Marvellous Maths at Andoversford

At Andoversford Primary School, we use Maths – No Problem! to support our Maths teaching.

This is a research-based, Maths mastery programme for all classes from Reception to Year 6.

There are many useful parent videos, explaining each of the concepts we teach here, available on the Maths - No Problem! webpage. 

Click the logo above to check these out for yourself!

Maths Vision

Intent:

At Andoversford Primary School, we have adopted a mastery approach to mathematics so that all pupils can secure a deep understanding of the concepts that they are taught. Our approach to maths teaching is fully inclusive and ensures that all children make progress together. We strive to give all children access to the skills that they need to develop both a deep conceptual understanding and fluency in the fundamentals of mathematics. Having a positive attitude, along with the willingness to make mistakes, underpins everything we do in maths and helps us to support the development of enthusiastic, resilient and confident mathematicians.

We teach The National Curriculum for mathematics, which aims to ensure that all pupils:

• become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, including through varied and frequent practice with increasingly complex problems over time, so that pupils develop conceptual understanding and the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately.
• reason mathematically by following a line of enquiry, conjecturing relationships and generalisations, and developing an argument, justification or proof using mathematical language
• can solve problems by applying their mathematics to a variety of routine and non-routine problems with increasing sophistication, including breaking down problems into a series of simpler steps and persevering in seeking solutions

Implementation:

In order to achieve these aims, maths is delivered in ‘Master the Maths’ lessons taught to separate year groups, which are carefully planned to break down mathematical key concepts into small steps. In our lessons, we extend pupils’ thinking with deep tasks; challenge misconceptions and encourage pupils to apply their understanding in a range of contexts. We actively encourage the use of mathematical talk to develop understanding and use collaborative learning strategies to make sure that the curriculum is accessible to all of our learners. Teachers and pupils use a variety of concrete resources and visual representations to develop understanding. Pupils are asked to prove their thinking; explain their methods and consolidate their prior knowledge to build new learning.

In addition to our ‘Master the Maths’ lessons, the children have the opportunity to develop key arithmetic skills and number fluency in a ‘Fluency Facts’ session, which takes place four times per week. In this time, children use deliberate practice techniques to ensure that number facts are available at their fingertips. Fluency Facts are made up of 9 – 12 targets for each year group. Children are also supported through specific planned interventions and pre-teach sessions, which enable all pupils to develop their confidence in mathematics.

Journaling

During our Master The Maths and Fluency Fact lessons, we use journaling to help children explore and explain different mathematical concepts by recording them in different ways in our Maths journals. Across KS1 and KS2, children are encouraged to write themselves 'Top Tips' for the lessons, draw pictoral representations and even write instructions to help develop their use of mathematical language and mathematical thinking.

The pupils at Andoversford take real pride in their Maths journals and enjoy taking ownership of what they produce. 

Here are some examples of journaling in Oak Class:

In Beech Class:

In Willow Class:

Mastering Number Programme - Reception and Key Stage 1

Starting in the Summer term 2022, children across Reception and KS1 have been taking part in the Mastering Number Programme which many schools up and down the country are also involved in. The programme has been designed by the National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics and aims to improve children's fluency and flexibility with number, so that they have key number facts at their fingertips. This fluency and understanding of number composition is essential as children move through the school and are exposed to more complex calculations and problems. Videos will be added below to provide an insight into the learning that is taking place in these sessions. 

Problem Solving Challenges

Autumn Term

          KS1                KS2              Answers

Spring Term 

             KS1                KS2              Answers

Maths Newsletters

Help for Parents

Oxford Owl, part of Oxford University Press, have created some fantastic information pages for parents. You can take a look at what your child is taught in each year group and see some ideas and games which you can do at home. Visit their website here: https://home.oxfordowl.co.uk/maths/ 

Important Links

Don't forget, to support your child's learning of the key arithmetic facts for their year group, your child has a log in for Numbots (Year 1 to Year 6) and Times Table Rockstars (Year 2 to Year 6).

Numbots website: NumBots | Motivational maths practice for schools and families.

TTRS website: Times Tables Rock Stars (ttrockstars.com)