Maths

Maths at Pendle

Subject Leader: Annmarie Ridgway

At Pendle we strongly feel that mathematics is important in everyday life.  With this in mind we endeavour to ensure that children develop a healthy and enthusiastic attitude towards mathematics that will be useful and relevant to them as they grow up.  

At Pendle Primary School we aim to:

• develop a positive attitude to mathematics as an interesting and attractive subject in which all children gain some success and pleasure;
• develop mathematical understanding through systematic direct teaching of appropriate learning objectives;
• encourage the effective use of mathematics as a tool in a wide range of activities within school and, subsequently, adult life;
• develop an ability in the children to express themselves fluently, to talk about the subject with assurance, using correct mathematical language and vocabulary;
• develop an appreciation of relationships within mathematics;
• develop ability to think clearly and logically with independence of thought and flexibility of mind;
• develop an appreciation of creative aspects of mathematics and awareness of its aesthetic appeal;
• develop mathematical skills and knowledge and quick recall of basic facts

Teaching and Learning Style

The school uses the Mastery approach for the teaching of mathematics from Year 1 to Year 6. This approach is based on small steps of learning and focuses on the idea that all pupils can achieve depth in their learning, which can be accomplished by using key principles including:

- representation and structure 
- coherence 
- mathematical thinking 
- variation
- fluency 

Our principle aim is to develop children’s knowledge, skills and understanding in mathematics.  We do this through a discrete, daily maths lesson that begins with a recap of prior learning. Each lesson follows the structure of: an initial problem, guided learning and tasks, followed by independent work. Deeper learning tasks are also used to challenge and extend children's mathematical thinking. During these lessons, we encourage children to use correct mathematical vocabulary, stem sentences and Maths talk. A wide range of manipulatives are used in lessons such as number lines, number squares, base ten, tens frames, part part whole models and place value counters. 

In addition to the daily maths lessons, in EYFS and KS1 the children have Mastering Number sessions to develop their knowledge of number facts.  In KS2, we incorporate a Tough Ten task, which focuses on developing fluency of number facts. These tasks revise and consolidate prior learning.

Maths within EYFS is guided by the requirements and recommendations set out in the Statutory Framework for the EYFS (2023) and with guidance from Development Matters and Birth to 5 Matters. There are two early learning goals for mathematics; Number and Numerical Patterns.  Children work towards these goals through practical experiences, and the use of Number Fun. Lessons are planned to introduce concepts that the children then explore through a mixture of adult led and child initiated activities. 

We enhance maths at Pendle by providing exciting opportunities to embed maths throughout the curriculum, ensuring that children have the opportunity to use the maths skills appropriate to their year group expectations in a range of cross-curricular work, for example, data handling in science, map work in Geography.

We endeavour to revisit and revise prior knowledge through a range of fun, engaging, quick fire games, which includes opportunities to use outdoor learning to engage and embed facts.

We actively promote the online learning tool ‘Times Table Rock Stars’ to provide a fun way to support children with the rapid recall of times table facts. The children enjoy competing against one another, against classes within school and against other local schools, we celebrate children’s personal achievements.