“The essence of Mathematics is not to make simple things complicated, but to make complicated things simple.” - S. Gudder

Intent

Mathematics is a creative and highly interconnected discipline that has been developed over centuries, providing the solution to some of history’s most intriguing problems. It is essential to everyday life, critical to science, technology and engineering, and necessary for financial literacy and most forms of employment. Therefore, the mathematics education at St James’ CE Primary School aims to provide a foundation for understanding the world; the ability to reason mathematically; an appreciation of the beauty and power of mathematics; and a sense of enjoyment and curiosity about the subject.

Our mission is to enable all learners to enjoy and succeed in mathematics. We would like our learners to:

1. Calculate fluently and manipulate numbers.

2. Think logically, reason and solve problems in a range of contexts.

3. Confidentially communicate using precise mathematical language while becoming mathematical thinkers.

4. Develop a positive attitude towards Maths and be able to use it effectively in real-life scenarios.

Implementation

Mathematics is an interconnected subject in which pupils need to be able to move fluently between representations of mathematical ideas. Here are the programmes of study:

(1) Number & Place Value

(2) Addition & Subtraction

(3) Multiplication & Division

(4) Fractions

(5) Measurement

(6) Geometry

(7) Statistics

These are, by necessity, organised into apparently distinct domains, but pupils are encouraged to make rich connections across mathematical ideas to develop fluency, mathematical reasoning and competence in solving increasingly sophisticated problems.

To ensure whole-school consistency and progression, Mathematics at St James' C of E Primary School is planned and sequenced using White Rose Maths. This is fully aligned with the National Curriculum. Mathematical topics are taught in blocks, to enable the achievement of ‘mastery’ over time. Independent work provides the means for all children to develop their fluency further, before progressing to more complex related problems. Practise and consolidation play a central role with carefully designed variation which builds fluency and understanding of underlying mathematical concepts.