Maths

Maths

introducing maths

Our mathematics department aims to develop each pupil's skills and understanding while also encouraging a systematic approach and a positive attitude to this fundamental subject.

CURRICULUM THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL

Reception pupils are introduced to number concepts, bonds and patterns. The use of numbers is related to familiar concepts and pupils are expected to count reliably and begin to use simple addition whilst also being able to group, order and recognise pattern.

During Years 1 and 2 a more complete understanding of the concepts introduced in Reception is developed, a familiarity with two- and three-dimensional shapes is fostered and basic units of measure are introduced. The first times tables are used and more fully understood at this stage too.

Years 3-6 see a building upon the initial building blocks of mathematicsstudying and extending all areas of the National Curriculum in the process. 

In Years 7 and 8 the pupils follow a Mastery based syllabus which relies on regular assessment to check for understanding before moving on to further topics. The course fulfills all the requirements of the National Curriculum and provides a sound grounding for Year 9 and beyond.  Advanced students in top set Year 8 have the opportunity to prepare for the scholarship exams for the Senior School.

Opportunities for parents to contribute towards their children’s learning and progress

The following list of activities accompanies curriculum summaries that are sent to parents, providing advice on how best to develop mathematical concepts at home:
Revise the times tables with the children
Complete a jigsaw puzzle
Play Junior Monopoly or other board games that involve mathematical concepts.
Measure ingredients for a cake or pancakes
Find out how many litres of fuel are needed to complete a journey
Learn how to play chess and draughts
Use interlocking cubes or rods to make solids
Use shapes to make symmetrical designs
Play games of Battleships, Rimmikub, Yahtzee, Sudoku
Follow written instructions for making a model
Help with planting seeds following the instructions on the packet and measure the growth of a sunflower.
Convert units of currency when travelling on holiday
Understand time zones and calculate times of day in other countries.
Regularly tell the time
Discuss the twenty-four hour clock at airports and railway stations (continued).
Regularly use the bathroom scales – know height and weight in imperial and metric units.
Understand fractional parts of a pizza, cake or chocolate bar
Start a savings account and discuss interest rates
Use timetables at a train station, a bus terminal or a port
Help with measuring activities around the house for fitting new curtains, painting a fence, erecting a shelf, laying a patio etc.
Use ratios when mixing squash or paints
Use negative numbers when the weather is particularly cold
Capitalise upon sporting activities to develop mathematical concepts. Cricket is useful for averages, swimming and athletics lend themselves to concepts involving time and many sports provide opportunities for developing an understanding of tables, charts and graphs.