Mathematics

Subject Intent Statement:

At Bowmandale Primary school our aim in mathematics is to inspire, challenge and encourage children to achieve the best they possibly can. We aim to make links to the real world, as well as within the mathematical curriculum and also ensure that cross curricular links are made so that children can see how maths surrounds us so much in our everyday life and in our local community.

We fully support the aims of the curriculum which encourages children to become fluent, reason mathematically and solve problems. This is achieved at Bowmandale by providing a broad and balanced curriculum, as well as a range of resources (including digital) to ensure all children can be successful in maths and apply their skills in a range of contexts. We particularly value ensuring that our children move through the programmes of study at broadly the same pace so that all our children have high aspirations, self-esteem and confidence.

At Bowmandale each child has a daily mathematics lesson. Throughout the school, children are taught within their own classes which are of mixed ability. Many classes are supported by the help of a teaching assistant to enhance learning.

We have adopted the mastery approach to maths which means that children approach their learning using practical resources to secure their understanding before progressing onto more abstract methods. Mental maths forms a strong part of children's mathematical development and we place a strong emphasis on reasoning in maths. Opportunities to explain their understanding orally to others enables children to further consolidate their own understanding.

All teachers try to deliver the lessons in a fun and imaginative way and try to explain how maths is used in the ‘real world’. Mathematical ideas are also discussed and used in other areas of the curriculum; for examples graphs may be used in science.

At Bowmandale we are proud to say we have dedicated Maths Ambassadors. Our Ambassadors are children who have put themselves forward to offer their time to help with maths related things in school. One of their main roles is to help their peers with their times tables and support them to achieve the awards on their times tables chart. They are out on the playground at lunchtimes and children in any year group can go for as long as they wish to. They also play a huge role in acquiring pupil feedback as they are regularly gathering views from other children about maths in school.

The Times Tables charts are used within school to celebrate children learning their tables at different stages. We have bronze stickers that are put on the chart when children can say their times tables in order up to x12. For example, one times two is two, two times two is four, three times two is six etc.

A silver sticker is awarded on the chart when children can answer times tables questions asked by their teacher out of order. For example, what is seven times five? Ten times five? Eight times five? Twelve times five? And so on.

A gold sticker is achieved when a child can apply the corresponding division facts out of order. For example, what is 144 divided by 12? What is 36 divided by 12? What is 72 divided by 12? And so on.

Once the children have achieved all stickers on their chart, they receive a certificate in assembly.

In school we have a dedicated maths board to celebrate all things maths. On here, we have the weekly Doodle winners, some interesting mathematical quotes, photos of our maths ambassadors and any important updates, such as recent awards or good examples of work produced by children in the school.

Each half term we celebrate a ‘Marvellous Mathematician’ in every year group. These are children that have impressed their grownups in the classroom for a range of reasons, such as their determination, effort or growth mind-set. Their photo is displayed towards the front of the school near Mrs Dunstan’s office so everyone can celebrate their hard work.