Learning Mathematics creates opportunities for and enriches the lives of our pupils. We aim to deliver a high–quality mathematics curriculum which provides a foundation for understanding the world, the ability to reason mathematically, and a sense of excitement and curiosity about mathematics. At Midhurst Primary School we are passionate about our pupils leaving primary school with a sound foundation in the fundamentals of mathematics and the ability to reason, problem solve and follow lines of enquiry. Central to this lays a sense of pleasure and curiosity about the subject we hope to foster throughout our whole school community
Mathematics is taught as one of the three core subjects at Midhurst Primary School and is usually taught daily. There are many different elements of mathematics which your child will cover over the course of a year. As your child progresses, they will become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, reason mathematically and solve problems by applying their skills. The White Rose Hub and Power Maths, as well as the National Curriculum, are used to support the planning of mathematics from Year 1 – Year 6. The EYFS curriculum for mathematics is followed in Reception and supported through use of the Numberblocks lessons.
The school follows a mastery approach to teaching mathematics where the whole class moves through topics at broadly the same pace. We spend longer time on key mathematical topics and concepts in order to give all learners both the practice and depth of understanding they need. We believe that all pupils can access and understand the full mathematics curriculum. There is nobody who ‘can’t do maths.’ Mastering mathematics means pupils of all ages acquiring a deep, long-term, secure and adaptable understanding of the subject. We use concrete apparatus (things pupils can touch, hold and manipulate) and visual representations (things they can see) to help children to visualise and internalise abstract mathematical concepts, allowing them to access, conceptualise and solve problems. Through the consistent use of these apparatus and representation, our pupils gain confidence as independent learners to use resources and solve problems. Though the whole class goes through the same content at the same pace, there is still plenty of opportunity for differentiation. Those pupils who grasp concepts quickly are challenged with rich and sophisticated problems within the topic while those children who are not sufficiently fluent are provided additional support to consolidate their understanding before moving on.
We aim to equip our children with the conceptual understanding, skills and procedures that they need to solve problems in their everyday lives and in the future with confidence.