Mathematics

Mathematics teaches us how to make sense of the world around us through developing a child’s ability to calculate, to reason and to solve problems. It enables children to understand and appreciate relationships and pattern in both number and space in their everyday lives. Through their growing knowledge and understanding, children learn to appreciate the contribution made by many cultures to the development and application of mathematics.

The aims of mathematics are to:

• promote enjoyment and enthusiasm for learning through practical activity, exploration and discussion;
• give children a wide variety of mathematical experiences;
• promote confidence and competence with numbers and the number system;
• enable children to become independent learners;
• develop the ability to solve problems through decision-making and reasoning in a range of contexts;
• develop a practical understanding of the ways in which information is gathered and presented;
• explore features of shape and space, and develop measuring skills in a range of contexts;
• understand the importance of mathematics in everyday life;
• give all children equal access to mathematics in the National Curriculum regardless of race, culture, gender or any special educational need.

The school uses a variety of teaching and learning styles including whole class, group and individual, depending on the content and aims of the mathematical activity. The composition of the groups in group-work varies: ability, mixed ability, size, pairs etc. according to the demands of the task. Our principal aim is to develop children’s knowledge, skills and understanding in mathematics.  During lessons we encourage children to ask as well as answer mathematical questions. They have the opportunity to use a wide range of resources such as number lines, number squares, digit cards and small apparatus to support their work. Mathematical dictionaries are available in all classrooms. Children use ICT in mathematics lessons where it will enhance their learning, as in modelling ideas and methods. Wherever possible, we encourage the children to use and apply their learning in everyday situations.

Please click here for this year’s overview.