Intent
At St Barnabas, we want our children to be comfortable and excited about numbers, shapes, measures and space. It is said that mathematics is the language that God used to write the universe and it is linked to pattern and meaning across every area of life where you would least expect it – math’s is important and has many uses beyond the classroom. Our curriculum applies mathematical thinking and skills to real life and cross curricular contexts. We use a mastery approach where we aim for all children to keep up, not catch up and build confidence through teaching based in a growth mindset. Mathematics is not for the privileged few; it is open for everyone!
We use Power Maths to ensure mathematical knowledge is built through small, incremental steps that everyone can achieve. Hands on manipulatives support children’s development and we help them see the connection between concrete resources and abstract ideas. Our mathematics curriculum is progressively designed with multiple opportunities to recap and review knowledge and build ever more complex mathematical models. This is done through collaboration with the teacher and peers, building and scaffolding important mathematical knowledge.
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How is Power Maths taught in my child’s year group?
How can parents help at home?
In EYFS and Key Stage One, we use School Jam for home learning. It is an app that is video or online activity based that strengthens the learning that has taken place that week. We encourage parents to complete these fun activities with their children to help them remember and consolidate mathematical concepts.
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The importance of number fluency
Knowing number facts by heart frees up cognitive load and helps children focus all their thinking on reasoning and problem solving skills. For this reason, we strive to help children with their rapid recall of number facts as soon as possible. Number facts include doubles and halves, number pairs to ten, part – part – wholes and times tables. We encourage them to practise as often as possible to build up their brain muscle and automatic recall using fun online activities that can be accessed in school and at home. In the early years and in Years 1 to 2, we use an online game called Numbots and in Years 2 to years 6 we use Times Tables Rock Stars (TTRS).
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