Mathematics
Mathematic Curriculum Intent
The intent of mathematics in Thorntree Academy is ensure that all of our pupils become confident and competent mathematicians ensuring that they have:
- a positive attitude towards mathematics and an awareness of the relevance of mathematics in the real world
- competence and confidence in mathematical knowledge, concepts and skills - an ability to solve problems, to reason, to think logically and to work systematically and accurately.
- initiative and an ability to work both independently and in cooperation with others
- an ability to communicate mathematics
- an ability to use and apply mathematics across the curriculum and in real life
- an understanding of mathematics through a process of enquiry and experiment
- children’s fluency, reasoning and problem-solving skills through a series of small steps in concepts
Our focus from Early Years through to Y6 is to develop children's understanding of number ensuring they are fluent mathematicians. Daily Early Bird arithmetic sessions give the children the best possible start to the day where they are able to consolidate their understanding of the four operations.
This ensures that they are equipped with the skill set to thrive in core mathematics lessons where they are challenged to think deeply through a series of reasoning and problem solving opportunities.
We deem it vital that children are exposed to times tables and number fact rehearsal on a daily basis and this forms a core part of our lesson structure. Pupils are regularly challenged to use rapid recall in lessons to support their learning.
Assessment for learning ensures that our groupings in mathematics are fluent; scheduled assessment points are included in lessons to enable teachers to use live feedback and give opportunities to regroup to further support our children.
EEF research from KS1 and KS2 stresses the importance of using manipulatives in mathematics to support learning. We ensure that children are exposed to this in our Early Years to ensure that their transition into the National Curriculum is as smooth as possible ensuring they make a swift start to KS1 expectations.