Subject Lead: Mrs Candlish
The Maths curriculum at Denbigh strives to equip children with the number and problem solving skills that they will need to succeed in, and beyond their school years. We use a variety of teaching and learning skills to support our children’s learning throughout the Maths curriculum which encompasses calculation methods, measure, fractions, data handling, shape, counting and using and applying skills in real life contexts.
Our staff aim to enthuse and inspire a love of Maths through a range of activities which include practical Maths sessions, providing children with relevant problem solving opportunities and supporting children to see how Maths is woven throughout our everyday lives.
A cross curricular approach to Maths is in place to allow children have the opportunity to apply the skills learned in Maths lessons through other areas, such as STEM, Topic, Art, DT etc. Educational trips work alongside our Maths curriculum to support the teaching and learning, and give children real-life experiences to draw on in school.
From Years 1 – 6 Maths lessons are ‘set’ so that all learners are accessing Maths at their level with support and challenge built in throughout. As a school we use the White Rose Maths Scheme of work alongside other materials and resources to ensure the needs of our children are met. Practical activities are planned into each half term or strand of work to include all types of learner and to ensure that knowledge is fully embedded and to develop their thinking and reasoning skills from the off. Regularly a lesson begins with an anchor task (a hook) which prompts the children to think and discuss how a solution to the problem can be reached. All the methods the children suggest are given due consideration before we explore the most efficient method to use. The children then practice the required skill before applying this in solving more problems and challenges. Lessons build upon previous skills taught to ensure children have a secure knowledge of all areas of maths and can use a range of calculation methods fluently. Children of all ages are challenged to extend their learning and to ensure they can reason about number. Indeed a great deal of Maths lessons involve a lot of discussion, giving children the opportunity to share their thinking and explain how they reached a conclusion. At Denbigh we feel that ‘a quiet Maths lesson is a suspicious Maths lesson’. We actively encourage our pupils to discuss, to question, to debate, to reason and to consider ‘what if?’
Throughout all strands of Maths, ICT is used to engage, enthuse, present and document the children’s learning.
Staff at Denbigh know that good Maths occurs in our school when:
- It is led by the children, interests them and is memorable to them.
- Children are talking, laughing, engaged and enjoying Maths through a range of interactive and practical activities.
- Children are actively involved in their own learning, asking questions, looking for the answers and keen to challenge themselves further.
- Maths is differentiated and inclusive with children making progress throughout the lesson.
- Good quality assessment and Assessment for Learning is used to inform planning and builds on children’s prior learning.
If you would like to support your child with their learning journey, then please take the time to read our ‘Maths Parents Booklets’. For more information please ask to speak to Mrs Candlish.
