Mathematics

Mathematics

At Lower Farm Primary we are passionate about mathematics. Our vision is to create positive, confident mathematicians who enjoy engaging with strategies that allow them to problem solve and investigate in depth. Our mastery approach curriculum provides children with a foundation for understanding the world, the ability to reason mathematically, give them an appreciation of the beauty and power of mathematics, and a sense of enjoyment and curiosity about the subject that will support them in their continuing learning journey beyond primary.

How is mathematics taught at Lower Farm?

We understand that Mathematics is a creative and highly inter-connected discipline. Mathematics is essential to everyday life, to a range of subjects and in the long term for most forms of employment.  Therefore, to prepare them for every part of their learning journey we have designed our curriculum to have a mastery approach, striving to ensure that all children from EYFS to Year 6 demonstrate deep, conceptual understanding of topics which build over time. They should become fluent in the fundamentals and use these in different contexts, being able to reason and follow lines of enquiry and solve problems by applying their mathematics.  

Our mathematics curriculum is split into year group specific units that are taught in a sequence whereby previous learning can be used to support new learning. The sequence in which the units are taught also supports the teaching of, and the children’s ability to create links between different concepts and therefore deepen their understanding.

Each unit is then designed in small, carefully sequenced steps that pupils should aim to master before moving on to the next stage. When designing these small steps, the concepts of mastery underpin the lesson planning to ensure children have a deep conceptual understanding of what is being taught. The objective is explored using a range of representations and structures; fluency is developed as well as the flexibility to move between different contexts; variation is used to develop deep and holistic understanding and children are encouraged to think mathematically throughout.

A typical mathematics lesson will begin by revisiting prior knowledge that children may need to access from their long term memory to help them to learn the new concept of the day. The lesson will then progress through a number of small steps to develop understanding of what is being taught. These small steps may introduce the concept using a range of representations, may use conceptual and procedural variation to explore the concept further and will encourage the children to respond in complete sentences using the correct mathematical vocabulary. As we believe that all children can achieve in mathematics we ensure all children to access and achieve in the lesson through a range of strategies and tasks.

We embed the core skills of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, realising the importance and application of number in an everyday real life context. We promote the importance of learning the multiplication tables and their related division facts through fun, effective, relevant lessons, celebrating individual achievements along the way. We develop an understanding of shape, data and measures through practical creative lessons which are often cross-curricular and encourage pupil led investigations.

Supporting your child with mathematics at home

Whilst children learn about mathematics in school, there are also lots of ways that you can support your child at home. There are so many fun activities and games you can include in your everyday routines! Because mathematics is all around us and we’re using it every day, you will already be doing many of these mathematical activities and practicing your child’s numerical skills without even thinking about it. The most important thing you can do is to make learning mathematics fun! Many parents will find that the way mathematics is taught is different from their own experience. If there are aspects of mathematics you would like to know more about, please see our calculation policy.