Andoversford Primary School - Marvellous Maths
At Andoversford Primary School, we have adopted a mastery approach to mathematics so that all pupils can secure a deep understanding of the concepts that they are taught. Our approach to maths teaching is fully inclusive and ensures that all children make progress together. We strive to give all children access to the skills that they need to develop both a deep conceptual understanding and fluency in the fundamentals of mathematics. Having a positive attitude, along with the willingness to make mistakes, underpins everything we do in maths and helps us to support the development of enthusiastic, resilient and confident mathematicians.
We teach The National Curriculum for mathematics, which aims to ensure that all pupils:
In order to achieve these aims, maths is delivered in ‘Master the Maths’ lessons taught to separate year groups, which are carefully planned to break down mathematical key concepts into small steps. In our lessons, we extend pupils’ thinking with deep tasks; challenge misconceptions and encourage pupils to apply their understanding in a range of contexts. We actively encourage the use of mathematical talk to develop understanding and use collaborative learning strategies to make sure that the curriculum is accessible to all of our learners. Teachers and pupils use a variety of concrete resources and visual representations to develop understanding. Pupils are asked to prove their thinking; explain their methods and consolidate their prior knowledge to build new learning.
In addition to our ‘Master the Maths’ lesson, we have a daily opportunity to develop key arithmetic skills and number fluency in a ‘Fluency Facts session. In this time, children use deliberate practice techniques to ensure that number facts are available at their fingertips. Fluency Facts are made up of 9 – 12 targets for each year group. Children are also supported through specific planned interventions and pre-teach sessions, which enable all pupils to develop their confidence in mathematics.
Fluency Facts for Title Pages.pdf Download
Maths Vision for Andoversford.pdf Download
Across the year, we are going to produce some short videos showing how we teach addition, subtraction, multiplication and division so that parents can help at home.
During our Master The Maths and Fluency Fact lessons, we use journaling to help children explore and explain different mathematical concepts by recording them in different ways in our Maths journals. Across KS1 and KS2, children are encouraged to write themselves 'Top Tips' for the lessons, draw pictoral representations and even write instructions to help develop their use of mathematical language and mathematical thinking. The pupils at Andoversford take real pride in their Maths journals and enjoy taking ownership of what they produce.
Here are some examples of journaling in Oak Class:
In Beech Class:
In Willow Class:
Oxford Owl, part of Oxford University Press, have created some fantastic information pages for parents. You can take a look at what your child is taught in each year group and see some ideas and games which you can do at home. Visit their website here: https://home.oxfordowl.co.uk/maths/
Don't forget, to support your child's learning of the key arithmetic facts for their year group, your child has a log in for Numbots (Year 1 to Year 6) and Times Table Rockstars (Year 2 to Year 6).
Numbots website: NumBots | Motivational maths practice for schools and families.
TTRS website: Times Tables Rock Stars (ttrockstars.com)