“The only way to learn mathematics is to do mathematics.”— Paul Halmos

Our Curriculum

At The Lea, we believe that every child can be successful in mathematics.  We use White Rose Maths as our spine curriculum and combine this with the development of mastery through our involvement in Maths Mastery from the NCETM (National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics). We believe the best way to learn, and to retain that learning, is to plan for progression in daily and weekly learning using small, sequential steps. These small steps help to develop a secure understanding of the mathematics taught and ensures that children move forward at broadly the same pace; this means that most children will be working on the same area of mathematics at the same time. We understand that children come to school with a wide and varying set of experiences and ‘starting points’ and work to ensure all children make good progress and have equity in their learning.   By the end of their time with us, we aim to have embedded the basic skills and foundations they need for future learning and fostered a desire to ‘find out more’.

Year 1 Maths Curriculum White Rose 

Year 2 Maths Curriculum White Rose

Year 3 Maths Curriculum White Rose

Year 4 Maths Curriculum White Rose

Year 5 Maths Curriculum White Rose

Year 6 Maths Curriculum White Rose

In the classroom

At The Lea, children are taught rules and patterns within areas of maths rather than just a technique to find an answer. A ‘ping-pong’ style of teaching, where ideas and activities move regularly between the teacher and learners and back again, enables the children to practice at each stage of the learning sequence, drawing out questions and ’sticking points’ which adults are able to address ‘on the spot’. The opportunity to make deep connections are highlighted in each lesson, so children are able to link previous learning with new, and questions are carefully planned to develop children of all abilities and to extend children working at greater depth.

Practicing the concept through a variety of representations is important to ensure deep understanding and to make connections. We use the Concrete (apparatus and real-life contexts) Pictorial (images and models to represent the maths) and Abstract (working with numbers and symbols) approach in lessons (CPA) to support this. This supports their visualisation of the mathematics and how it can be applied.

Practising our learning

‘The best way to understanding is a few good examples’ Isaac Newton

Using the Early Years Foundation Stage framework and Early Learning Goals, Mathematics in Nursery and Reception is woven richly into many different areas of the curriculum. Activities are planned and developed for children to access independently, or with an adult, during child-initiated learning times. This gives children the opportunity to practice concepts taught through play and investigation and encourages them to make their own discoveries about maths in the world around them.

Reception also use the Mastering Number programme from NCETM, to secure firm foundations in the development of good number sense. This continues into Year 1 and Year 2, with the aim that children leave KS1 with fluency in calculation and a confidence and flexibility with number.

In Key Stage 1 and 2, independent practice tasks are carefully planned with 2-3 stages, each short stage deepening the challenge as they move through them. We can then see that the mathematical concept has been understood and can be applied in a variety of contexts. Tasks are created with the intention that all children can reach the final stage, and then greater depth questions are available for those who are secure to explore the concept further.

How can you help?

Children learn key facts such as multiplication tables and addition facts within 10 to automaticity (instant recall) to avoid overload in the working memory; having key facts at their ‘fingertips’ enable them to focus on new concepts. Regular practice of these at home has a huge impact on how well the children remember them and can then apply them in school. To help support this practice at home, try White Rose 1 Minute Maths for EYFS/KS1 or Times Tables Rockstars for children in KS2.  

https://whiteroseeducation.com/1-minute-maths#download