Mathematics

‘The only way to learn mathematics is to do mathematics’.

By  Paul Halmos

At St Nicolas, we aim to enable all children to be successful in their maths learning. We want all Children across our school see themselves as confident and able mathematicians, who see maths as a necessity for their future.

Our school’s approach to teaching mathematics delivers the aims of the National Curriculum through a focus on developing the core principles of maths mastery and is approached using the guidance and support of White Rose Maths (in years 1-6) and in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2, using NCETM's Mastering Number.  All children learn through a CPD approach (concrete, pictorial, abstract) and we encourage the use of manipulatives to support learning.  The children are encouraged to show how they have answered a question to enable staff to see their thinking and methods used.   

What you'll see:

• Whole class teaching across the school with children working with their teacher on the curriculum objectives for their year group.
• Children independently choosing and using a range of manipulative resources and models to support their fundamental understanding.
• Learning differentiated to enable all learners to succeed and be challenged in their learning.
• Problem solving being taught as a fundamental skill in every lesson.

What you'll hear:

• Teachers modelling the use of mathematical vocabulary.
• Teachers modelling and children using mathematical vocabulary to explain their understanding.
• Teachers and TAs asking high-quality questions which require children to give mathematical reasoning for their ideas.
• Children discussing their understanding and posing questions.
• Fluent recall of number and times table facts.