Mathematics
At Kingsleigh, the mathematics curriculum ensures that all children thrive and develop a rich and connected understanding of core concepts regardless of their background or prior mathematical experiences. Through challenge maths, we ensure that children will master what is being taught and be able to apply the maths to a range of situations and contexts. Through an embedded teaching of number sense, children will develop a series of strategies to enhance their mathematical knowledge.
Through a challenging and progressive structure, all children fulfil the learning goal through a scaffolded approach in alignment with current educational research; the lessons taught are carefully sequenced, supported by White Rose progression, the National curriculum and teacher assessment. Finally, ‘Challenge Maths’ ensures we adopt a mastery approach which allows children to develop a conceptual and connected understanding of core concepts through the use of manipulatives, the careful selection of examples and the precise use of mathematical vocabulary.
Our aim is to equip all pupils with the skills and confidence to solve a range of mathematical problems through fluency with numbers and mathematical reasoning. We strive to help pupils make connections between mathematical concepts and demonstrate their understanding in a variety of ways. We aim for pupils at Kingsleigh Primary school to display a positive approach to maths and to embrace a challenge whilst seeing mistakes as part of the learning process. We aim to build knowledge and skills by regularly revisiting key concepts, providing the pupils with the opportunity to rehearse them through practice consolidating and deepening their understanding. We believe that children should be active participants throughout the whole maths lesson. We want pupils to feel confident to share their ideas and thinking and to have a go even when they are unsure. The children are encouraged to question one another and build on each other’s ideas through their explanations.
At Kingsleigh Primary, teachers use questioning throughout the maths lesson to elicit understanding and to further challenge the children to think deeper. The questions used are precise and develop mathematical thinking. Through these questions, teachers check for understanding as well as unpicking any misconceptions. Teachers will use precise mathematical language, ensuring that new vocabulary is explicitly taught especially where terms may have a dual meaning. When pupils are answering questions and explaining their reasoning, teachers will support them to use precise mathematical language.
Where children are working significantly below their expected age-related requirements, scaffolding and targeted work will be provided daily. This work will have been planned by the teacher and will be in line with their targets which have been agreed by all involved in the child’s education.