At Candleby Lane, we empower our children with a ‘CAN DO’ attitude in mathematics. We encourage children to develop their knowledge and understanding and aim for all pupils to enjoy and achieve in mathematics and become confident mathematicians. It is our belief that mathematics teaches us how to make sense of the world around us through developing a child’s ability to calculate, to reason and to solve problems. It enables children to understand and appreciate relationships and pattern in both number and space in their everyday lives. We provide pupils with a deep understanding of the subject through a concrete, pictorial and abstract approach. At Candleby Lane, we aim for our pupils to become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, which are placed at the heart of our curriculum, so that they develop conceptual understanding and the ability to recall and apply knowledge accurately.

Our approach aims to provide all children with full access to the curriculum, enabling them to develop independence, confidence and competence – ‘mastery’ in mathematics in order to be independent mathematicians who are well equipped to apply their learning to the wider world.

EYFS

In EYFS pupils develop their concept of the number system through the use of concrete materials and pictorial representations. Reception are currently taking part in the Mastering Number Programme from the NCETM an work closely with the local Maths Hub to develop and improve teaching of maths. Mastering Number is a programme designed to ensure children have a thorough understanding of number and the number system. This programme makes up the majority of maths taught sessions, with the remainder being teacher designed in order to cover other aspects of the curriculum. A key manipulative which children are introduced to in the reception year is the rekenrek, a fantastic resource to support children with their growing understanding of number.

Key Stage 1 and 2

From Years 1-6, we use Power Maths as a basis of our maths lessons, which is supplemented by White Rose materials. This is an exciting mastery approach that has been recommended by the Department of Education to ensure that the aims of the National Curriculum are achieved. At the heart of Power Maths is the belief that all children can achieve. It rejects the idea that people simply ‘can’t do’ maths. It is built around hard work, practice and a willingness to see mistakes as learning opportunities. We are also beginning to roll out daily Mastering Number sessions in KS1 and KS2 to support children to develop fluency and automaticity with key maths facts. We are excited to see the impact of these sessions as we progress through the academic year.

Times Table Rockstars & NumBots

As a school we use Times Table Rockstars (TTRS) as a way to practise Times Table knowledge, both in preparation for the MTC at the end of Year 4 and to contribute towards children’s fluency in mathematical facts. In Year 4, children have a weekly times table check in class in order for teachers to be aware of their current times table knowledge. This allows teaching teams to plan additional lessons or interventions as appropriate. All children in KS2 have a log in to TTRS.

Children in Reception and KS1 have a log in to NumBots, a brilliant online resource designed to support children in learning to add and subtract alongside taught lessons in school. We encourage children to access the app or website at home where possible.