Power Maths Explained for Parents/Carers
Our Maths Rationale
We teach maths at our school in a way that enables all the children to think clearly about how to tackle a problem, have better reasoning knowledge and skills that they can utilise as they progress through their education and life, and work fluently and efficiently. Rather than having one method to solve five questions, we want our children to learn five methods to solve one question. This mantra has helped shape our approach to teaching maths.
Maths lessons are structured in a variety of different ways to ensure that the children in our school make the best possible progress and have a secure understanding and knowledge of different concepts.
After trialling Power Maths with the children in our Year 5/6 Class during Autumn 2020, all classes will adopt the approach from January 2021. Although our classes are mixed aged, the approach means that the children will be taught in year groups for maths to ensure a mastery approach is achieved. Power Maths ensures children have the chance to fully understand a concept and utilises the Concrete to Pictorial to Abstract approach.
Power Maths incorporates reasoning and problem solving into all lessons so that the children apply their maths knowledge and skills. Sometimes, lessons are taken outside of the classroom so that the children can practise what they have been learning in the ‘real world’. An example of this is when our EYFS children work in our Forest School and use non-standardised measurements such as sticks they have collected to compare different lengths.
When teaching times tables, the inverse facts are also taught so that the children understand what times tables mean and how to use them effectively when they have to apply their knowledge. When completing arithmetic/problem solving/reasoning, the children are encouraged to approach calculations as follows:
• Do I know the answer?
• Can I calculate it mentally?
• Can I use a jotting?
• Formal written method
We utilise this approach so that children have the chance to develop fluency and can work in the most efficient way possible. It also assists them when problem solving/reasoning.