Mathematics is the language of the universe. Our aim is for all children to be fluent, resilient and reflective, exploring mathematical concepts with an inquisitive mind and beginning to appreciate the order, beauty, and logic inherent in the world.

Mathematics at Eye Primary School aims to equip our pupils with the three aims of the National Curriculum:

Fluency - The children can recall number facts and methods with ease and know how and when to apply them. 

Reasoning - The pupils can explain their mathematical thinking using precise vocabulary; both verbally and in writing. 

Problem-Solving - Children will develop the ability to solve real life problems and puzzles using their maths knowledge and skills. 

Our definition of mathematics

Mathematics is a special language that helps us understand and describe the world around us. It is all about numbers, shapes, patterns, and how things fit together, providing us with a way to think logically and see how different things are connected.

We want children to be independent, confident and efficient mathematicians and will encourage them to make connections between mathematical ideas and the 'real world' applications. We value the use of concrete, pictorial and symbolic representations to help them understand mathematical concepts with increasing depth. 

Years 1-6 are currently experiencing a mastery approach to mathematics using the White Rose Maths Scheme, with children being taught in their own year group. This means all of the pupils experience the same maths lessons and activities, which are carefully crafted and scaffolded to ensure that pupils move through the curriculum at "broadly the same pace" (National Curriculum 2014). 

Extra challenge and opportunity to work at greater depth is given to all children - we have high expectations that everyone can achieve.  Those children who need additional support, resources or practice will have access to these.

Alignment with our vision and values

In the spirit of our school vision of "living life in all its fullness" (John 10:10), mathematics encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and resilience —skills that are essential for navigating life's challenges. By engaging with mathematics, our pupils begin to appreciate the order, beauty, and logic inherent in the world, which reflects the fullness of life that our vision upholds.

Mathematics also promotes a growth mindset, where students are encouraged to persevere through difficulties, understand that mistakes are part of the learning process, and celebrate the joy of discovery and understanding. This not only equips them with the intellectual tools necessary for future success, but also nurtures their confidence and self-belief, which are key components of a fulfilled life.

Furthermore, mathematics cultivates a sense of wonder and curiosity, encouraging students to explore the world with inquisitiveness and creativity. This mirrors the abundant life promised in John 10:10, where learning is not just about acquiring knowledge, but about experiencing the richness and diversity of God's creation.

In essence, our approach to teaching mathematics embodies our commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals who are prepared to live life in all its fullness —intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually.

Additional resources, enhancements & support

Times Table Rockstars

Times Table Rockstars is an online programme in place to support rapid recall of Times Tables. It can be played both online and via their app in school and at home. Each child has their own rockstar avatar and is in control of earning virtual money to buy clothing and accessories for their avatar. Coins can be earned by answering their multiplication tables correctly when they play games. The more answers they get right, the more coins they earn. Within school, the children complete a set of 60 questions in 3 minutes in a booklet five times a week. These scores and times are then uploaded onto the website each week by the class teacher to collaborate with the child's previous scores to boost their rockstar level. The aim of the programme is to climb the levels to be a Rock Hero!

NumBots

The creators of Times Tables Rock Stars have produced a platform for boosting addition and subtraction skills, called NumBots. The platform is all about every child achieving the “triple win” of understanding, recall and fluency in mental addition and subtraction, so that they move from counting to calculating.

Big Difference

NumBots is an online game and playing little and often will significantly improve your child’s recall and understanding of number bonds and addition and subtraction facts. These are critical foundations in maths.

Logging In

The children were all shown how the game works and how to login. Their logins have been stuck on the inside cover of their reading record. Please make a note of their username and password if they should lose their reading record. If you would like your child to have a go at home, you just need to download the FREE Numbots app from your app store.  Alternatively, if you’re playing on a PC or laptop, visit https://play.numbots.com/.

Little and often

In order to get the best out of NumBots children should regularly play for short bursts, so we recommend 5 minutes each day.

Game Types

1. Story Mode – the emphasis is on learning the ideas and concepts behind addition and subtraction so it features more diagrams, shapes and question styles.

2. Challenge Mode – the emphasis is more on speed of recall of key facts, like number bonds to 10, doubling small numbers or adding & taking away in your head.

Flashback Four Retrieval Practice                                                                          

Retrieval practice has become an integral part of our teaching across all subjects areas at Eye Primary School. Mathematics is no exception. At the beginning of every lesson, children complete what we refer to as a 'Flashback Four' from the White Rose scheme. These are a series of four questions, arithmetic or reasoning, from a variety of mathematical units to revise previously taught topics. This ensures the children are drawing on prior knowledge to answer the questions, effectively transferring methods and concepts into their long-term memory to support their future learning, too.

Number Sense

At Eye, Number Sense is taught every day for 15 minutes from Y1-Y4 and Number Sense Times Tables fluency is taught from Y4-Y5. This helps children to build a deep understanding of number and number relationships and develop fluency in addition, subtraction, multiplication and division facts and concepts. 

Curriculum planning

White Rose Maths

The White Rose Primary Schemes of Learning can be found on the below link. These schemes provide additional support and guidance on how the teaching of Maths at Eye is structured. 

https://whiteroseeducation.com/resources