Moss Hey Primary SchoolMaths
“Maths may not teach us to add love or subtract hate, but it gives us hope that every problem has a solution”
Intent: For pupils to be confident mathematicians. To appreciate the patterns of numbers and shapes all around us and how they help us to make sense of our world.
At Moss Hey, we want our children to become mathematicians who see and enjoy the challenge of maths, make connections and go beyond the classroom with their Maths.
We want to ensure our children are able to recognise the importance of maths in the wider world and that they are also able to use their mathematical skills and knowledge confidently in a range of different contexts. Our goal is that children become curious and resilient learners in maths and that they demonstrate independence, creativity and positivity. We follow the White Rose Maths scheme throughout the school which can be seen below.
Throughout the school, children use concrete equipment and pictures to support their understanding of more abstract concepts. We strive to create practical lessons to bring their work to life and allow them to deepen their understanding. Over time children learn how to use models and images, place value counters, bar models and tens frames, to support their mental and informal written methods of calculation. As children’s mental methods are strengthened and refined, so too are their informal written methods. These methods become more efficient and succinct and lead to efficient written methods that can be used more generally. By the end of Year 6 children are equipped with mental and written methods that they understand and can use correctly.
When faced with a calculation, children are able to decide which method is most appropriate and have strategies to check its accuracy. They will do this by asking themselves:
- Can I do this in my head?
- Can I do this in my head using drawing or jottings?
- Do I need to use a pencil and paper procedure?
At whatever stage in their learning, and whatever method is being used, it must still be underpinned by a secure and appropriate knowledge of number facts, along with those mental skills that are needed to carry out the process and judge if it was successful.
Homework
To support our work in school, children will have a weekly Maths homework which links to activities completed in class. This will further reinforce learning and allow deeper connections to be made. There are also Parent Workbooks on the White Rose website that are in line with the teaching of Maths at Moss Hey Primary that you are able to download for free and use.
https://whiteroseeducation.com/parent-pupil-resources/maths/free-downloads
Times Tables
The current National Curriculum states that children should know their times tables up to 12x12 by the end of Year 4. Knowing the Times Tables inside out is essential for moving on to most other areas in mathematics; including division, fractions, decimals and percentages.
The DfE says that the check is part of a new focus on mastering numeracy, giving children the skills and knowledge they need for secondary school and beyond. The purpose of the Multiplication Tables Check (MTC) is to determine whether Y4 pupils can recall their multiplication tables fluently (being able to answer times tables questions accurately and quickly, without having to work out the answers).
In life, we use times table and division facts almost every day in many different ways:
- 6 people are coming for tea. Each person will eat 2 burgers. How many burgers do you need to buy?
- A ticket costs £3. How much would it cost to buy 5?
- You need 50 apples for a party. 8 apples come in a bag, how many bags do you need?
Children who know their times tables facts will be able to answer questions more quickly and be able to focus on using other maths strategies in more complex problems rather than being slowed down by multiplication. Knowing times tables can also increase a child’s confidence levels, as this part of the question becomes easy.
For this reason we have signed up to Times Tables Rock Stars for Years 2 to 6. This is an interactive website which enables children to practise their times tables and compete with other children across the school.
