Auriol Junior School Mathematics Policy Philosophy and general aims At Auriol Junior School we believe that mathematical knowledge and understanding is a vitally important life skill. Mathematics is a creative and highly interconnected discipline, it is essential to everyday life. A high quality mathematics education provides a foundation for understanding the world, the ability to reason mathematically, an appreciation of the beauty and power of mathematics, and a sense of enjoyment and curiosity about the subject. Rational is 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 nonroutine problems with increasing sophistication, including breaking down problems into a series of simpler steps and persevering in seeking solutions. Mathematics is an interconnected subject in which pupils need to be able to move fluently between representations of mathematical ideas. The programmes of study are, by necessity, organised into apparently distinct domains, but pupils should make rich connections across mathematical ideas to develop fluency, mathematical reasoning and competence in solving increasingly sophisticated problems. They should also apply their mathematical knowledge to science and other subjects. Pupils who grasp concepts rapidly should be challenged through being offered rich and sophisticated problems before any acceleration through new content. Those who are not sufficiently fluent with earlier material should consolidate their understanding, including through additional practice, before moving on. (Mathematics National Curriculum 2014) Mathematics Version 1 Page 1 Aims To teach Mathematics in an exciting and interesting way so as to capture the imagination and interest of the pupils. To develop pupils knowledge and understanding of Mathematics through first-hand experience, real-life situations, exploration and discussion, whilst developing their ability to work systematically and with persistence and confidence. To develop a range of mental calculation strategies which enable pupils to tackle a problem prior to using any other approach. To develop a secure knowledge and understanding of mathematical vocabulary. To enable pupils to explain their reasoning when solving problems. To teach pupils how to use the number system with confidence and to know specific number facts by heart. To explore shape and space, and develop measuring skills in a range of contexts. To explore and promote active thinking that engages learners and builds mathematical understanding. To secure conceptual understanding through the use of physical manipulatives and visual images. Organisation Mathematics is planned in year groups, following the 2014 National curriculum. It is embedded within our curriculum and we use a variety of relevant resources to support this learning. Medium term plans are prepared termly. Short term plans are prepared and evaluated daily. In Key Stage 2 the pupils participate in daily mathematics lessons as part of an integrated programme of learning. Where appropriate, lessons are cross curricular. Teaching and Learning There is a whole school approach to the teaching of mathematics where differentiated learning takes place that caters for the needs of the children. There are focused guided teaching sessions to support needs. Mental calculation strategies are developed through a programme of structured and interactive teaching. Pupils are encouraged to use jottings to support their mental calculating. Teachers plan carefully to ensure pupils have scope to record in their own way and move progressively from more informal methods of recording to more formal methods. As outlined in the calculation policy. Children are given the opportunity to explore mathematical concepts and as they move through the school and they become secure in their mathematical knowledge their written recording increases and develops. ICT, science and the outdoor environment are significant in supporting and enriching pupils' experiences of mathematics (along with other areas of the curriculum as appropriate). Parents are informed of the school’s approach to the teaching of mathematics through workshops and calculation booklet, they are encouraged to support maths learning at home. Mathematics Version 1 Page 2 Assessment Formative teacher assessment is a continuous process as part of our assessment of pupil progress. Children are encouraged to reflect on their own learning and achievement. Results from teacher assessments are analysed and progress in learning or areas of development are highlighted and this information informs future teaching and learning. At the end of Key Stage 2 pupils participate in statutory end of Key Stage assessments. All children have specific targets which the children are familiar with. These are reviewed and updated on an on-going basis and communicated with parents half termly. Resources Each classroom has a bank of basic mathematical equipment. Other mathematical equipment is stored centrally. Use of resources is identified in planning. Effective resources and manipulatives are outlined in the calculation policy. Equal Opportunities All pupils will have access to the 2014 National Curriculum regardless of need, gender, culture or race. Where pupils have a disability, every step will be taken to ensure that their progress and participation is in no way hindered by their disability. Where pupils have particular needs, these will be addressed through a planned programme for the individual pupil and bespoke interventions. The new curriculum aims to challenge all, through mastery of concepts, rather than acceleration through new content. Date approved by staff: Date approved by the governing body: Date to be reviewed: Responsibility: Mathematics Version 1 Half Term 6 2014 Half Term 6 2014 Half Term 6 2015 Senior Leadership Team Page 3