Mastery within mathematics

At Lunsford Primary School, we want every pupil to develop a love of maths. We aim to develop a sense of enjoyment and curiosity about the subject and provide a programme for progression where pupils are stimulated and challenged. 

Teaching for mastery in maths is the expectation that all pupils will gain a deep understanding of the maths that they are learning. Children who grasp the concepts more quickly are given the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and improve their reasoning and problem solving skills rather than moving onto new curriculum content. 

 

We aim that children will develop a strong sense of number and a secure understanding of place value using a range of resources to support learning. Formal written recording is practised regularly and is an important part of learning and understanding.We aim to have a  consistent approach to the teaching of written calculations in order to establish continuity and progression throughout the school. It is vital that pupils are able to apply their knowledge and skills to solve mathematical puzzles and problems, as well as be able to explain their reasoning and methods clearly.

 

Pupils are encouraged to learn key number facts, such as number bonds and multiplication facts from very early on in their education. From Year 2 onwards, most classes will have weekly times table challenges. As of the school year 2019-2020, year 4 will be tested on their times tables knowledge up to 12 x 12. It will comprise of 25 questions, with 6 seconds to answer each question. This year, the current year 4 will be trialling this times tables test in the summer term. All KS2 children have a log-in for the website, TTRockstars, in which children can practise their times tables. 

 

From September 2015, all pupils will be taught mathematics based on the new National Curriculum for Mathematics. The programme of study 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.

(Taken from the new Maths National Curriculum).