Mathematics
At St Joseph the Worker Catholic Primary School, we aim to create the very best mathematicians and we want to ensure that children reach their full potential and leave SJTW being numerate and having a love for number and tackle maths with confidence as it is a skill for life. We want our children to enjoy mathematics and to experience success in the subject. We want them to develop a curiosity and an appreciation of the beauty and power of the subject and be able to use their mathematical skills and knowledge confidently in their lives in a range of different contexts. We foster positive “can do” attitudes and believe all children can achieve in mathematics and teach for secure and deep understanding of mathematical concepts through manageable steps. We use mistakes and misconceptions as an essential part of learning and provide challenge through rich and sophisticated problems. We place oracy at the heart of our learning through shared work and class discussions. Use of appropriate vocabulary is modelled throughout the lesson by both staff and children. We hope to build problem-solvers of the future and build resilience in our children; essential skills they can use in all aspects of their learning
We follow the 'White Rose Maths scheme' because they incorporate mastery in their schemes of work. The aim of White Rose Hub is to enable schools to develop a culture of deep understanding, confidence and competence in maths – a culture that produces strong, secure learning and real progress. The scheme is informed by robust, world-class research and global maths experts and is used by teachers throughout the UK and internationally.
We aim to support children by equipping them with a range of skills to solve problems in a variety of ways. We aim to develop lively, enquiring minds which encourage pupils to become self-motivated, confident and capable in order to solve problems that will become an integral part of their future. Pupils solve complex problems by breaking them into smaller steps to solve. They use their knowledge to achieve learning throughout the various areas of mathematics.
An essential technique within teaching maths for mastery is the Concrete, Pictorial, Abstract approach (CPA), which helps develop a deep and sustainable understanding of maths. The CPA framework allows children to experience and handle objects to help develop this invaluable knowledge. Every abstract concept is first introduced using physical, interactive concrete materials.
One Minute Maths - White Rose Hub, free app!
This first version of the app is aimed at Key Stage 1 pupils (ie, age 5-6 years). Individual one-minute tasks focus on adding and subtracting – and on ‘Subitising’, the skill of instantly recognising the number of items in a group without counting. Multiplication and division topics are also now available!
Children can choose any topic they want to try. They then answer a unique series of questions (so it’s a different set of questions every time). If they’re struggling with a question, a ‘Hint’ button will give a helpful clue by showing the question in a different but familiar way.
When the one minute’s up, they’ll see a feedback screen telling them how they’ve done.