Maths - Alton Park Junior School

Maths

Maths

At Alton Park Junior School our vision for maths is ‘To foster confidence, tenacity and aspiration in mathematics within our school and into the wider world. To inspire all learners to embrace mathematical concepts with resilience via the concrete, pictorial and abstract approach so they are equipped with the skills, knowledge and reasoning abilities to be successful.’  We follow the White Rose curriculum alongside a maths mastery approach. The philosophy of maths mastery is centred around helping the pupils to achieve a deep, long-term and secure understanding of the subject. Our pupils can then apply this understanding to problems that help them to reason about number. These skills are transferable to everyday situations where maths is seen as an integral part of life.  We believe that success in mathematics for every pupil is possible and that mathematical ability is not innate, and is increased through effort. We recognise that pupils need to develop their conceptual understanding so that they can apply their knowledge in a range of contexts, including the development of problem solving and reasoning skills.  

In addition to this, every pupil has access to Times Table Rock Stars which is an online times tables programme which helps them to practise their times tables in a motivational and engaging way.  This approach is also great for providing our pupils with immediate feedback on how they are doing and helps to support effective recall by testing pupils on the tables they are finding tricky to learn.

Aims of the Maths Curriculum

The national curriculum for mathematics aims to ensure that all pupils:

  • become 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

  • reason mathematically by following a line of enquiry, conjecturing relationships and generalisations, and developing an argument, justification or proof using mathematical language

  • can solve 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

Our Intent

By the end of year 6, we want all pupils at Alton Park Junior School to:

Aspiration - have a positive attitude towards mathematics  and understand how it can help shape their future;

Learning - have a secure understanding of the mathematical concepts required to achieve well in the next stage of their education.  They will be confident and competent with:

  • the mental and written strategies required to build knowledge and solve problems accurately and efficiently

  • number: number, place value, the four operations

  • fractions (including decimals and percentages) 

  • ratio and proportion 

  • algebra

  • measurement

  • geometry – properties of shapes, position, and direction 

  • statistics 

Tenacity - be resilient learners and use a growth mindset towards mathematics;

Opportunity - use mathematics in real life contexts and recognise its importance in every-day life;

Nurture - succeed and enjoy mathematics and acquire the skills necessary to support their future needs.

 

At Alton park, we understand that some children are quick to grasp new mathematical content, while others might need more time to think, practise, recall and apply. All children will be supported to understand and remember the mathematical knowledge, concepts and procedures appropriate for their starting points.

Maths Progression Map