Mathematics at Janet Duke Primary School

At Janet Duke Primary School we aim to:-

• develop a positive attitude towards mathematics, enabling each child to show interest and enjoyment within the subject;
•  be able to communicate through mathematics.
•  have an understanding of mathematics in the world in which we live;
•  appreciate the awe and wonder of patterns and numbers within mathematics;
•  Develop mathematical thinking by providing opportunities for reasoning and problem solving within the curriculum

In order to achieve these objectives and fulfill the requirements of the National Curriculum, we have in consultation with outside agencies developed a creative, broad, challenging and inclusive programme of study, which has high expectations at the heart of its ethos.

Curriculum Organisation

In the Foundation Stage, pupils follow an integrated curriculum where mathematical language, skills and concepts are taught in whole class and small groups. Children are encouraged to investigate different mathematical ideas and concepts through structured play activities, independent activities, stories, songs and games. They are also given opportunities to develop their problem solving skills both in groups and individually.

The timetable for the Foundation Stage is flexible, allowing maths to be taught in the morning and/or afternoons. The curriculum, which follows the EYFS guidelines, is taught both in the indoor and outdoor environment.

In Key Stages One and Two, Maths is taught for approximately an hour each day. Children are taught in either mixed ability groups or same ability sets, which are based upon teacher assessment. Pupils may move between the same ability sets, as they progress or if they need further support. Within each class or set, work is differentiated between smaller groups of children. These groupings are flexible to ensure that children are appropriately challenged and may vary throughout the lesson and from lesson to lesson.

At Janet Duke we have high expectations of the attainment of our children in Mathematics so we set challenging targets  in each year linked to the National Curriculum. Please find here the end of year expectations for children from EYFS up to Year 6. If you are unsure about any of these expectations then please see your child’s class teacher and they can support you in understanding what the expectations are.

In our Mathematics Curriculum your child will be exposed to using a range of manipulatives to support them in their learning.

If your child needs any support using manipulatives as part of their ‘Remote Learning’, then please use the following websites as they have virtual examples of manipulatives that we use in school.

Fast Learning Olympic Challenge

As part of our work at Janet Duke Primary School we have been using a program called The Olympic Challenges to develop instant recall facts in mathematics. These facts are focused on bonds to 5, 10 and 20 when children enter the school with them then progressing to knowing times tables facts accurately.

Once they are secure on these facts they then move onto knowing facts about Prime, Square and Cubed numbers.

Knowing these facts securely will help our children develop their fluency skills and support them in being able to solve calculations and problems in all areas of maths.

How the program works.

The key skills are split up into the following progression ladder and the children are given a set time to complete the challenges.

Walker – Bonds to 5 - Practice, no time limit

Jogger – Bonds to 10                                         3 mins

Sprinter – Bonds to 20                                       4 mins

Finalist - 1,2,5 and 10 Times tables                     5 mins

Bronze - 3,4, 6 and 8 times tables.                      4 mins

Silver 10 x 10 times tables                                  6 mins

Gold 12 x 12 times tables                                   6 mins

Olympic Champion – Mixture of division and multiplication questions    4 mins

Mount Olympus    Square and Cubed Numbers       5min

Atlantis -  Prime numbers                                     4min

Zeus – Mixed skills                                              5min

The children will start of in Yr. 1 at Walker to practice the format and then move onto starting on Jogger and work their way through the program, the aim being that children will be secure and at Gold (12 x 12) by the end of Yr. 4. Any identified children in Early Years may start the program if teachers think it would be appropriate. After Gold Children will move on through the program until they complete Zeus. Certificates will be awarded to children that complete each challenge and these can be awarded in assembly.  What challenge the children are in will be displayed in their class/set. 

Children can self or peer mark if you think it is appropriate or it can be done by the class teacher. If they complete the challenge, then they can glue it in the back of their maths book as proof of completion. Their names can be put on a display sheet in Maths sets to show that they have completed the challenge. The class teacher will also have a record chart to tick when a child has completed each stage.

A certificate will be given for the completion of each stage.

Please click on the star below:

We all know that Math’s terms can be difficult to understand at times so here is a link to an online Maths Dictionary that can help explain any mathematical terms you are unsure of. I hope it helps.

https://www.mathsisfun.com/definitions/letter-a.html

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