We use a mastery approach to teaching and learning and our Maths Schemes of work have been designed to support the aims and objectives of the National Curriculum.
• have number at their heart. A large proportion of time is spent reinforcing number to build competency.
• ensure teachers stay in the required key stage and support the ideal of depth before breadth.
• provide plenty of time to build reasoning and problem solving elements into the curriculum
Every child at Wimborne St Giles CE VA First School follows a mastery approach to Mathematics which follows the objectives set out in the National Curriculum. Much of the mathematics work follows a CPA approach, which means we teach using a combination of concrete resources, pictorial representations and abstract (mathematical symbols) to help develop mathematical connections. Often, the lessons are very hands-on and practical and we find time to practice new skills through games. We also have many problem-solving/ investigative sessions to allow the children to develop their thinking skills and to apply the concepts and ideas that they have been taught. We often find that when they apply their maths through problem-solving and deeper level mathematical challenges it not only helps their understanding it also helps build up the children's confidence and resilience in mathematics. We encourage lots of visual learning and ‘talk’ in Maths, allowing children to share their communication and reasoning skills in small groups or with the rest of the class. As children explain their ideas and strategies to others it helps to increase and consolidate their own mathematical understanding.
EYFS children follow the White Rose Maths scheme which is continued throughout the school. Children in both Nursery and Reception grow a love maths through a fantastic program of fun mathematics activities all linked to stories, songs, puppets, and practical activities, whilst all learning through play! The children develop a very strong understanding of what makes a number and develop fantastic 'number sense'.