MATHEMATICS POLICY
Introduction
At The Colleton we recognise that mathematics is a key life skill so we aim to
help all our pupils achieve the knowledge and understanding that they require
to confidently solve real life problems and to foster an enjoyment of
mathematics.
“Maths is the study of patterns abstracted from the world around us – so
anything we learn in maths has literally thousands of applications, in arts,
sciences, finance, health and leisure!”
Professor Ruth Lawrence
Objectives
1. To introduce pupils to aspects and areas of maths that allows them to
develop confidence and an enjoyment of maths.
2. To give pupils knowledge, skills and understanding of maths so that they
become fluent practitioners with a fascination for numbers and patterns.
3. To approach maths through a range of subject matter and other curriculum
areas so that pupils recognise the relevance and importance of maths and
relate their knowledge and understanding to everyday life.
4. To provide a stimulating and co-operative environment so that pupils aspire
to a high standard of attainment and achievement.
5. To give pupils the opportunity to use their skills to think in an abstract way
and to develop their powers of logical reasoning.
6. To allow pupils the opportunity to take risks and make mistakes.
Teaching Methods
In order to deliver the requirements of the National Curriculum the teaching will be based on the
NNS, teaching will include:
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Directing
Instructing
Demonstrating
Explaining and illustrating
Questioning and discussing
Consolidating
Evaluating pupils’ responses
Summarising
[See NNS page 11]
Teaching methods will include whole class, individual and group work activities as appropriate
and must include the elements for developing mental strategies. The groupings of pupils will
encompass a variety of different ways, to ensure a stimulating exchange of ideas and thoughts,
sometimes by ability, sometimes by age or sometimes by how the teacher perceives the
outcome of the task/s set.
Pupils will be taught to develop their knowledge and skills as individuals using methods and
language relevant to them. They will be encouraged to take risks and learn from their mistakes.
Teachers will encourage a culture of trying and persevering, success will be measured, not only
by having the correct answer but also by recognising that for some the processes are just as
important. Concrete resources will be used as appropriate to the individual, group or whole
class.
Pupils will be taught to recognise and make connections between real life situations, including
their own and the topic that they are studying. They will be encouraged to develop their own
way of solving a problem by using their every day experiences, pursuing solutions and answers
and recognising that there is more than one way to achieve the correct answer.
They will be encouraged to ask and answer challenging questions, exploring and devising their
own methods of finding solutions. Children will be encouraged to use their own thought
processes to solve open-ended problems. They will be expected and taught to explain their
methods and reasoning to their solutions and answers using the appropriate language and
vocabulary. Their explanations maybe made to other children, an individual, a teacher, a small
group or a whole class.
Children will be taught to record their work using a variety of different methods including jottings,
as appropriate to the task set.
To develop continuity of work and language throughout the school, reference will continually be
made to the vocabulary highlighted in the NNS.
Assessment
Evidence of attainment will be made through observation, questioning, listening and assessing
written work, including workbooks continually, to inform the content and level of the teaching
and learning. Children’s work will be assessed and recorded according to the National
Curriculum guidelines and the objectives outlined in the NNS.
See Appendix 1 Development of Mathematical Concepts
Appendix 2 Year group Key Objectives
Evidence will be retained in the pupils’ individual portfolios, termly.
See Assessment Policy.
ICT
ICT will be included in teachers' planning to enable pupils to use software packages, the
Internet and the overhead projector to develop interactive learning.
Planning
All planning will be in line with school policy and each year group will have specific objectives
identified in the termly schemes of work, which are repeated annually. Maths is an individual
scheme of work but needs to encompass a cross-curricular thematic approach where
appropriate.
Health and Safety
Health and safety is paramount in all that we do. Risk assessments are undertaken for all
activities and comply with our Health and Safety Policy.
See appendix 4.
Resources
Resources are continually being updated and added to.
See appendix 3.
Equal Opportunities
At The Colleton we provide a broad and balanced curriculum for all our pupils. All pupils will
have equal access to the mathematics curriculum in line with their individual needs. We shall:
 Set suitable learning challenges
 Respond to children's diverse learning needs
 Endeavour to overcome potential barriers to learning
Please refer to our Special Educational Needs Policy, Able Child Policy and Equal Opportunities
Policy.
Responsibility: Curriculum Committee
Reviewed: Tri-annually
Author: S Gibson