Seaton Sluice First School

Mathematics

Intent

Mathematics equips children with a uniquely powerful set of tools to understand and change the world. These tools include logical reasoning, problem-solving skills and the ability to think in abstract ways. Mathematics is important in everyday life. It is integral! With this in mind Seaton Sluice First School will endeavour to ensure that children develop a positive and enthusiastic attitude towards mathematics, that will stay with them beyond their time in our school. Children should develop resilience and self-confidence in applying their learning.

Implementation

The National Curriculum for mathematics describes in detail what children must learn in each year group. Seaton Sluice First School has developed a mastery approach to mathematics using resources from White Rose Maths Hub to support teachers in planning and delivering this approach, as well as to further develop the engagement of children in mathematics. We also benefit from being part of the Great North Maths Hub training and collaboration opportunities. This gives the school the opportunity to receive support from a mastery specialist teacher as well as the opportunities to share good practice with other schools.

Mathematical skills and knowledge should be delivered, explored and revisited through conscious decision-making and an awareness of learning and progress needs and abilities. With learners developing lasting changes in their capabilities and understanding, by building on a strong foundation of number using small steps. As part of the mastery approach we emphasise the value of mathematical education and children are encouraged to build a love of learning, confidence and resilience alongside a strong subject knowledge.

Impact

The exploration of mathematics at Seaton Sluice First is interactive and engaging with content made relevant to children’s real life experiences and contextualised. The children understand that maths is a vital life skill that they will rely on in many areas of their daily life. Children have a positive view of maths and approach mathematical learning with confidence and enthusiasm. They can investigate and ask questions and know that it is reasonable to make mistakes because this can strengthen their learning. Children are confident to ‘have a go’ and choose the equipment they need to help them to learn along with the strategies they think are best suited to each problem. At Seaton Sluice we expect that by the end of the year our children are happy to accurately define and use age appropriate mathematical vocabulary introduced by the teacher as well as complete stem sentences to show mathematical reasoning.

Our maths books evidence work of a high standard of which children clearly take pride and our teaching and interventions support children to strive to be the best mathematicians they can be. Our children view tasks and challenges that call for application of varied knowledge across the units of work and the selection of multiple skills with self assured and a willingness to collaborate.