers to adapt the curriculum to meet the specific needs of their students. Power Maths is supplemented by White Rose Maths and other resources chosen specifically by teacher to meet the needs of their students. Previously taught concepts are revisited during early morning work each day.
The Concrete, Pictorial, and Abstract (CPA) approach we model to the children is a proven method for teaching maths concepts progressively. Our teachers use concrete materials, visual representations, and abstract symbols to help students understand and apply mathematical concepts effectively.
Children also have a weekly “hands on maths” lesson. One week is maths games and problem solving puzzles, the following (alternative week) the children use Freckle Maths (an online Maths tool which they follow at their own attainment level) to reinforce and embed prior learning.
In addition to Power Maths in Reception, staff in Nursery and Reception provide daily opportunities for children to explore maths independently, through teacher-led activities and through songs and games.
In addition to the daily maths lesson we have the following:
Mastering Number Sessions: 4 x 15 minute sessions per week, these sessions, in EYFS, KS1, Y4 & Y5, help ensure a strong understanding of foundational number concepts, which is essential for higher-level maths.
Times Tables: To ensure that children have rapid recall of multiplication facts, children complete a weekly times tables test and use Times Tables Rock Stars.
Active Maths – our orienteering course can be used for maths fluency and problem solving.
Cross-Curricular Links: We aim to integrate maths into other subjects like science and topics, which show students the real-world applications of mathematics and how it's relevant beyond the classroom.
Our goal is to foster a positive attitude towards maths and develop fluency, reasoning, and problem-solving skills. These skills not only help students excel in mathematics but also prepare them for success in many aspects of life.
Homework:
All children from Year 3 – Year 6 are expected to practice their timestables at home each week. These are tested weekly in school
Children in Y1-Y4 are given weekly “additional” homework. Non completion of “additional” homework is not be monitored or sanctioned.
Children in Y5 & 6 have compulsory weekly online SATs companion homework
How can parents and families help?
EYFS - Nursery and Reception
- Count everywhere: Incorporate counting into your daily routines and activities.
- Game-based Learning: Engage your child in simple board games that involve counting.
- Shape Exploration: Talk about the shapes you see and allow your child to touch them were possible.
- Singing songs and nursery rhymes: 10 green bottles, 5 current buns in a bakers shop. This is a great way of practice speech and language too.
https://uk.ixl.com/maths/reception
https://ictgames.com/mobilePage/hamster/index.html
http://www.mathszone.net/mw/penguin/
https://www.lovemaths.me/operations-f-2
KS1 - Year 1 and Year 2
Discuss maths when you are out and about. Talk about “More or less,” “greater or smaller.” Encourage counting games and adding up small amounts when you are shopping.
https://uk.ixl.com/maths/year-1
http://www.mathszone.net/mw/penguin/VariableBonds5To100/
https://www.lovemaths.me/operations-f-2
https://www.youtube.com/@michaelminas6989/videos
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQlwIigQhPE
https://www.youtube.com/@Maths4Kids/videos
LKS2 - Year 3 and Year 4
Encourage your child to be resilient, they are building up their bank of skills. If they find something hard, remind them that with practice it will get easier.
https://ictgames.com/mobilePage/monsterTruck/index.html
https://ictgames.com/sharkNumbers/mobile/index.html
https://www.lovemaths.me/number-36
https://www.youtube.com/@michaelminas6989/videos
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQlwIigQhPE
https://www.youtube.com/@Maths4Kids/videos
UKS2 - Year 5 and Year 6
Be positive about maths (whatever your experience is). Please don’t tell your child you hated maths it is not going to encourage them to try harder. Look online for explanations if you are stuck with homework or send a note into the class teacher.
https://ictgames.com/mobilePage/monsterTruck/index.html
https://www.math-play.com/Place-Value-Millionaire/place-value-millionaire-game_html5.html
https://www.lovemaths.me/number-36
https://www.youtube.com/@michaelminas6989/videos
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQlwIigQhPE
https://www.youtube.com/@Maths4Kids/videos