Maths

Mathematics teaches children how to make sense of the world around them through developing their ability to calculate, reason and solve problems. It enables children to understand relationships and patterns in both number and space in their everyday lives. Through their growing knowledge and understanding, children learn to appreciate the contribution made by many cultures to the development and application of mathematics.

 The objectives of teaching mathematics at our school  are: 

• to promote enjoyment of learning through practical activity, exploration and discussion;
• to promote confidence and competence with numbers and the number system;
• to develop the ability to solve problems through decision-making and reasoning in a range of contexts;
• to develop a practical understanding of the ways in which information is gathered and presented;
• to explore features of shape and space, and develop measuring skills in a range of contexts;
• to understand the importance of mathematics in everyday life and use and apply these skills.
• to enjoy working with number.

Teaching and learning style 

Sidcot uses a variety of teaching and learning styles in mathematics.  Our principal aim is to develop children’s knowledge, skills and understanding.  During our daily lessons we encourage children to ask as well as answer mathematical questions.  They have the opportunity to use a wide range of resources, such as number lines, number squares, digit cards and small apparatus to support their work.  ICT is used in mathematics lessons for modelling ideas and methods where possible.  Wherever possible, we encourage the children to apply their learning to everyday situations.

We recognise that children have a wide range of mathematical abilities and provide suitable learning opportunities for all children by matching the challenge of the task to the ability of the child.  We achieve this through a range of strategies – in some lessons through differentiated group work, and in other lessons by organising the children to work in pairs on open-ended problems or games.  We use classroom assistants to support some children, and to ensure that work is matched to the needs of individuals.

The Foundation Stage

As the reception class is part of the Foundation Stage of the National Curriculum, we relate the mathematical aspects of the children’s work to the objectives set out in the Early Learning Goals, which underpin the curriculum planning for children aged three to five. We give all the children ample opportunity to develop their understanding of number, measurement, pattern, shape and space, through varied activities that allow them to enjoy, explore, practise and talk confidently about mathematics.