Maths at Whytemead
I think Maths No Problem is great. We use lots of different things to help us understand the hard maths and it made me able to answer all the questions in my SATs. I love working in my own book.
Mackenzie, Year 6.
At Whytemead, we aim to create a sense of enjoyment and curiosity about mathematics and use a structural approach to ensure that knowledge becomes deeply embedded. We follow the Maths No Problem curriculum, which supports a mastery approach to teaching and learning mathematics, and meets the higher expectations of the National Curriculum. This text book based approach follows a Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract approach, resulting in a more in-depth understanding of each area taught.
We expect pupils to become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics so that they develop conceptual understanding and the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately and be able to solve problems and reason by applying their mathematics to a variety of situations with increasing sophistication, including in unfamiliar contexts. Through mathematical talk, children will develop the ability to articulate, discuss and explain their thinking.
Click here to view videos that explain a little more about the Maths No Problem approach.
We split all our maths lessons into two parts which enables the teachers to identify any children not fully understanding the concept being taught. In the second half of the lesson, the teachers then work with a focus group to iron out these misconceptions. It is known as Same Day Intervention and has ensured a higher level of understanding amongst all children.
Our Maths No Problem Mastery curriculum has three core aims:
- to enable pupils to become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, 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
- to develop reasoning mathematically, by following a line of enquiry, conjecturing relationships and making generalisations [developing an argument, justification or proof and using mathematical language]
- to be able to 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 solutions
These aims are delivered through a coherent journey of small steps, leading to a deep understanding and mastery of the subject. For more understanding of a mastery curriculum, please click here.
In Early Years we believe that developing a strong grounding in number is essential so that all children develop the necessary building blocks to excel mathematically.
We support children to be able to count confidently, develop a deep understanding of the numbers to 10, the relationships between them and the patterns within those numbers. By providing frequent and varied opportunities to build and apply this understanding – such as using manipulatives, including tens frames for organising counting – our children will develop a secure base of knowledge and vocabulary from which mastery of mathematics is built. The children in EYFS work through the start of the Maths No Problem curriculum to ensure they are ready for Year 1.
We teach children to be confident when they have made mistakes with their maths and always look to use these for learning opportunities. It is important that children develop positive attitudes and interests in mathematics, so that they are happy to spot patterns and ‘have a go’. Teaching with Maths No Problem resources enable us to do this.
Understanding and remembering Times Tables is a very important area of our curriculum. The Year 4 children complete the national test set by the government. Clicking here will take you to a link where you can practise.