At East Coker, we believe that success in mathematics for every child is possible. A high-quality mathematics education provides a foundation for understanding the world, the ability to reason mathematically, an appreciation of the beauty and power of mathematics, and a sense of enjoyment and curiosity about the subject.

Aims of our Maths Curriculum

In line with the National Curriculum Objectives for Mathematics, our aim is that all pupils:

• Develop a positive ‘Can do’ attitude towards mathematics.
• Become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, through varied and frequent practice, in order to develop conceptual understanding and the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately.
• Develop the ability to solve problems, to reason, to think logically and work systematically.
• Are able to work independently and in co-operation with others.
• Use mathematical language to describe, discuss, examine, explain, justify and synthesize.
• Have opportunities to use and apply mathematics across the curriculum and in real-life.
• Leave, at the end of KS2, as confident, independent mathematicians with the knowledge and skills to be successful at secondary school, and in the wider world.

How do we teach maths at East Coker?

We follow the National Curriculum and use the White Rose Scheme to guide our teaching, ensuring that:

• Mental maths skills are reinforced in each lesson.
• A concrete, picture, abstract approach is used for all pupils.
• Our lessons are designed to systematically build on skills learned in earlier year groups and in earlier terms.
• Misconceptions are part of the learning process and time to address these is planned into lessons accordingly.
• Interventions take place for groups of children needing extra input. This is flexible to accommodate those who need support for the particular lesson.
• Where possible, links are made with other subjects across the curriculum.

The mastery approach involves breaking down complex concepts into smaller learning objectives. This way, pupils develop a deep understanding of maths and are better equipped to memorise key information taught within their year group.

Teaching for mastery, allows for depth and breadth of learning within each strand of mathematics. It is an interconnected subject in which pupils need to be able to move fluently between representations of mathematical ideas. Pupils should make rich connections in order to develop fluency, mathematical reasoning and competence in solving problems.

Maths mastery lessons often follow a specific structure which enables whole class teaching to meet the needs of all learners.

How do we implement a mastery approach?

• Concrete and pictorial resources are used to underpin conceptual understanding. Practical resources are available to all children across the school and their use is actively demonstrated and encouraged by staff.
• Skilful questioning by teaching staff encourages deep thinking and reasoning.
• Displays in classrooms are regularly updated to support learning with pictorial representations of concepts and procedures and relevant mathematical language.
• Our K.P.A.S (Know, Practice, Apply and Stretch) approach to lessons, allows children to be scaffolded and challenged accordingly.
• Children are provided with feedback either verbally or through written marking in line with the school’s marking policy. Rapid intervention and/or pre-teaching takes place after lessons enabling all children to be ready for the next step of their maths learning.

What happens if my child is in a mixed-age class?

Teachers in mixed-age classes use the White Rose Mixed-Age schemes to support the delivery of maths, ensuring all children are taught to the expected standard within their year group. Where the curriculum content aligns, pupils will generally be taught as a whole class with independent tasks differentiated for each year group. Where the content is different, pupils will be taught separately.  

KIRFS

KIRFs (Key Instant Recall Facts) are designed to support the development of the mental skills that underpin much of our mathematical learning in school. They are particularly useful when calculating, be it adding, subtracting, multiplying or dividing.

An important part of maths development has always been rote learning of certain maths facts. For many years this has included practising times tables and addition facts, such as number bonds and doubles.

Children will practice these facts within our key skills sessions to ensure 

that they know these facts thoroughly and can recall them instantly. 

Wider Opportunities

Maths skills and knowledge are regularly applied in many other curriculum areas and within real-life contexts. For example, children are required to apply statistical knowledge when handling data in science and geography; use their knowledge of measurement in design and technology lessons and draw upon their understanding of number to position events on historical timelines. 

       Leonardo Helicopters is one of the largest employers in our local area and they regularly offer outreach activities to local schools. Our Year 5 and 6 pupils always enjoy becoming engineers and taking part in their 'Cool Aeronautics' STEM days. 

       Across the school, we regularly hold Times Table Rockstars Tournaments where children compete to win the TTRS Class Champion Trophy, we take part in the NSPCC Number Day and run a STEM club for Year 3 & 4 children in the autumn term.

How can I support my child's learning?

White Rose Maths has created a selection of videos entitled 'Maths with Michael' that explains the different areas of maths and how parents can support their child's learning at home.

For guidance on the specific methods of calculation that your child will be taught, please refer to your child's class page or our calculation policy. 

Please speak to your child's class teacher if you have any questions or concerns.