Maths

Mathematics at St John and St James aims to develop confident, resilient learners who have a secure understanding of mathematical concepts and the ability to apply their skills in a range of contexts. We equip our children with the fluency, reasoning and problem-solving skills they need to succeed both in school and in everyday life.

We use White Rose Maths to support the delivery of our maths curriculum. This mastery approach ensures that concepts are taught in small, carefully sequenced steps, allowing pupils to develop a deep and secure understanding. Through practical resources, pictorial representations and abstract methods, children build strong foundations and make meaningful connections in their learning.

Our lessons encourage discussion, exploration and challenge, helping pupils to explain their thinking and learn from one another. By fostering a positive attitude towards maths, we aim to inspire all children to enjoy the subject and recognise its importance in the world around them.

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Teachers plan objectives using the White Rose Maths scheme. Problem solving is at the heart of mathematics. The focus is not on rote procedures, rote memorisation or tedious calculations but on relational understanding. Pupils are encouraged to solve problems working with their core competencies, such as visualisation, generalisation and decision making. In summary:

  • It is a highly effective approach to teaching maths based on research and evidence.
  • It builds students’ mathematical fluency without the need for rote learning.
  • It introduces new concepts using Bruner’s Concrete Pictorial Abstract (CPA) approach.
  • Pupils learn to think mathematically as opposed to reciting formulas they don’t understand.
  • Teaches mental strategies to solve problems such as drawing a bar model.

How are lessons taught?

Concepts merge from one chapter to the next. Chapters are then broken down into individual lessons.

Lessons typically are broken into three parts and can last one or more days. Pupils master topics before moving on.

The three parts to a lesson are:

  1. Anchor Task – the entire class spends time on a question guided by the teacher. The children are encouraged during this time to think of as many ways as possible to solve the question as possible.
  2. Guided Practice – practice new ideas in groups, pairs or individually guided by the teacher.
  3. Independent Practice – practice on your own. Once children have mastered the concept, they use their reasoning and problem-solving skills to develop their depth of learning.

What impact will good quality Maths teaching have on our children?

  • Children will have a greater conceptual understanding of number and calculation. They will be able to visualise and generalise more readily due to a more in-depth understanding.
  • Struggling learners will be fully supported through accessing concrete equipment and use of visual models to support understanding.
  • Confident learners will be challenged through exposure to unfamiliar problems, development of reasoning skills and by exploring multiple ways to manipulate numbers and solve problems.
  • All learners will access teaching of content which matches the expectations of the new curriculum in England and be supported further, if needed, in order to access this. The resources match the expectations for formal written methods set out by the Government, alongside greater understanding.

Year 4 Multiplication Times Tables Check

The KS2 Multiplication Test Check (MTC) is a new statutory test that the government are bringing in for Y4 children in 2020. It’s crucial that children know their times tables facts early so that when they are working on more complex or applied calculations, they’re not having to spend time working out multiplication facts too – they need to have these facts at their fingertips.

Click on the link below to practise times tables. From the menu choose Multiplication Tables Check which replicates the test so that you have 6 seconds to answer each question.

http://www.timestables.co.uk/multiplication-tables-check