Mathematics
Mathematics
“Mathematics knows no races or geographic boundaries; for mathematics, the cultural world is one country.”
David Hilbert, German mathematician
Intent - What are we trying to achieve?
At Crane Park Primary School, we aim to provide a curriculum that is coherent, progressive, and engaging, enabling students to become confident mathematicians who can apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems. Our curriculum is designed to foster curiosity, critical thinking, and perseverance in students, preparing them for future academic success and equipping them with essential mathematical skills for life.
As a school, we place a strong emphasis on the importance of fluency in mathematics. It is essential for children to build a solid foundation in fundamental principles to support their progress on their mathematical learning journey. Our carefully designed curriculum fosters this development by encouraging students to explore various representations and use supportive manipulatives. These tools help ensure a deep understanding of key concepts.
Our goal is to cultivate a vocabulary rich environment, where talk for maths serves as a fundamental learning tool for all students. Teaching essential vocabulary serves as a catalyst for student’s understanding, and it develops the confidence necessary for them to articulate mathematical reasoning and explanations effectively.
During maths lessons, children are always encouraged to delve deeper into their understanding of mathematics and how it relates to the diverse world around them. Our objective is to empower all students to utilize math as a means to investigate and resolve problems, applying their mathematical expertise to both routine and unconventional problems. This is achieved through engaging them with rich, stimulating, and demanding mathematical tasks. Our goal is to ensure that by the end of Year 4, children achieve proficiency in all times tables up to 12.
Implementation - How is the curriculum being delivered?
To achieve our intent, we implement a structured and inclusive mathematics curriculum that aligns with the National Curriculum. Our curriculum incorporates a blend of teacher-led instruction, interactive activities, and hands-on learning experiences to cater to diverse learning styles and abilities. Our teachers employ effective pedagogical strategies, such as explicit instruction, modelling, questioning, and feedback, to scaffold students' learning and deepen their understanding of mathematical concepts.
Learning is broken down into small, connected steps, building upon the existing knowledge of pupils. Our lessons prioritize clarity of content, ensuring that children grasp what is at the heart of each lesson without overwhelming their cognitive capacity. The progression of lessons is clearly outlined and visible on long-term planning overviews.
We meticulously select contexts and representations to nurture reasoning skills and aid students to link concrete ideas to abstract mathematical concepts. At our school, mathematical manipulatives play a pivotal role in facilitating children's understanding of mathematical concepts. They are vital in helping our children develop a deeper understanding of the structure of mathematics, rather than simply memorising procedures to answer questions.
To enhance and enrich the mathematics curriculum at Crane Park Primary School, teachers design diverse and engaging lessons, promoting mathematics as a creative and interconnected discipline. A cross-curricular approach is achieved by incorporating resources such as Teach Active and problem-solving activities
In the classroom, teachers use precise questioning to gauge both conceptual understanding and procedural knowledge. Each math lesson is strategically designed to include discussion activities aimed at fostering mathematical oracy, thereby promoting deeper understanding and engagement with the subject matter.
Impact - What difference is the curriculum making?
In light of our school vision:
The impact of our mathematics curriculum is evidenced by the progress and achievement of our students. Through our intentional and rigorous approach to teaching and learning, students develop confidence, resilience, and a positive attitude towards mathematics.
They acquire a secure understanding of mathematical concepts and skills, enabling them to apply their knowledge creatively and effectively in different contexts. Our students demonstrate fluency in mathematical procedures, proficiency in problem-solving, and the ability to communicate mathematical ideas clearly and confidently.
Students are well-prepared for the transition to secondary school and they are equipped with essential mathematical skills for lifelong learning and success. Additionally, our curriculum promotes equity and inclusion, ensuring that all students, regardless of background or ability, have access to high-quality mathematics education and opportunities to achieve their full potential.
If you visited a Maths lesson at Crane Park you would see:
In a maths lesson at Crane Park Primary School, students use clear mathematical vocabulary to explain their thinking and solve problems, promoting mathematical oracy. They work with tools such as counters and number lines to explore concepts and embed understanding. The lesson includes a diverse delivery, with tasks linking maths to real-life situations and other subjects. Students engage in deep discussions, sharing ideas to strengthening their understanding of maths.
Overall, the atmosphere will reflect a culture of curiosity, perseverance, and enthusiasm for mathematics, with students confidently engaging in a variety of tasks designed to deepen their understanding and develop essential skills.
Pupil Voice (quotes across both KS1 and KS2)
Year 1 pupil – ‘I enjoy using cubes to help me count.”
Year 4 pupil – ‘I really like my maths lessons. We get to do different activities, which is fun. I especially enjoy the Teach-Active lessons in Year 4.”
Year 5 pupil – “Maths is my Favourite subject, because there are so many different topics. I love the problem-solving Friday lessons, they are so much fun, and I love going to the hall to learn maths in a different environment, getting active at the same time.”
Cultural capital
At Crane Park Primary School, students are exposed to enriching lessons designed to provide vital cultural capital. These experiences ensure that mathematics is both engaging and meaningful by incorporating diverse contexts and real-world applications. Examples include:
- Real-World Connections
Students solve mathematical problems grounded in everyday life, enhancing their ability to apply math in practical situations. - Data Handling
Lessons incorporate everyday data, such as weather statistics, sports scores, or shopping budgets, helping students see the relevance of math in daily decision-making. - Storytelling in Mathematics
Mathematical problems are introduced through engaging narratives, fostering creativity and contextual understanding. - Mathematical Patterns and Art
Students explore geometric patterns found in Islamic art, tessellations in Moroccan tiles, and symmetry in Indian rangoli. They also study artists such as Piet Mondrian and Wassily Kandinsky, who place shape and form at the heart of their work. - Physical Activity in Mathematics
Mathematics is integrated with physical activities such as orienteering and circuit training, allowing students to practice key skills whilst staying active. - Cross-Curricular Mathematics
Math skills are applied across other subjects, including science, computing, and design technology, nurturing interdisciplinary learning. - Themed Math Weeks
Special events, such as themed math weeks, provide opportunities for students to explore mathematical concepts through nature and other creative avenues. - Exploration of Significant Mathematicians
Lessons highlight the contributions of historical and influential mathematicians, inspiring students with stories of innovation and perseverance.
How do the pupils at Crane Park Primary School develop the school values through Maths?
At Crane Park Primary School, mathematics lessons are intentionally designed to help pupils embody the school values of aspiration, respect, integrity, responsibility, co-operation, and kindness:
Aspirational - Pupils are encouraged to aim high by challenging themselves in their mathematical thinking, problem-solving, and application of skills. They set personal goals and celebrate their progress, fostering a growth mindset.
Respectful - Through collaborative activities, students learn to value the ideas and approaches of their peers. Discussions in mathematics promote an environment where diverse strategies and perspectives are respected.
Integrity - Pupils demonstrate honesty and accuracy when solving problems and checking their work
Responsible - Students take ownership of their learning by independently practicing their skills and applying them to real-world problems. They also learn the responsibility of using mathematical manipulatives appropriately.
Co-operative - Group work in maths fosters teamwork and collaboration. Activities such as group problem-solving tasks help pupils develop the ability to work effectively with others.
Kind - A supportive classroom culture ensures that students help each other succeed in mathematics. They offer encouragement and assistance to peers who may be struggling, promoting kindness and empathy.
By linking mathematics education to these core values, pupils at Crane Park Primary School not only develop essential skills but also grow into well-rounded individuals ready to contribute positively to their community.