At Peninsula East Primary Academy, our aim is to ensure that all pupils become confident and inquisitive mathematicians throughout their academic journey. Maths is important in everyday life and we emphasise the belief that everyone ‘can do’ maths. It is integral to all aspects of life and, with this in mind; we endeavour to ensure that our pupils develop a positive and enthusiastic attitude towards maths that will stay with them through their school-life and beyond. We actively encourage all pupils to apply their mathematics across a variety of subjects, not just in mathematical lessons. We ensure that pupils are learning through the CPA approach (concrete, pictorial and abstract) so that they can develop a deeply embedded knowledge of understanding towards the mathematics that they use. Through our use of the maths mastery approach, we ensure that our pupils acquire a deep, long-term, secure and adaptable understanding of mathematics.
The implementation of our curriculum follows the White Rose Maths curriculum, which is in line with the National Curriculum for Mathematics, using each lesson as an opportunity to break down key areas of mathematics into smaller steps, making them easier for the pupils to understand as they continue to build their knowledge. The use of the White Rose Maths curriculum also supports our academy with our journey to mastery as it makes inherent use of five key areas to support the learning of the children; these are: coherence, representation and structure, mathematical thinking, fluency and variation. Teachers regularly adapt their lessons to suit the needs and abilities of their pupils, encouraging them to rehearse their recall skills as well as deepen their understanding through problem solving and reasoning.
At our academy, we place a large emphasis on number skills and place value, making sure our pupils are fluent in their use of the four operations using a variety of mental and written methods. Each lesson is guided through our development into mastery and deepening understanding and we look to ensure that every pupil is given the opportunity to make use of mathematical fluency, problem solving and reasoning skills.
The purpose of the use of the CPA approach is one, which has shown repeatedly that pupils have a deeper understanding of the mathematics that they are using. The concrete objects allow the pupils to act out the skills they are trying to replicate through the use of manipulatives such as Numicon, Place Value Counters etc. Following on from this, the pupils then move onto the use of pictorial representations, which could include the use of part – part whole models or bar models to represent problems. Finally, they use the abstract representations to show they have an understanding of formal methods making use of symbols.
Subitising in EYFS is an important and key skill. This is practised daily through a range of activities. Number bonds are also an essential part of maths and these are developed from EYFS into year 1 with the expectation that by the end of year 2 pupils will be able to retrieve this knowledge accurately and without hesitation.
Times tables are taught in year groups 2-6 with more of a focus in years 3 and 4 to help prepare the children for the Multiplication Tables Check. Our academy uses Times Table Rock Stars to encourage and motivate children to become fluent in their times tables and division facts. Competitions between classes and cluster schools occur regularly and pupils in year 4 also test their knowledge regularly by using the ‘Sound Check’ function which is similar to the Multiplication Tables Check.
Arithmetic is a focus, particularly in years 5 and 6 to develop the pupils’ core arithmetic skills so they are proficient and fluent with these skills. Daily arithmetic opportunities are provided which the pupils use as a means of self assessment as well as an opportunity to practise their retrieval skills.
Parental involvement is vital and we invite parents into the academy to observe and join in with their child’s Maths lesson at least once a year. This provides an opportunity for all parents to take an active role in their children’s Maths journey and for the pupils to share and discuss their learning with their adults.. At the beginning of the year, through a coffee morning, parents are provided with information about Maths and expectations for the year. As well as this, parents in Year 2 and 6 are invited into school to discuss the Key Stage 1 and 2 SATs. This gives parents a better understanding of these Statutory Assessments and allows parents to ask any questions. Furthermore, parents in Year 4 have the opportunity to attend a meeting about the Multiplication Tables Check, which gives them extra information about what the check entails and how we prepare the pupils in school for this.
By the time our pupils leave Peninsula East Primary Academy, we strive for them to be confident and competent mathematicians who can apply their knowledge and skills to the wider curriculum and real-life contexts. Our pupils can use the correct mathematical vocabulary to enhance their knowledge and understanding when explaining and communicating their answers both verbally and in a written form. Pupils make good progress from their own personal starting points. By the end of Year Six, they will be able to apply their knowledge and skills with fluency and also efficiently and this will also support them within their transition to secondary education. Most importantly, our pupils will develop a love of mathematics and be well-equipped for the rest of their learning journey.