Intent

The National Curriculum states ‘mathematics is a creative and highly inter-connected 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.’

At Ridgeway, we will aim to teach the following:

- To be fluent with the fundamentals of mathematics so they are able to accurately and rapidly recall numbers facts such as number bonds and times tables. They will also be confident using formal written methods and mental strategies to accurately perform calculations.

- To be able to problem solve by applying their fluency skills to a range of problems using a systematic, step-by-step approach.

- To be able to reason mathematically by presenting an argument or justification for a solution using mathematical vocabulary

Implementation

At Ridgeway, we will continue our work with the North East Maths Hub and their ‘Mastery of Number’ programme to ensure fluency of number is mastered as early as possible in EYFS and KS1 to lay a solid mathematical foundation as they progress through the school.

Lessons taught will follow the White Rose Maths Scheme of work and small steps to ensure in-depth understanding of skills and methods is attained by each pupil and no one is left behind. Within lessons, pupils will recap previous topics through starter questions with UKS2 working on ‘5 minute rapid reasoning problems. All lessons will begin with a problem which will be solved at the end of the lesson as it will be linked with the skills or method being taught.

To supplement the curriculum, TT rockstars and Mathseeds will be used to enhance pupils’ understanding of number and multiplication facts. Each week in KS2, there will also be a multiplication focus to enhance their understanding, fluency and accuracy.

Teaching assistance will be provided with training from North East Maths Hub to ensure that any interventions taking place are effective and allows the pupils to gain as much as possible from each session to allow progression.

Impact

The approach being followed will ensure the pupils become confident and fluent mathematicians with a great understanding of how to solve problems using mathematical knowledge and vocabulary. Progress will be seen at the end of each term via the assessments set (Rising stars) and any areas of need will be addressed and caught up in future terms.

By the time pupils leave Ridgeway, we expect them to be able to:

- Confidently recall number facts and mathematical procedures (formal written methods)

- Have the flexibility and fluidity to move between mathematical contexts and representations

- Recognise relationships and patterns in maths and make connections

In turn, Children will have mastered key areas of mathematics; this means they can show a concept in multiple ways, use the mathematical language to explain their ideas, and can independently apply the concept to new problems in unfamiliar situations.

Statutory Assessment

All children in Year 4 will will sit the Multiplication Tables Check (MTC).  The purpose of the MTC is to determine whether pupils can recall their times tables fluently, which is essential for future success in mathematics.  It will help schools to identify pupils who have not yet mastered their times tables, so that additional support can be provided.