Maths

At Henham and Ugley, we use White Rose Maths and NCETM as Schemes of Learning. As part of adaptive teaching strategies our teachers are expected to use White Rose as the structure to the lesson but add to the bones therefore tailoring their lesson to the needs of each and every child.

What is Maths?

Maths lessons are split into different areas of maths. Number and Place Value, Addition and Subtraction, Multiplication and Division, Measurement, Fractions Decimals and Percentages, Money, Time, Shape and Position and Direction.

Maths Mastery

A mathematical concept or skill has been mastered when a pupil can represent it in multiple ways, has the mathematical language to communicate related ideas, and can independently apply the concept to new problems in unfamiliar situations. Here at Henham and Ugley Primary School we strive to foster children’s curiosity and progress in maths through a mastery-based approach.

Mastery is a journey and long-term goal, achieved through exploration, clarification, practice, and application over time. At each stage of learning, pupils should be able to demonstrate a deep, conceptual understanding of the topic and be able to build on this over time.

This is not about just being able to memorise key facts and procedures, which tends to lead to superficial understanding that can easily be forgotten. Pupils should be able to select which mathematical approach is most effective in different scenarios.

By embedding this approach throughout our curriculum, we hope to inspire children to enjoy challenge, make connections and become passionate mathematicians.

What does it look like at Henham?

At Henham and Ugley Primary School, for our Maths Curriculum, we will be using White Rose as the starting point for our planning. After looking into this scheme, we decided that it will improve the consistency of resources and vocabulary used throughout year groups, and it aligns to the end of term assessments the children complete. White Rose links to the National Curriculum aims for each year group and by following this scheme, it ensures all topics are covered. White Rose have also developed and improved their schemes of learning recently to ensure there are enough small steps in the learning so that children are able to master each concept. If you would like to explore White Rose further, the link below will take you to an Advice and Guidance page for parents. https://whiterosemaths.com/advice-and-guidance#start

At Henham and Ugley Primary School, our mathematics curriculum is underpinned by a strong commitment to fostering a deep and lasting understanding of mathematical concepts. We firmly believe in adopting a mastery approach, guiding our students to not merely memorise procedures but to truly comprehend the underlying principles of mathematics.                                                                                                                  

Our teaching philosophy centres on breaking down mathematical concepts into small, manageable steps, ensuring that each student progresses at their own pace while consistently building a solid foundation. Sentence stems are employed to encourage articulate expression, enabling students to communicate their understanding with clarity and precision. 

A key focus in our curriculum is the development of a rich mathematical vocabulary. We recognise the importance of language in the mastery of any subject, and we integrate the use of correct mathematical terminology throughout our lessons. This approach not only enhances communication but also reinforces the conceptual understanding of mathematical ideas.

Every lesson at Henham and Ugley Primary School incorporates reasoning questions, encouraging students to think critically and apply their knowledge. By embedding these questions, we nurture the development of problem-solving skills and logical thinking, preparing our students for the challenges they may encounter in their academic journey and beyond.

Whole class learning is a cornerstone of our methodology, with all students starting at the same point in each lesson. This ensures a consistent and inclusive approach, allowing every child the opportunity to engage with and master the mathematical content. Through this approach, we foster a supportive learning environment where students learn from each other, building a collaborative community of mathematicians.

To enhance the tactile and visual understanding of mathematical concepts, we integrate a variety of manipulatives into our teaching methods. These tools provide students with concrete experiences, making abstract ideas more tangible and facilitating a deeper level of understanding.

Furthermore, we strive to make mathematics relevant to everyday life by introducing real-world applications. Our goal is to connect mathematical concepts to practical situations, empowering students to see the value and applicability of their learning beyond the classroom. By doing so, we prepare our students for a future where mathematical understanding is an essential skill in navigating the challenges of life beyond formal education.

In summary, the mathematics curriculum at Henham and Ugley Primary School is designed with a mastery approach that emphasises understanding, clarity of expression, reasoning, inclusivity, manipulative engagement, and real-world applicability. We are committed to nurturing not only proficient mathematicians but also individuals who appreciate the significance of mathematics in their broader lives.

Assessment in Maths

 

If you require any more information about Maths lessons at Henham, please contact the subject leader Kirk Harris on kharris@henhamugley.essex.sch.uk