Maths

Intent

Maths at Bishop Aldhelm’s Primary School aims to develop fluent, confident and problem-solving mathematicians. Our intent is to ensure that our children develop a deep understanding of mathematical concepts, fluency in number operations and the ability to reason and problem solve with confidence. We strive to make maths meaningful and engaging helping children to be prepared for the real world and secondary education.

Implementation

At Bishop Aldhelm’s school, maths is taught daily through a teaching for mastery approach. We incorporate the ‘5 Big Ideas in Teaching for Mastery’ into our maths lessons:

  • Coherence 
  • Representation and structure
  • Fluency 
  • Mathematical Thinking
  • Variation

Lessons are structured to build on prior knowledge, with clear modelling, guided practice, and opportunities for independent application. We use concrete, pictorial, and abstract representations to support understanding. 

Regular formative assessment informs planning and ensures all pupils are appropriately challenged and supported. Support and scaffolding is provided for pupils who need additional help and enrichment opportunities are offered to deepen the understanding of early finishers. We use high-quality resources from the NCETM and White Rose Maths to sequence our fluency and maths lessons although planning is consistently adapted based on the requirements of the children. Our children receive regular opportunities for fluency and problem solving. 

In addition, our 'ping pong' approach to teaching provides opportunities for oracy. We focus on children's ability to talk about their mathematical thinking and reasoning through structured discussion and exploration. We aim to deepen conceptual understanding by encouraging children to articulate their ideas, justify their methods and use mathematical language to develop their arguments and problem-solving skills.

Impact

At the end of year 6, the children will be able to demonstrate strong number and operations fluency and are able to apply this understanding to a number of contexts. They will be able to solve real world problems and articulate their reasoning orally and through written means. Children will be confident and curious when approaching mathematical problems. Our approach fosters a positive attitude to maths, preparing children for their next steps in education.