Our aim at Chaloner is for every child to leave us with the firm belief that they are a magnificent mathematician – someone who can apply basic skills in order to calculate, reason and solve problems with confidence.

In order to achieve this, we strive to:

• Develop an enthusiasm and fascination about maths itself;
• Develop fluency with basic number facts;
• Ensure children can reason mathematically and solve problems;
• Strengthen understanding by moving through concrete, visual and abstract representations, and
• Develop an understanding of mathematical vocabulary and use it effectively to explain their thinking.

 We follow the National Curriculum guidelines for curriculum planning which is supplemented by the ‘Power Maths’ scheme of work and our own ‘Inside Out and Upside Down’ number scheme.

 The Power Maths scheme outlines expectations for each year group and breaks them down into blocks of structured, progressive learning. Each block is then broken down further into individual lessons with clear learning objectives.  The sequence is carefully planned to ensure secure understanding of a concept before moving on.

 Children practise basic number skills as part of our daily ‘Inside Out and Upside Down’ maths activities. Sessions are short, fast paced and focus on recall of number facts and practising written calculation methods. The objectives for these sessions also provide repetition and reinforcement of objectives from the previous year group and then become progressively more challenging. IOUD objectives are identified on medium term plans and also in weekly planning. Children work in their red maths books.

 Other schemes used to support delivery of the curriculum are Classroom Secrets, White Rose, NCETM, Twinkl, Grammarsaurus and Headstart. These materials come in particularly useful when teachers are planning interventions or looking for resources to help children secure and consolidate their learning in maths. 

 Mathematics is taught mainly as a discrete subject but every effort is made to ensure links with maths to other subjects across the curriculum. Teachers strive to provide real-life, practical application of all maths skills at every given opportunity. We also draw the children’s attention to the links between maths and other curricular work so that the children do not see maths as an isolated subject.

How can you support your child at home?  Click here for some great ideas

The Following websites are really useful:

https://www.oxfordowl.co.uk/for-home/maths-site/expert-help–2/maths-in-school – downloadable PDF booklets

www.mathletics.co.uk (subscription) – a focus on basic skills, challenges and competitions

www.familieslearningtogether.co.uk – improves children’s mathematical knowledge and ability with parental support. Video tutorials, demonstrations, games and worksheets. Annual subscription cost.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ks2/  – for KS2

http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ks1/ – for KS1

All key concepts and elements of maths are covered here as well as games and activities to support children’s understanding.

www.primaryhomeworkhelp.co.uk/maths/ – as well as homework support, this website offers links to fun games and activities.

http://www.teachingtables.co.uk/ – times tables

http://www.transum.info/Software/Tablesmaster/Tablesmaster.asp – times table