Maths

At our school we believe a deep and broad understanding of mathematics is essential for our pupils in their everyday lives. We aim to equip our pupils with an appreciation of the simplicity, power and beauty of mathematics whilst developing in them a sense of curiosity and enjoyment for the subject.

The three main aims of the National Curriculum for mathematics are fluency, reasoning and problem solving. These aims are incorporated into all our mathematics lessons and drive the planning, teaching and learning throughout Whitmore Park.

We have adopted “Maths – No Problem!” (  ) which systematically develops pupils’ fluency, reasoning and problem solving. Our aim is for pupils not to learn by rote in mathematics but to have a deep conceptual understanding of mathematical concepts. This is achieved through the use of concrete, pictorial and abstract (CPA) approaches in our lessons where children have the opportunity to solve challenging problems using a range of strategies. Each day, pupils are taught using problem solving approaches which enables them to develop their mathematical thinking. Lessons are tailored to meet the needs of the class to ensure that all pupils are challenged throughout their lessons.

Pupils across the school learn a range of strategies which build upon prior learning to ensure a consistent progression of skills is developed. Within all lessons, pupils have opportunity to practise and embed the skills they have been taught to ensure they have a deep understanding of mathematics.

Alongside our Maths – No Problem! lessons, we also deliver Arithmetic and Times Table sessions which are designed to develop our pupils’ fluency in the fundamentals of Mathematics. The CPA approach is also a basis for these lessons with teachers and pupils working with practical resources and drawings before moving on to the abstract calculations where our pupils’ fluency can really progress.