Mathematics

“Mathematics, a universal language that enables understanding of the world, is an integral part of the curriculum. Beyond the study of numbers, shapes and patterns, it also provides important tools for work in fields such as engineering, physics, architecture, medicine and business. It nurtures the development of a logical and methodical mindset, as well helping to inculcate focus and the ability to solve all manner of problems.” Ofsted Maths review, 2021.

We believe in our children having opportunities to be confident mathematicians so they gain:

• Fluent knowledge and recall of number facts and the number system.
• An understanding of mathematical vocabulary, the important concepts and an ability to make connections within mathematics.
• The ability to think independently and to persevere when faced with challenges and learn from mistakes.
• The ability to show initiative in solving problems in a wide range of contexts, including the new or unusual.
• A broad range of skills in using and applying mathematics.
• The ability to reason, generalise and make sense of solutions.
• Fluency in performing written and mental calculations and mathematical techniques.

This is inline with the DfE National Curriculum.

We use an approach called Teaching for Mastery. The concept of Teaching for Mastery has the following pedagogical principles behind it called the ‘5 Big Ideas’:

• Coherence

• Representation and Structure

• Mathematical Thinking

• Fluency

• Variation

The Epiphany School Maths curriculum follows the programmes of study from the National Curriculum.

The curriculum is organised into the following domains:

• Number and Place value
• Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication and Division
• Fraction, Decimals and Percentages (including ratio and proportion)
• Measurement
• Geometry
• Statistics

Our curriculum enables children to achieve highly, through progressively knowing more, remembering more and doing more, from EYFS to Year 6. This is achieved through increasingly challenging learning detailed within our progression for each of these domains. Each progression breaks down the learning within a domain for every year group. Key learning has been identified (in bold) in line with the Ready to Progress criteria from the DfE. This is the most important concepts and knowledge that children need to master as they progress from EYFS to Year 6. Key vocabulary (in red font) has been identified on each progression, so teachers know when vocabulary will be new for children and therefore needs to be explicitly taught. Formal written methods for the four operations are detailed within the ‘Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication and Division’ progression.

The White Rose schemes of learning support the structure of our curriculum. These schemes provide a suggested overview for each year group, breaking down the domains into blocks. The learning within each block is organised into small steps. Teachers map out the duration of each block on a termly basis, building in opportunities for assessment and consolidation. On a weekly basis, teachers identify the learning intentions for each small step using the ‘Small step learning intention’ documents. The schemes also support the delivery of our curriculum, as they provide guidance, key questions and examples of fluency, reasoning and problem-solving questions.

Maths is taught daily. Most maths lessons will follow the structure of:  

1. Daily review
2. Share learning intention
3. Concepts and modelling: Provide models, Guide Student Practice, Independent Practice.
4. Check for Understanding

Daily opportunities will be provided for children to use and apply mathematical knowledge to solve problems using reasoning skills.

Times Tables Rockstars is used as a strategy for supporting children to learn their times tables. This is followed up daily in Years 2 - 6.  The school aims for children to demonstrate automaticity within this area of maths to support them to be more fluent in their application of number across problem solving.  Our school also uses Numbots for EYFS, Years 1 and 2 which is all about every child achieving understanding, recall and fluency in mental addition and subtraction, so that they move from counting to calculating.

Homework

EYFS: Children take home a maths game each week to consolidate basic number skills. 

Years 1 and 2: Children complete a workout from a workbook each week. We expect children to log on to ‘Numbots’ during the week to practise and apply their number skills. Children also take home a maths game each week. 

Years 3 and 4: Children complete a workout from a workbook each week. We expect children to log on to ‘Times Table Rockstars’ (TTRS) during the week to practise recall of multiplication and division facts.   

Years 5 and 6: Children complete a task set on maths.co.uk each week. We expect children to log on to ‘Times Table Rockstars’ (TTRS) during the week to consolidate recall of multiplication and division facts. 

Children who are identified as having SEND may have a bespoke offer to follow at home in line with their individual next steps.  

At certain times, for example leading up to statutory assessments, additional homework will be given out to enable children to prepare for these.  

Any questions?

Please see your child’s class teacher the first instance if you have any questions about your child and their maths learning.