Mathematics is a powerful tool. It equips our children with the skills needed in adult life - in the spheres of work and leisure. It is not seen as a subject in isolation, but one taught to complement other areas of the curriculum as children's learning and progress in many subjects often depends on what they know and understand and can do in mathematics. At the same time, these subjects provide a rich source of stimulus and motivation for pupils improving their mathematics skills. Learning is enhanced in both subjects.
The approach to mathematics at Holy Cross reflects the School’s Mission Statement and ethos. It is taught in a way, which makes it challenging, inventive, creative, exploratory and fun whilst still fulfilling the requirements of the National Curriculum.
Mathematics in Reception class is taught through the Mathematics area of learning in the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum. Years 1-6 follow a programme of study from the National Curriculum (2014).
Planning in Reception is taken from the Development Matters Statements in the EYFS. In Years 1-6 planning for learning is supported by the Abacus scheme of work and tailored by individual teachers to suit the needs of their children.
The daily mathematics lesson has several parts to it, made up of revision activities, core learning activities and review activities with plenty of opportunities for meaningful mini plenaries. Weekly plans show annotations as to how differentiated learning is planned for to meet the needs of the children. Each lesson has a mix of oral and mental work, whole class teaching with teachers engaging pupils with clear instructions and effective questioning.
Using and Applying is developed throughout most mathematical activities. We undertake planned investigative work whenever an open-ended investigation fits into the weekly plan.
There are opportunities in lessons for practical work, investigative work, problem solving, computer work, calculator work, consolidation and reinforcement.