Mathematics
Curriculum Statement
In line with the National Curriculum for Mathematics 2014, at West Heath we aim to ensure that pupils:
- Have fluent arithmetic skills appropriate to their age and stage which they can use to solve a variety of problems
- Have a sound understanding of calculation, number, shape, space and measure and handling and interpreting data
- Develop the ability to solve mathematical problems presented in a variety of contexts
- Have a positive attitude to Maths
Maths at West Heath Primary School
We firmly believe that Maths has an integral part to play in all children’s education. We have a strong focus on ensuring that children develop a secure understanding of the basic principles of Mathematics and can apply their knowledge confidently in a range of different contexts. We are committed to ensuring that children leave our school as competent and confident mathematicians, ready for the next stage of their learning.
At our school, the White Rose Maths Scheme provides the structure and progression for our Mathematics curriculum. Our teaching approach has developed further in line with the principles of Maths Mastery, with a strong emphasis on developing a deep and connected understanding of mathematical concepts rather than simply learning procedures.
A key part of our approach is helping children to see and understand the Maths. Teachers carefully select practical resources, models and representations to help children explore mathematical ideas and make connections between concepts. Concrete resources and pictorial representations are used across the school, including with older pupils, whenever they support understanding. Children are encouraged to explain what they notice, make links between different representations and use these to support their mathematical reasoning before moving towards more abstract methods.
All children follow this approach within their daily Maths lessons. In addition, children in Key Stage 1, Year 4 and Year 5 take part in a further 15-minute Maths Mastery session each afternoon. These short sessions provide additional opportunities to revisit and strengthen key concepts, develop mathematical language, build fluency and deepen understanding through carefully chosen representations and discussion.
Once children have developed a secure conceptual understanding, they are given opportunities to develop their fluency and apply their knowledge through reasoning and problem solving. Children are encouraged to explain their thinking, justify their answers, identify patterns and make connections between different areas of Mathematics.
Teachers assess children’s understanding continually and adapt teaching in response to what children know and can do. This takes place within lessons through questioning, observation, discussion, immediate feedback and the assessment of children’s work. This responsive approach allows misconceptions to be identified and addressed quickly.
In addition, termly White Rose assessments are used to provide a more formal picture of children’s attainment and progress. These assessments help teachers identify strengths and areas for development for individuals, groups and classes, allowing future teaching and intervention to be carefully targeted.
Tackling Tables, our times table initiative, continues to take place on a weekly basis to help children develop and improve their multiplication and division fluency. A secure understanding of times tables is an essential foundation for many areas of Mathematics.
Children are also set weekly Mathletics homework to provide regular opportunities to practise and consolidate the learning taking place in school. Tasks are selected to support current areas of learning and help children build confidence, fluency and independence. Parents and carers are encouraged to support children in completing their Mathletics activities and practising times tables regularly at home.
Mathematics Policies & Reports
Mathematics Curriculum Maps
At West Heath Primary School we follow the Whiterose Maths scheme. All teachers have access to the website and use the resources to plan units of work.
