PURPOSE OF STUDY

Mathematics is a creative and highly inter-connected discipline that has been developed over centuries, providing the solution to some of history’s most intriguing problems. It is essential to everyday life, critical to science, technology and engineering, and necessary for financial literacy and most forms of employment. A high-quality mathematics education therefore provides a foundation for understanding the world, the ability to reason mathematically, an appreciation of the beauty and power of mathematics, and a sense of enjoyment and curiosity about the subject.

Power Maths

At Criftins C of E Primary School, we use Power Maths as a basis for our Maths lessons. This is an exciting mastery approach, which has been recommended by the DfE. It is based upon the concrete, pictoral and abstract model of learning. This approach is not about getting the answer quickly or teaching ‘quick fix’ tricks. It is about giving our pupils the tools to fully understand a mathematical concept.

Mathematics lessons are broken down into a sequence of small, progressive steps and enable pupils to continually build on prior knowledge. Concepts are gradually developed and pupils are encouraged to make links in their mathematical thinking, develop flexibility in understanding and apply their learning across a range of contexts. 

Every lesson is divided into sections that involve discovery, sharing, collaboration, practice and reflection. There are a range of fluency, reasoning and problem solving questions in each lesson that are designed to support the different needs and confidence levels within a class, while at the same time fostering a spirit of working and learning together.

At the heart of Power Maths is the idea that all children can achieve. It rejects the idea that people simply ‘can’t do’ maths.

Calculation Policies

If you would like to support your child in mathematics please have a look at the calculation policies below. These will help you to understand the methods used in school. 

Maths Policy

Gareth Metcalfe

Over the past few years, we have worked closely with Gareth Metcalfe, who is a consultant for Mathematics, in order to ensure our pupils build the essential visual concepts required to make confidence progress in Mathematics.

If you are curious about the work of Gareth Metcalfe, please click on the links below. 

Times Tables

Secure and confident knowledge of times tables is vital to children’s success in Maths. They are the building blocks of Maths and once rapid recall of multiplication facts becomes possible, the doors to many other areas of Maths are unlocked!

By the end of Year 4, pupils are now required to recall (at speed) all multiplication facts up to 12 x 12 in any order, and derive associated division facts. In 2020, The Department for Education (DfE) introduced a new online national test for Year 4 pupils. It is called ‘The Multiplication Tables Check’(MTC) and formally assesses multiplication skills. Please find more information about this in the ‘The Multiplication Check Guidance’ below.

Pupils are actively encouraged to practise times tables both in school and at home, on a regular basis. There are many different ways in which pupils can learn and practise times tables at home, including; games, online resources, practising with a family member, chanting, worksheets and listening to times table songs. 

As a federation, we have a subscription to ‘Times Table Rockstars’, which is an online programme that can be accessed from home. It is a carefully sequenced programme of daily times tables practice and helps our pupils to engage in a fun way with their learning of the times tables. Please find the link below. 

Maths Whizz

Maths Whizz is an invaluable resource that is widely used across our school, predominately for home learning. It is an online tutoring programme, which is personalised to each child's unique ability. It meets the needs of every child because there is enough scope and excitement to challenge the most able, as well as those who need support at ever level. 

All children in Years 1-6 have their own login details. Please find the link below, along with further help and guidance.