St Joseph's Catholic Primary School

At St Joseph’s we know that understanding basic mathematics is an essential life skill, and a good start at primary school paves the way for success at secondary school and beyond. Our Scheme of work covers the full scope of the EYFS curriculum (number and numerical patterns) and the National Curriculum. However, it offers even greater challenge to the pupils and teachers alike. This reflects our highly ambitious curriculum that has led to consistently higher than average outcomes in mathematics over the last 12 years. The sequence in which pupils learn concepts is constantly refined to ensure that pupils have plenty of opportunities to overlearn key concepts, so they can commit these to their long-term memory. Focusing on pre skills, practise and repetition allows pupils to free up some aspects of their 'working knowledge' so that they can, overtime, know more and remember more.

Links to mathematics are made across all subjects in the curriculum however dedicated maths lessons take place every day.  Mathematical activities provide opportunities for intellectual challenge, aesthetic pleasure and creativity. Aspects of reasoning and problem solving are woven in throughout our scheme of work to enable pupils to deepen their conditional knowledge.  These are directly linked to the concepts pupils are covering enabling them to apply their knowledge and develop a deeper understanding through fluency. During daily Maths lessons, all pupils take part in a ‘Fluency in Five’ activity, which provides regular opportunities to recap and consolidate prior learning. These short, focused activities allow children to practise and strengthen a range of mathematical skills, including arithmetic, while developing and maintaining fluency in both written and mental calculations. This consistent approach supports pupils in building confidence, accuracy and efficiency when applying their mathematical knowledge and ensures that key skills are regularly revisited and embedded over time.

At St Joseph’s the quality of teaching is most important, with pupils rating a good and enthusiastic teacher as the greatest influence in their enjoyment of mathematics.

In Reception we provide an ambitious framework for success focusing on early number and emphasising the empty set (zero). From year one onwards, pupils are set three ways according to their mathematical understanding. This allows pupils to succeed within their capabilities as well as supporting learners through small groups, dedicated adult support and challenging our most able pupils. We follow our own Scheme of Work tailored to the needs of our pupils. Repetition and overlearning is crucial throughout the Scheme of Work.  Within lessons pupils are building upon their prior knowledge and repeat previous key concepts taught to ensure knowledge becomes embedded into their long-term memory. Mathematical vocabulary, key facts, formulae and methods in each year group are repeated throughout the Scheme of Work to ensure pupils declarative and procedural knowledge.

Our results show excellent progress from entry at foundation stage, through to the end of Year 6 and progress in mathematics was deemed as ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted at our last inspection. In more recent times pupils progress has been recognised by DFE minister Nick Gibb for being in the top 2% of schools in 3 of the last 4 years where published data has been available. (2016, 2017, 2019)

Maths enrichment is an important part of our primary school curriculum, providing opportunities for children to develop their mathematical knowledge, skills and confidence beyond their everyday lessons. We offer engaging Maths Clubs for both KS1 and KS2 pupils, where children can explore mathematical games, challenges and problem-solving activities in a fun and supportive environment. Pupils are also encouraged to take part in a range of times tables competitions, helping to develop fluency, accuracy and enthusiasm for learning. Our Year 5 and Year 6 pupils enjoyed a financial education workshop this year provided by The Money Charity, where they developed valuable knowledge about money, budgeting and making informed financial decisions. We also welcome parents into school for our Year 2 Maths Morning, providing an opportunity for children and families to enjoy practical maths activities together and learn more about how mathematics is taught in school. Through these enrichment opportunities, we aim to promote a positive attitude towards maths and inspire all children to become confident, curious and enthusiastic mathematicians.

Parents can support their child’s mathematical development at home. Board games, puzzles and jigsaws are a great way to provide fun mathematical experiences. It’s also important to show how we use maths skills in our everyday lives and to involve children in activities such as baking and shopping.

Practising Times Tables Year 2 -6 – with a strong understanding of multiplication, children will have a better understanding and succeed in topics such as division and fractions. Times Tables have practical applications in our daily lives. For example, calculating prices when shopping or managing budgets. It is an essential skill for financial literacy and general problem solving. Pupils feel more confident in their mathematical abilities when they have secure knowledge of times tables.

KS1 Maths Resource 

https://whiterosemaths.com/resources/1-minute-maths 

This app helps support children to buiild greater number confidence and fluency. It is targeted practice engaging in one-minute activities.