Ethos and Aims
At Frenchay, we recognise that Mathematics is essential to everyday life and provides a foundation for a range of subjects and our understanding the world.
We feel passionate that all children should be given opportunities to appreciate the beauty and power of mathematics and should therefore develop a sense of enjoyment and curiosity about the subject.
We follow the National Curriculum which focuses on the teaching of the following three fundamentals:
- becoming fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, including through varied and frequent practice with increasingly complex problems over time, so that pupils develop conceptual understanding and the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately.
- reasoning mathematically by following a line of enquiry, conjecturing relationships and generalisations, and developing an argument, justification or proof using mathematical language.
- solving problems by applying their mathematics to a variety of routine and non-routine problems with increasing sophistication, including breaking down problems into a series of simpler steps and persevering in seeking solutions.
Developing Knowledge and Understanding
Across the school, we teach Maths in a practical way giving children opportunities to explore number relationships using models, images and manipulatives including Numicon and Dienes. Once children have a secure understanding of mathematical concepts, we challenge them to solve more abstract and complex problems through offering a variety of rich, mathematical tasks as opposed to moving them on to new content. Application in a range of concepts, reasoning and exploring mathematical ideas are a key part of learning and challenge for our children.
In lessons we link maths concepts to the real world beyond the classroom so that children develop an appreciation of the application of maths for future employment and real life. We use White Rose to support planning and teaching across the school as well as other online resources. Our teachers are very skilled at structuring lessons and tailoring material to embed learning and provide stretch and challenge.
Multiplication Tables
Multiplication tables form a fundamental part of Maths teaching and learning so, particularly from Years 1-4, time is dedicated to supporting children to learn these facts. It is a key area where parents can support at home and we aim that all children are familiar with their tables up to 12×12 by the end of Year 4.
With this knowledge secure at this time, children are able to better learn other areas of the maths curriculum in Year 5 & 6 and beyond; children are also required to undertake a ‘Multiplication Tables Check’ at the end of Year 4.
In Year 5&6, children are given regular opportunities to revisit this knowledge through a variety of activities such as times tables grids.
The children use Timetable Rock stars to build their enjoyment and skills at times tables.
