Maths
''Mathematics is a creative and highly interconnected discipline that has been developed over centuries, providing the solution to some of history’s most intriguing problems. It is essential to everyday life.'' National Curriculum 2014
Curriculum Intent
At Windmill Primary, we want all our pupils to leave the school as confident and resilient mathematicians. We follow the GLF maths curriculum to give our pupils the best chance at achieving mastery in number by the end of their time at the school. Teaching maths for mastery ensures all pupils can access and be successful across the full maths curriculum. This inclusive approach, and its emphasis on promoting multiple methods of solving problems, builds self-confidence and resilience in pupils. The DfE’s ‘Ready To Progress’ document outlines the most important conceptual knowledge and understanding that the pupils need as they progress from Nursery - Year 6. This curriculum has been specifically designed to prioritise the RtP criteria to allow children more time to master these areas of maths. By meeting these criteria, children should more easily access other areas of the maths curriculum.
Curriculum Implementation
A main maths lesson is taught for an hour each day in every year group. Our teaching approach is based on research and evidence of how pupils best learn and secure knowledge. We have adopted the GLF Maths curriculum to meet the specific needs of our students. Learning is delivered deliberately at a measured pace, with coherent steps to ensure access for all learners.
We support our pupils with various representations, such as tens frames, number beads, number lines, Numicon, Dienes, and place value counters. These tools assist in revealing mathematical concepts and enhancing comprehension. In addition to developing fluency in arithmetic skills, our curriculum encourages pupils to reason and think mathematically. We promote mathematical discussions, requiring learners in all year groups to articulate their answers using precise mathematical vocabulary and generalisations.
During lessons, teachers employ effective 'Assessment for Learning' techniques, drawing from Rosenshein's Principle of instructions to assess understanding, encourage mathematical discussion, ensure inclusivity, and address gaps and misconceptions immediately. Our feedback and marking policy include giving real-time feedback within lessons to ensure clarity on next steps.
Throughout the school, children work in mixed partner groups, fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment while providing opportunities to develop both subject-related and interpersonal skills.
- Beyond the maths lesson, children are exposed to numerous opportunities to strengthen their mathematical understanding, including:
- Mastering Number in KS1 - an additional, daily 15 minute lesson to allow children to develop 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.
- Number Sense Timestable Fluency in KS2 - A highly visual, research informed programme that provides structure and depth to times tables teaching to allow all children to achieve fluency in essential multiplication and division facts.
- Regular CPD for the Maths Lead and participation in the Maths Hub.
- Continuous professional development for all staff to enable successful delivery of the maths curriculum.
- Annual participation in Number Day to raise funds for NSPCC.
'' I am really proud of myself for making it to Rock Star Status. I can answer my times tables in under a second'' - Daniel Year 5
What’s the website about?
BBC Bitesize is the gold standard when it comes to getting help for your child with their maths homework, and it’s good for parents who are struggling with the new curriculum being used in schools too! It’s not just getting to grips with whether your child is in Key Stage 2 or Key Stage 1 – but what about the methods now used? Chunking anyone?
Handy to know
All topics on the Bitesize website are organised by year group and curriculum, so you’ll be secure in the knowledge that your child will be working at the right level. Short videos make learning enjoyable and accessible, and the sheer amount of information on offer on this website should make it the first stop for maths homework help!
Explore BBC Bitesize
Hit the Button - What’s the website about?
Perfect for helping your children get their heads around the basics in an engaging way, Hit the Button is an interactive maths game with quickfire questions on:
- Number bonds
- Times tables
- Doubling and halving
- Multiples
- Division facts
- Square numbers
The games work against the clock so are great for developing your child’s mental maths skills at primary school.
Handy to know
In addition to the fun and interactive nature of the maths games, it also has a dedicated section on parental tips and tricks for the best ways to support your child throughout their learning.
Hit the Button Game
Maths Zone - What’s the website about?
Maths Zone describes itself as ‘cool learning games’, and it’s just that. Need some help with frustrating fractions homework? There’s a free maths game for that on Maths Zone. Place value proving problematic? There’s a free maths app for that too…. Absolutely jam-packed with fun ways to learn more about maths, this site is ideal for children that like task-based learning and are motivated by tech, as the games are fast paced and full of action.
Handy to know
Each game starts with a short video to show how it’s played, so this should result in fewer calls of “Mum/Dad, I don’t know how to do it!” coming from the living room.
Please have a look at our important maths documents found on this website page. You can read our Maths Policy or look through the Calculations Policy to see how we teach key aspects of the arithmetic curriculum.
