Early Mathematics is the development of young children’s skills from being able to count and recognise shape, to the ability to recognise, order, compare and calculate increasingly larger numbers in a variety of ways, measure, read time, handle money, fluently recall number facts, recognise shape and their properties and provides them with the skills in how to problem solve, reason and be resilient within their learning.
Children do not automatically learn this and skills need to be specifically taught that are sequential and progressive to develop knowledge and skills which can be securely demonstrated by our pupils. Providing high-quality learning experiences, allows us to create the necessary foundation to help children master essential Mathematical
understanding and problem solving skills.
Once children have these necessary foundations, their journey in Mathematics continues through increasingly more complicated calculations, mathematical concepts, reasoning and problem solving that both engage and further develop their skills as a Mathematician.
Maths is an essential element of the Knypersley curriculum with clear, progressive learning that is child centred, creating curious resilient learners.
Our Curriculum Intention:
To ensure the children have a sound understanding of all mathematical concepts, we use the CPA approach (Concrete, Pictorial and Abstract). Children need to make links between practical equipment, pictures and abstract numbers because they learn in different ways. The CPA approach helps children learn new ideas and build on their existing knowledge by introducing abstract concepts in a more familiar and tangible way.
We build on this with rich connections across mathematical ideas to develop fluency, mathematical reasoning and competence in solving increasingly sophisticated problems.
This ensures that across the Children First Learning Partnership we provide a high quality maths curriculum that is both challenging and enjoyable, whilst expanding inquisitive and resilient minds.
Our Mathematics Policy:
At Knypersley we aim to achieve the following from our Mathematics curriculum:
- ‘Mastery’ is something we want all children to achieve and involves utilising a range of strategies to help children develop a deep and secure knowledge and understanding of maths.
- All staff model positive attitudes towards maths and a belief that all pupils can succeed.
- An enjoyment and curiosity of mathematics and for children to feel confident to become successful;
- Children’s abilities to use and apply mathematics to solve problems in both the classroom and in ‘real life’ contexts;
- A confidence to communicate ideas in written form and orally;
- Independent and collaborative ways of working, encouraging children to share ideas and solve problems together;
- A wide range of mathematical vocabulary to be modelled and used in the classroom;
- The children’s ability to recall mental facts accurately and quickly and using effective written calculation methods;
- Children’s logical thinking, reasoning and ability to problem solve as transferable life skills.
The document below details maths at Knypersley.
The calculation policy shows the methods we teach to solve addition, subtraction, multiplication and division problems and the progression across the school. At Knypersley children are taught a range of mental and pencil-and-paper methods, and encouraged to consider when different methods are appropriate and efficient.
To ensure the highest emphasis is placed on both the teaching and the learning of new knowledge and skills we have also clarified when it will take place within our topics and the subject specific gains our children will make in terms of what they will know and be able to do.