Maths at Catherine Infant School
OUR AIM
At Catherine Infant School we believe all children have the opportunity to master mathematical content appropriate for their age .
We ensure every child has an opportunity to develop their knowledge of mathematical concepts through fluency, reasoning and problem solving alongside concrete, pictorial and abstract approaches.
PRINCIPLES OF MASTERY MATHS FOR US
All children 'CAN DO' maths.
All children are taught to be resilient in maths in order to succeed.
All abilities of children are taught through whole class teaching.
Children are taught small coherent steps so they can make connections in maths.
If children struggle to understand concepts they are provided with an in class intervention to learn the concept in a different way.
Carefully planned lessons are well structured and interactive to ensure the 5 'Big Ideas' are implemented in every lesson.
Over time children develop a deep knowledge of key concepts through challenges.
Partnership with National Maths Hub
In 2017-18 Catherine Infant School was pleased to be accepted to work with the Maths Hubs East Midlands South to develop the teaching of the Maths Mastery approach in our key stage 1 classes. Our Maths leader and SLT observed teachers from Shanghai teaching using this approach and were very impressed with the pupil's participation, enthusiasm and depth and breadth of understanding shown in their maths lesson. Our Maths Leader and Deputy Headteacher attended 6 sessions of in depth work (Teacher Research Groups - TRG's) with the Maths Hub over the year to support her in developing this approach in our school through shared teaching, demonstration lessons and supported planning with staff. We have been excited to see the change in our pupils, their ability to discuss and share their knowledge and approaches to meeting and solve challenges and maths problems. They particularly enjoy the "challenges" presented in each lesson - especially the hot chilli challenges! We are excited to see how the approach will be developed further in year 2 of the project. If you would like to know more about the Maths Mastery approach - please click on the link: Maths Mastery
In 2018-19 Catherine Infant School were again accepted to work with Maths Hubs East Midlands South, this time to develop the teaching of Early Number Sense - a maths mastery approach for Reception age pupils. Our Assistant Head for EYFS is attending 6 sessions of in depth work (Teacher Research Groups - TRGs) with the Maths Hub over the year to support her in developing this approach in our school through shared teaching, demonstration lessons and supported planning with staff. We are already seeing a boost of confidence and a depth of understanding of Maths skills in our Reception children. If you would like to know more about the Early Number Sense Approach - please click on the link: Early Number Sense Approach
Our Deputy Headteacher/SENCo has also been accepted on the Mastery in Maths for pupils with Special Needs project which is part of the Maths Hub. The project focuses on early stages of developing number sense/ fluency and researching approaches to teaching pupils who need extra steps and increased structure to enable 'mastery'.
What our children and staff say about Maths Mastery and Early Number Sense ...
Quotes from staff:
"Children understand number at a deeper level."
"Very enthusiastic to go in the maths continuous provision and try some maths challenges independently”.
“Use of manipulatives has improved their talk partner skills and I have been able to hear some very good mathematical discussions”.
Quotes from children:
"Maths is fun!”
“I like finding out about each number”.
“Solving problems with partner is exciting”.
