Maths

At Wilberforce Primary our aim is to deepen children's understanding of maths and not accelerate learning; as a result our children develop fluency before moving onto reasoning and problem solving. Our teaching is richly supported by the use of pictorial and concrete resources, before moving to the abstact. We value the microscopic gains pupils make in maths and, therefore believe offering opportunities for all pupils to deliberately practise their fluency is vitally important and this is a key feature of our lessons.

Throughout each year, children will cover and build on their understanding in:

Once they have a firm grasp of each mathematical technique through deliberate practice, we challenge our pupils to use what they have learnt and to make rich connections across the distinct areas in order to solve problems. We believe it is important for children to be able not only to find the answers to problems but also to be able to explain the reasoning behind their lines of enquiry using accurate mathematical vocabulary.

By celebrating learning and through engaging challenges, we inspire our pupils to increase their fluency in maths and to become increasingly sophisticated problem solvers, both in maths and across the curriculum.

Whilst at Wilberforce Primary our pupils learn the following essential characteristics of mathematics:

• An understanding of the important concepts and an ability to make connections within mathematics;
• A broad range of skills in using and applying mathematics;
• Fluent knowledge and recall of number facts and the number system;
• The ability to show initiative in solving problems in a wide range of contexts, including the new or unusual;
• The ability to think independently and to persevere when faced with challenges;
• To embrace the value of learning from mistakes and false starts;
• The ability to reason, generalise and make sense of solutions;
• Fluency in performing written and mental calculations and mathematical techniques;
• A wide range of mathematical vocabulary;
• A commitment to and enthusiasm in the subject.

Teachers plan according to the needs of each class. You can find out more about what maths your child is learning in the termly information leaflet which you can find in the parents section of the website. If you would like to get an overview of the National Curriculum for maths, you can find more information here