Maths Vision Statement
“To create confident and enthusiastic mathematicians who have an ability to solve problems, reason, think logically and work systematically. We aim to facilitate learning in a concrete-pictorial-abstract approach, allowing children opportunity to gain a ‘Mastery’ of key concepts.”
At Linden Primary, we are currently working with two Mastery curricula in Maths. Year 1 to 3 are continuing to phase in the Singapore-Maths approach with Inspire Maths whilst Year 4-6 are still working from the bespoke Linden Mastery Maths Curriculum. The Reception classes continue to build the foundations of number through exploration and play. Below is some further information about Maths at school:
Y1- Y3 Maths – Inspire Maths
We began a phased implementation of Inspire Maths beginning in Year 1 in December 2015, so it is still in its early days. We were initially invited to take part in a research project with Oxford University Press to monitor the impact of this approach to teaching mathematics. After a lot of research, school visits and training, we decided that this was a primary maths programme that provided everything we need to support an approach to teaching and learning mathematics which is greater in depth and meets the higher expectations of the 2014 National Curriculum.
Inspire Maths is a transformational, whole-school approach (though with our phased-approach, other yeargroups are just using key aspects) to raising pupils’ achievement in maths. The programme of resources is built upon the internationally acclaimed approach to teaching mathematics in Singapore. Published by Oxford University Press it is based on the leading Singapore Maths series My Pals are Here, used in 100% of Singapore’s state primary schools.
So how does it work in your child’s classroom?
Inspire Maths uses accessible individual pupil textbooks which introduce concepts in a highly scaffolded way, enabling all our children to develop critical thinking skills, make mathematical connections and become confident mathematicians. Inspire Maths builds firm foundations and a deep understanding of mathematical concepts through a concrete-pictorial-abstract approach.
An example of a Pupil textbook (1a)
The Pupil Textbooks provide a scaffolded introduction to each new learning objective, the guided practice activities appearing in the textbooks are completed in children’s maths journals.
Next come the children’s Practice Books, these provide carefully structured questions to reinforce concepts introduced in the Pupil Textbooks.
An example of Pupil practice book (2b)
A wealth of activities develop fluency, build mathematical confidence and lead towards a greater depth of understanding.
The practice books are used to quickly identify gaps in learning for immediate intervention and opportunities for further practice, challenge or enrichment. For our children they provide an opportunity to self-reflect, celebrate success and build confidence.
Inspire Maths aims to teach children to a greater depth and meet the higher expectations of the National Curriculum we are excited by our new approach to ensuring all children can access the new higher pitch and expectations.
It is exciting times here at Linden Primary as we begin to phase Inspire Maths into Year 3 and we look forward to observing how Inspire Maths works with our children and measuring the impact of it as they move through the school.
Oxford Owl Maths – help for parents supporting their children with mathematics
The materials below and the links within this text are from Oxford Owl Maths and are free for parents to access. These resources are designed to support you with your children’s maths throughout their primary years. You’ll find a whole host of activities, simple ideas, top tips and eBooks to help your child with their maths at home.
There are lots of ways to help to build your child’s confidence in maths. There are many fun games and activities you can do with your child that practise maths skills. Most children love playing games and it’s an easy way to support their learning.
On Oxford Owl Maths, you’ll also find advice from educational experts on what your child is learning at school and how to make maths fun at home.
Oxford Owl guidance for parents with Inspire Maths in school:
Parent Support Counting Objects
Parent Support Calculating Fractions
Year 4-6 Linden Mastery Maths Curriculum
This maths focuses on Fluency, Problem Solving and Reasoning. The teaching takes a 'Mastery' approach where we aim to deepen children's understanding of maths through rich activities. Still using the theories behind Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract approaches to teaching, we aim to use 'Intelligent Practice' activities to give all children the opportunity to practise key skills, before challenging them further with problem solving and reasoning activities.
Below are some resources parents may find useful in supporting this learning. The Yearly Overviews for each yeargroup are also below.
Addition lines
Calculating Fractions
Counting Objects
Division
Multiplication
Subtraction
Times Tables
Year 4 Overview
Year 5 Overview
Year 6 Overview
What else can we do at home?
The school is currently subscribed to Mathletics and Times Tables Rockstars. If your child has been introduced to these at school and has a log in, please spend some time supporting your child in these safe, online learning learning platforms that give them the opportunity to continue their learning at home. If you want further information, please ask your child's teacher.
Handouts from our parent information meeting in November 2018:
Inspire Maths Workshop
Inspire Maths Handout
Click here for Maths No Problem
Click here for Comunity Mathletics