Maths

Mathematics teaches us how to make sense of the world around us through developing a child’s ability to calculate, to reason and to solve problems. It enables children to understand and appreciate relationships and pattern in both number and space in their everyday lives.

At St Nicholas we recognise the importance of developing firm mathematical foundations and a mastery of quantity and number in the Early Years. Children are taught to have a deep understanding of number to 10, including the composition of each number, (eg 5 is 4 and one more). They are taught to subitise (recognise quantities without counting) up to five, and to compare numbers, knowing if one is worth more or less than another. Children are encouraged to spot patterns and find mathematical relationships. Investigations involving shape and space help develop wider mathematical thinking.

Statement of Intent

At St Nicholas Primary our curriculum for maths aims to ensure that all pupils:

Enjoy mathematics. We are positive about mathematics and strive to ensure that children feel confident in their own ability and want to learn.
Become fluent in mathematics. We promote varied and frequent practise with increasingly complex problems over time, so that pupils develop understanding and the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately.
Reason mathematically by following a line of enquiry, investigating relationships and generalisations, and developing an argument, justification or proof using mathematical language.
Can solve problems by applying their mathematics to a variety of problems with increasing sophistication, including breaking down problems into a series of simpler steps and persevering in seeking solutions.
Have an appreciation of number and number operations, which enables mental calculations and written procedures to be performed efficiently, fluently and accurately to be successful in mathematics.

By the time children leave our school we aim for children to be fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics with a conceptual understanding and the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately. They should have the skills to solve problems by applying their mathematics to a variety of situations with increasing sophistication, including in unfamiliar contexts and to model real-life scenarios. Children will be able to reason mathematically by following a line of enquiry and develop and present a justification, argument or proof using mathematical language.

Key Documents

Addition and Subtraction Calculation Policy

Mastering Number Reception Overview

Multiplication and Division Calculation Policy

Ready to progress criteria: Years 1-6 Maths Progression Map