Mathematics
Intent
At Chaffinch Brook, we recognise that maths is part of everyday and a key skill to support our pupils’ throughout their lives. Our intent is to empower our cohort with a pupil-centred, cohesive, multisensory and accessible curriculum, leading to a mathematics qualification which will support the future goals. We want our pupils to develop an enthusiastic and positive attitude towards mathematics that will stay with them.
We aim to develop children’s ability to share, discuss and explain their thinking using appropriate mathematical vocabulary.
We hope our individual guidance and attention coupled with a differentiated learning journey from Year 1 to 11, pupils will become reflective learners which enables them to have advanced life skills and achieve their educational goals.
Implementation
Our policies, resources and schemes support our vision and clearly outline where maths can be applied across different curriculum areas. Key knowledge and skills are also revisited regularly allowing repetition to embed learning.
In KS1 and KS2 we follow Abacus, Active Learn scheme for our daily teaching of mathematics. All areas of maths are covered within this scheme including calculation, data handling, shape and space, geometry, measurement and mental maths. Children are regularly taught problem-solving skills and given the opportunities to apply these to real-life contexts.
We use practical activities, hands on resources, visual examples, mathematical games and problem-solving activities to develop fluency of mathematical and reasoning skills. Whole School maths challenges take place each term and include real life problems which motivate, enthuse and celebrate the using and applying of many mathematical skills.
This is supported by timetabled interventions such as ‘TT Rockstars’ and Precision Teach to fill any gaps in our pupils’ learning.
In Key Stage 3 we continue to follow Abacus, Active Learn scheme which is supplemented with multisensory, practical activities to reinforce learning and continue from Key Stage 2 learning.
The areas of maths covered within this scheme include number, geometry, algebra, statistics, ratio and functional maths. Children are regularly taught problem-solving skills and given the opportunities to apply these to real-life contexts. In addition to daily math lessons, we deliver individual intervention tasks involving number, sequences, place value, times tables, mental maths, using four operations (+, -, /, x) to fill in any learning gaps our students may have.
In Key stage 4 the Maths qualification follows the same pathway as English and based on our students particular needs they will either follow the GCSE, Functional Skills or Entry Level pathway which are detailed below:
GCSE Maths - Edexcel
The GCSE course is built to enable students to develop fluent knowledge, skills and understanding of mathematical methods and concepts. Acquire, select and apply mathematical techniques to solve problems. Reason mathematically, make deductions and inferences, and draw conclusions as well as comprehend, interpret and communicate mathematical information in a variety of forms appropriate to the information and context.
Functional Skills Maths Level 1 / 2 – City and Guilds
The Maths Functional Skills qualifications are designed to develop the learner’s ability to represent situations using mathematics, analyse calculations, solve problems and interpret mathematics to explain situations. They’re assessed in a single, external test.
Entry Level Maths - City and Guilds
The Maths Entry Level Certificate provides basic and relevant mathematical skills and is suitable for students of all ages. It can build confidence in maths, especially with lower ability students. The assessment is on demand so students can complete assignments when they’re ready, helping to keep them motivated.
Our feedback policy, assessment systems and use of individualised targets supports the children to progress and become confident and fluent mathematicians.
Impact
We aim for all our pupils to achieve at least an entry level qualification and some will receive a GCSE in order to support them in their future goals.
All our pupils will meet their individual IEP targets and aim to meet their EHCP targets. They will have a good understanding of their strengths and targets for development in maths and what they need to do to improve.
Our students will be able understand the relevance and importance of what they are learning in relation to real world concepts. The pupils will leave Chaffinch Brook with a positive approach to mathematics and an understanding of how maths skills can be used in their everyday lives.
Pupil voice:
"My favourite subject is Maths because I am more confident with numbers." - Year 6
Useful links:
Gallery:
