Our maths curriculum is enquiry based, fully inclusive and meets the needs of all learners, starting from building strong foundations in our EYFS, supporting and challenging them on their journey to being secondary ready, and ultimately ensuring that they are equipped with the cultural capital, skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the future.
Our vision for maths is to encourage all of our pupils to develop their knowledge and understanding of maths and we aim for ALL pupils to enjoy and achieve in becoming confident, independent mathematicians.
We believe that a broad and balanced maths education is the entitlement of all pupils, regardless of ethnic origin, gender, class, aptitude or disability. It is our vision that all pupils during their journey will display the essential characteristics of mathematicians:
An understanding of the important concepts and an ability to make connections within maths
A broad range of skills in using and applying maths
Fluent knowledge and recall of number facts and the number system
The ability to show initiative in reasoning and problem solving in a wide range of contexts
The ability to think independently and show resilience when faced with challenges
The ability to embrace the value of learning from mistakes
The ability to reason, think systematically and make sense of solutions
Fluency in performing written and mental calculations and mathematical techniques
A wide range of mathematical vocabulary
A commitment and passion for the subject.
Early Learning Goals
Mathematical Vocabulary
Children at the expected level of development will:
Participate in a small group, class and one-to-one discussions, offering their own ideas, using recently introduced vocabulary
Number and Place Value
Children at the expected level of development will:
Verbally count beyond 20, recognising the pattern of the counting system
Subitise (recognise quantities without counting) up to 5
Compare quantities up to 10 in different contexts, recognising when one quantity is greater than, less than or the same as the other quantity
Have a deep understanding of numbers to 10, including the composition of each number
Addition and Subtraction
Children at the expected level of development will:
Automatically recall (without reference to rhymes, counting or other aids) number bonds up to 5 (including subtraction facts) and some number bonds to 10, including double facts
Explore and represent patterns within numbers up to 10, including evens and odds, double facts and how quantities can be distributed equally.
Maths National Curriculum Aims
In line with the Maths Programmes of Study KS1 and KS2 the school aims to ensure that all pupils:
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
Reason mathematically by following a line of enquiry, conjecturing relationships and generalisations, and developing an argument, justification or proof using mathematical language
Can solve problems by applying their mathematics to a variety of routine and non-routine problems with increasing sophistication, including breaking down problems into a series of simpler steps and persevering in seeking solution.
For further information regarding the National Curriculum for Maths, please click here.
Maths Implementation
From the beginnings of maths teaching in our EYFS, we build strong learning blocks within ‘Number’ counting readily with numbers up to 20. Within ‘shape, space and measure’ children use everyday language to describe and compare objects around them.
The teaching of maths at Biggin Hill Primary Academy is carefully designed, planned and implemented to ensure that all pupils are challenged to fulfil their potential. Maths lessons are rich in resources, vocabulary, questioning and content enabling them to develop mastery of the aims of the National Curriculum.
Maths lessons are taught discretely to give depth and breadth to the curriculum area. Lessons are designed to build on prior knowledge using small steps to deepen the children’s understanding of mathematical concepts. Wherever possible maths is incorporated through a thematic approach which ensures children are thoroughly engaged and enriched. This also helps to connect mathematical concepts and support the transference of skills.
At the beginning of a maths lesson you will see a planned opportunity to revisit and reinforce prior learning and key skills. ‘Hooks’ are used to engage pupils into learning and give the teacher an insight into prior knowledge and levels of understanding.
Throughout the children’s maths journey, you will see children taking part in: Fluency, reasoning and applying skills to problem solving. Pupils learn concepts through concrete resources (manipulatives), use of pictorial representations and movement into the abstract. Our pupils are encouraged to make links between the three approaches to learning.
MyMaths is an online resource which is used to set homework throughout the school. If you would like any further information, please speak to your child's class teacher.
Maths Impact
The maths curriculum is assessed against the following:
Measurement and geometry
Number – calculations
Number- place value and fractions
Statistics
Ratio, proportion and algebra (year 6 only).
The impact of the maths curriculum is measured through regular book scrutinies, subject specific learning walks, teacher and pupil discussions and data analysis. The school leadership team, Maths leaders and governors regularly review the Maths curriculum to ensure that pupils are supported in becoming confident, independent mathematicians.
If you would like to find out more about how to support your child in maths at home please view our School Calculation Policy below.