"Without mathematics, there is nothing you can do. Everything around you is mathematics. Everything around you is numbers"

- Shakuntala Devi

Intent

 Maths is more than a school subject. A solid mathematical knowledge and understanding can be seen in the fields of science, engineering and technology but is an element in most forms of employment, as well as being a crucial part of personal financial literacy and household management.  A child’s ability to calculate; apply knowledge; to communicate fluently; to reason and to solve problems mathematically, forms the backbone of their education for life. As the children implement their mathematical skills, they should be able to identify the practical relevance of this subject and be able to apply their knowledge in an ever wider set of familiar and new contexts.  Yet, this will only be possible if the children’s appreciation of the subject is also nurtured, such that they gain a sense of enjoyment and a curiosity about maths.

 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. (National Curriculum July 2014) 

 At Emmaus Church of England and Catholic Primary School our intention is to help children:

• enjoy maths through practical activity, exploration and discussions, 
• understand the importance of mathematics in everyday life,
• become confident and competent with numbers and the number system,
• become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics,
• develop conceptual understanding and the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately,
• reason mathematically by following a line of enquiry,
• spot relationships across domains, make generalisations and express an opinion using mathematical language,
• solve problems by applying their mathematics to a variety of routine and non-routine problems, including breaking down problems into a series of simpler steps,
• keep persevering in seeking solutions and be aware that there are often many or even no solutions,
• develop an appreciation of the creative aspects of maths; awareness of its aesthetic appeal and
• see the historic context and present day relevance of mathematics.

As a result, our Maths curriculum is also intrinsically linked to our whole school curriculum drivers:           

1. Gospel Values  
2. Cultural Capital   
3. Diversity                 
4. Independence  
5. High expectations                            

We teach and encourage these values at all times, seeing maths as a subject open to all, to be used for the benefit of all. At Emmaus, we believe that a rich and broad curriculum builds cultural capital, and we thus provide our children with a vast range of experiences and opportunities to help them progress and achieve success, linking what they do within the classroom to the world that they will grow up in.  Ultimately, we expect the children to aim high, and be able to use the skills they learn in a variety of contexts, working with others when required but specifically to have the confidence to ask their own questions, explore for themselves, and draw their own conclusions.  We expect this for all children, regardless of their starting point in this subject.

Implementation

Maths is a core subject, given significant time on the timetable, with a daily lesson in every class.  The school follows the School Improvement Liverpool scheme of work, such that in the first term of each year there is a heavy focus on number.  During the spring and summer terms, the skills that the children have learnt are revised, built upon and applied in the areas of measurement, geometry and statistics.  Each area is progressive, with topics from the curriculum and skills identified and built upon year after year.   The sequence of calculations in terms of size of number and complexity is also identified by year group.  Also, each sequence of lessons on one particular focus is taught in three sections.  In the practice section, children learn calculation methods.  In the secure section of the lessons, children look at the inverse, units and missing box questions.  If the children complete these, this shows sufficient understanding, applying these skills and knowledge to 'solve' problems, look at real-life situations, challenge opinions, and address puzzles and open-ended investigations.

The teachers ensure that the children see maths in a broad context, by using resources from a variety of sources, in different formats and with a focus on different aspects of a domain, from using concrete resources and calculation practice through to the application of skills in both practical and abstract situations.   This ensures that the children see maths as a subject in its own right, and also as a subject useful for their future.  Teachers have access to worksheets and activities from Primary Maths, Whiterose, NCETM and other online resources to support their planning.   Links are made with other subjects, and the maths used cross-curricular, is of an appropriate standard for the age group.

The subject is well resourced with practical materials, and children are expected to learn when and where to use these resources.  Plus, they should, over time, identify which calculations need a practical tool for support; which should be completed using a formal method; and which should be done mentally or with jottings.  Teachers use and emphasise mathematical vocabulary, and link the teaching to real-life situations, wherever possible.  

Assessment takes place during every lesson, so that children are moved on quickly; at the end of a topic; and formally each term, to ensure that the children have achieved and continue to achieve.  Support and intervention for those who need it, is key in maths lessons, but children are encouraged to work independently and strategically through their tasks. 

Maths lessons should be approximately 1 hour in length, including a 'Fluent in 5' activity to ensure that our children gain regular arithmetic practice. Throughout the week, each year group will have 2/3 20 minute timetabled basic skills sessions depending on the year group. Basic skills sessions focus on times tables and associated facts throughout the school. 

Impact

The impact and success of maths teaching is seen in the high scores in test situations; the monitored progress of each child; the positive outcomes of the pupil voice questionnaires and interviews; and the children’s independence in lessons. Mathematical confidence, the ability to take on new challenges and yet draw on previous experience, ensures that the children are ready to face the mathematical realities of everyday life.