Mathematics at Woodthorne
TEACHING MATHEMATICS IN SCHOOL
The basic skills of mathematics are vital for the life opportunities of our children. Our aim is for all children to think mathematically, enabling them to reason and solve problems effectively- experiencing a sense of awe and wonder as they solve a problem for the first time, discover different solutions and make links between different areas of mathematics.
To become competent with and to gain a deep understanding of new mathematical concepts, we follow a concrete-pictorial-abstract approach:
Concrete
Children have opportunities to use concrete (practical) objects and manipulatives to help them understand what they are doing.
Pictorial
Alongside the concrete, children use pictorial representations (where they are exposed to a range of representations to help draw out mathematical structures). These representations then help children to reason and problem solve.
Abstract
Both concrete and pictorial representations support children’s understanding of abstract methods.
This approach contributes to children’s conceptual understanding and conceptual understanding supports retention, which is our ultimate goal.
Wherever possible, we try to make links to Maths across the curriculum, providing children with opportunities to consolidate and enhance their maths skills. Applying and developing skills across the curriculum allow children to become more confident at tackling maths in any context, particularly real life situations.
How can you support your child?
We follow our school’s ‘Written Calculation Policy’ when teaching calculation (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division).To support us with this, when completing any homework with your child please follow the same methods as we are teaching in school to avoid any confusion. Please see below for our written and virtual calculation policies.
WHY IS MATHS IMPORTANT TO OUR CHILDREN?
Sam - Year 2
I like adding and taking away because I like to see what number it will end up with. I love all of the signs: dividing, times, plus take away
Yatin - Year 2
I love all the calculation methods because it’s fun to get the answers right. Maths helps me in other subjects too
Disha - Year 6
It’s interesting because you can give correct answers really quickly. It’s helpful if you want to work in a bank or in any other job
Kyra - Year 1
I love doing number bonds and reasoning and we say why it is or isn’t right
HOW YOU CAN HELP YOUR CHILD WITH MATHEMATICS
Support for Early Years parents
The following extracts have been taken from our school Pre-Calculation Policy for Early Years Children.
Please select the relevant year group for your child to view resources which will help you support them.
Nursery
Reception
SUPPORT FOR KEY STAGE ONE AND TWO PARENTS
The following extracts have been taken from our school Calculation Policy for Key Stage One and Two children.
Please select the relevant year group for your child to view resources which will help you support them.
LOOK OUT FOR OUR VIRTUAL FRACTIONS POLICY – COMING SOON!
Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check (MTC)
In June each year, pupils in Year 4 will sit the multiplication tables check (MTC). The MTC is an online test for pupils in Year 4. Pupils are asked to answer 25 questions on times tables from two to twelve either on an ipad or a laptop. Pupils are given six seconds per question, with three seconds rest between each question, so the test should last less than five minutes. The MTC will establish which pupils’ times tables knowledge is at the expected level and will also help identify which pupils are struggling with their times tables so that they can get extra support.
Questions about the six, seven, eight, nine, and twelve times tables are likely to come up most often and as these are the hardest for most children to learn, it is a good idea to focus on learning these tricky times tables with your child.
“Leaving primary school with a fundamental grasp of basic numeracy is as important as leaving being able to read. And just as the phonics check has helped more children learn to read, this will ensure more pupils know their times tables.”
Nick Gibb, schools minister.
Please click on the link below for more information:
Government Information for Parents – MTC