All about Maths at fishwick
At Fishwick, we believe in developing a positive attitude and love for learning for Maths. We hope to raise the profile of Mathematics through links with Computing and other curriculum areas such as Science and PE. We endeavour to make our Maths curriculum exciting and include aspects of enquiry to enable our children to become independent learners.
Teaching and Learning
Our aim at Fishwick Primary is to ensure that all children become fluent, can reason and explain mathematically, and are able to solve problems as well as to foster an enthusiasm and fascination about maths.
To do this, we teach maths through a mastery approach which we are implementing in conjunction with our local Maths Hub.
What is teaching for mastery?
"Mastering maths means pupils of all ages acquiring a deep, long-term, secure and adaptable understanding of the subject. The phrase ‘teaching for mastery’ describes the elements of classroom practice and school organisation that combine to give pupils the best chances of mastering maths. Achieving mastery means acquiring a solid enough understanding of the maths that’s been taught to enable pupils to move on to more advanced materia"l (National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics).
Elements of classroom practice and school organisation are based on The 5 Big Ideas:
Teachers consider each element in the designing of their lessons to secure the best possible outcomes of the children. An insight into the thought process of designing a lesson can be found below.
We are also taking part in the Mastering Number at KS1 project; a project that aims to secure firm foundations in the development of good number sense for all children from Reception through to Year 1 and Year 2.
Times Tables
Subject Leader - Mrs King
At Fishwick, we have adopted the Teaching for Mastery approach. We believe that everyone can learn and enjoy mathematics and children's chances of success are maximised if they develop deep and lasting understanding of mathematics procedures and concepts.
The 5 Big Ideas are fundamental characteristics that underpin our maths lessons. Teaching is designed to enable a coherent learning progression through the curriculum, providing access for all pupils. Resources and pictorial models are carefully selected to expose mathematical structures; we use the CPA (concrete, pictorial, abstract) approach which is a system of learning that uses physical and visual aids to build a child's understanding of abstract topics. Something that we know is critical to all children developing their understanding of maths.
At Fishwick, we take part in Mastering Number; a project that helps to secure firm foundations in the development of good number sense for all children from Reception through to Year 3.
At Fishwick, we follow the NCETM Curriculum Prioritisation as a tool to support planning and teaching maths lessons from Year 1 to Year 6. This resource provides coherent sequencing for the primary maths curriculum. It draws together the DfE guidance on curriculum prioritisation, with the high-quality professional development and classroom resources provided by the NCETM Primary Mastery PD materials.
Alongside the NCETM Curriculum Prioritisation, teachers also enhance lessons with a range of resources from The Oak Academy. These resources not only help deepen children’s understanding but also provide excellent opportunities for collaborative working, mathematical discussion and provide teachers with valuable informal assessment opportunities.
In Early Years, children are immersed in mathematics and are given planned and spontaneous opportunities to develop their mathematical understanding. Throughout the physical environment, there are opportunities to practice and embed learning using purposeful and stimulating activities and resources. Staff model mathematical language and thinking whilst engaging with children in their play.