"Pure mathematics is, in its way, the poetry of logical ideas"                                                                                                                                            Albert Einstein

Mathematics

Through teaching Maths, we aim to equip pupils with a uniquely powerful set of tools to understand and change the world. These tools include logical reasoning, problem solving skills, and the ability to think in abstract ways. The children develop their knowledge and understanding of mathematics through practical activity, exploration and discussion. They focus on various aspects of number, shape, space and measures, and data handling. Children are taught to identify mathematical relationships, apply mental skills with speed and accuracy, and acquire an ability to apply Maths skills in everyday practical situations. Pupils have many opportunities to apply their knowledge and understanding of Maths in other curriculum areas. We have recently introduced the Singapore Method of solving problems. Parents are invited to share in our mathematics parents meetings. 

Our Maths Programme is "Singapore Maths" devised by Maths No Problem. The programme focus is on teaching to mastery by allowing enough time on a topic for a child to comprehend it thoroughly before moving on. Based on the recommendations of research studies around the globe, the programme empathises problem-solving and pupils using their core competencies to develop a relational understanding of mathematical concepts.

Maths No Problem Scheme

Incorporating the use of resources, problem-solving and group work, the Maths No Problem Primary Series is a child-centred and fun way to teach Mathematics, following principles developed in Singapore.  Singapore has become a “laboratory of maths teaching” by incorporating established international research into a highly effective teaching approach. With its emphasis on teaching pupils to solve problems, the Singapore Maths approach to teaching is the envy of the world. See below schemes of work for each year group.

Teaching maths for mastery

The whole class works through the programme of study at the same pace with ample time on each topic before moving on. Ideas are revisited at higher levels as the curriculum spirals through the years.

Differentiated activities

Tasks and activities are designed to be easy for pupils to enter while still containing challenging components. For advanced learners, the textbooks also contain non-routine questions for pupils to develop their higher-order thinking skills.

Problem solving

Lessons and activities are designed to be taught using problem-solving approaches to encourage pupils’ higher-level thinking. The focus is on working with pupils’ core competencies, building on what they know to develop their relational understanding, based on Richard Skemp’s work.

Concrete, Pictorial, Abstract (CPA) approach

Based on Jerome Bruner’s work, pupils learn new concepts initially using concrete examples, such as counters, then progress to drawing pictorial representations before finally using more abstract symbols, such as the equals sign.

Variation

The questions and examples are carefully varied by expert authors to encourage pupils to think about the maths. Rather than provide mechanical repetition, the examples are designed to deepen pupils’ understanding and reveal misconceptions.

To watch Maths No Problem in action, please look at the videos on the website below.

Maths No Problem Videos

Progress in mathematics learning each year should be assessed according to the extent to which pupils are gaining a deep understanding of the content taught for that year, resulting in sustainable knowledge and skills. Key measures of this are the abilities to reason mathematically and to solve increasingly complex problems, doing so with fluency, as described in the aims of the National curriculum:

The National Curriculum for Mathematics aims to ensure that all pupils:

• Become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, including through varied and frequent practice with increasingly complex problems over time, so that pupils develop conceptual understanding and the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately
• Reason mathematically by following a line of enquiry, conjecturing relationships and generalisations, and developing an argument, justification or proof using mathematical language
• Can solve problems by applying their mathematics to a variety of routine and non-routine problems with increasing sophistication, including breaking down problems into a series of simpler steps and persevering in seeking solutions.