Mathematics at Glade Hill

Mathematics at Glade Hill

At Glade Hill, we are ambitious for our pupils and know that having firm foundations in mathematics is key to success later in life.  Having a solid knowledge and understanding of mathematics opens up opportunities to study subjects at a high level including STEM subjects. We have this ambition for our pupils.  Additionally, we believe that through mathematics children can develop important learning for life skills including resilience, problem solving, reasoning, language development, making connections, pattern spotting, independence and logical thinking.

At Glade Hill, we want to develop mathematicians that:

• make connections between concepts, including pattern spotting, so they build and retain knowledge and skills.
• are agile between different mathematical structures so the most accurate and efficient methods are selected.   Including using concrete, pictorial and abstract approaches.
• learn key mathematical facts and skills for life including addition / subtraction / multiplication and division facts and have a strong number sense.
• are fluent, able to reason and solve problems.
• enjoy the challenge of mathematics and have aspirations and ambition for the future.
• are resilient when faced with mathematical problems and challenges.

At Glade Hill, maths lessons follow the White Rose Maths scheme of learning. This is a research-driven teaching and learning method which ensures complete coverage of the Primary National Curriculum for mathematics. The scheme provides a detailed, structured curriculum that is mapped out in carefully sequenced, small steps, with clear continuity and progression. The Concrete Pictorial Abstract (CPA) approach is integral to the scheme and embedded within all lessons.

The White Rose unit assessments are used as pre-assessments before each unit of work. This information is used to inform medium term planning. The assessment is also completed at the end of the unit and the results are used to plan interventions for groups of pupils.

Alongside the White Rose scheme, the pupils in KS1 are developing their fluency skills through the mastering number project.  In KS2, a daily 15-minute Maths Blast session includes recapping key vocabulary and completing the White Rose Flashback 4 resource. This is to ensure previously taught vocabulary and concepts are practised and retained.

The curriculum in EYFS is designed predominantly using the mastering number project, supported by the Early Years White Rose materials.  Number blocks is used as a core resource, in-line with NCETM guidance.

In addition to ongoing formative and unit assessments, pupils are assessed at the end of each term using the NTS tests.  The tests are used to generate a standardised score to inform judgements about progress and attainment.  The arithmetic skills of pupils in Y2-6 are checked approximately once every 3 to 4 weeks with a test.

Intervention and catch up are planned to ensure any gaps in learning are filled.  The school uses the White Rose progression document and ‘Ready to progress’ materials to plan interventions, alongside targeting children’s basic skills using the mastering number project materials.

Tackling Tables is an online platform which is used as a key resource in teaching pupils their multiplication tables. This is used in Y3 and Y4 and as intervention for pupils in Y5 and Y6 who have not passed the Y4 multiplication tables check. Weekly homework is set using the MyMaths online platform.