Maths at Candleby Lane

“The only way to learn mathematics is to do mathematics.” Paul Halmos

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. They experience practical calculation using a wide variety of equipment, e.g. small world play, role play, counters, cubes, ways of recording calculations using pictures, etc. Foundation 2 are currently taking part in the Mastering Number Programme from NCETM, which 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. In order to ensure that all aspects of the curriculum are covered we have created a long-term plan which covers both Foundation 1 and Foundation 2 that identifies key concepts to be taught, including those from the Mastering Number programme.

Key Stage 1 and 2

From Years 1-6, we use Power Maths as a basis of our maths lessons 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. 

Other aspects of Maths

Daily Arithmetic Practice

In Years 3 – 6 children have the opportunity to practise arithmetic regularly through 10 in 10.

10 in 10 is a set of 10 questions which the children have 10 minutes to answer. The questions are carefully chosen to cover:

• Recent/Current teaching
• End of Year expectations
•  

In Key Stage 1, the White Rose Flashback 4 and a daily revisit of counting and key number facts are used each day to ensure children remain fluent with the basic skills.

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 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.