Maths

We predominantly use the ‘Maths No Problem’ scheme of work across the school in order to deliver our core mathematics curriculum.

Maths No Problem

 Maths No Problem (MNP) textbooks and workbooks are used in all years from Years 1 to 6. This promotes a consistent approach to teaching and learning across the school and supports teacher subject knowledge and pedagogy.  It also ensures that lessons are rooted in learning, theory and research.

All year groups from 1-6, have allocated ‘maths on the boil’ time in the afternoon for 15 minutes. During this time, a combination of key skills, arithmetic techniques and times tables are taught and consolidated.

The lesson structure used is as follows:

1. Hook - where children explore a question or problem linked to the lesson objective

2. Structured discussion - where teachers discuss and model methods, strategies and any interesting findings

3. Let’s Learn - where children explore examples, models and images in the MNP textbooks to help consolidate their understanding.

4. Guided Practice - where children work collaboratively to answer questions linked to the LO

5. Independent learning - often completed in workbooks, in addition to . 

6. Reflecting on our learning - self assessment

In addition to this, children are expected to have regular opportunities to ‘journal’ in response to a  question: where children will be required to create, improve, evaluate or  justify their answers.

Maths in the Early Years

The school uses Mastering Number to teach maths in the Early Years. See the information below.

Mastering Number

Across EYFS and KS1, we have implemented the programme Mastering Number; a programme developed by the National Centre for Excellence in Teaching Mathematics (NCETM). 

This project aims to secure firm foundations in the development of good number sense for all children from Reception through to Year 1 and Year 2. The aim over time is that children will leave KS1 with fluency in calculation and a confidence and flexibility with number. Attention will be given to key knowledge and understanding needed in Reception classes, and progression through KS1 to support success in the future.

At Carpenters, this programme is delivered by our teachers either as part of their main maths lessons (EYFS) or as an additional 10-15 minutes a day (KS1). Our intention is that the programme will allow children to strengthen their understanding of early number, providing children with the automaticity, fluency and confidence in basic number facts enabling our children to build on these skills as they enter KS2. 

Maths across the curriculum

The maths leader works collaboratively with leaders from the foundation subjects in order to ensure that children have regular opportunities to use and develop their maths skills across the curriculum. When appropriate, explicit maths links  are added to the ‘topic’ medium term plans. This ensures that children have directed opportunities to use their skills meaningfully across the curriculum.