Maths

Mathematics Intent 

Why Mathematics is important at Bellefield and where it sits within our curriculum.

Teaching Mathematics will ensure pupils: 

• Become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, including varied & frequent practice with increasingly complex problems over time. 
• Develop a conceptual understanding and the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly & accurately.
• Reason mathematically by following a line of enquiry.
• Develop an argument, justification or proof using mathematical language.
• Can solve problems by applying their mathematics to a variety of problems with increasing sophistication, including breaking down problems into a series of simpler steps and persevering in seeking solutions.

What we aim for children to achieve through mathematics

Mathematics equips pupils with a uniquely powerful set of tools to understand and change the world.  These tools include logical reasoning, problems solving skills, and the ability to think in abstract ways.  It should stimulate moments of pleasure and wonder when a pupil solves a problem for the first time or suddenly sees hidden connections. We expect children to explore maths, to expect to take risks & become encouraged to make mistakes along their learning journey. We use mistakes and misconceptions as an essential part of learning and provide challenge through rich and sophisticated problems. They will spend time becoming true masters of content, applying and being creative with new knowledge in multiple ways.

How we teach Maths at Bellefield 

We take our objectives initially from the Mathematics National Curriculum 2014 and then adapt them through the White Rose scheme of learning. Lessons incorporate time to build on learning and teach new material in ‘small steps’. Previous learning is recapped and embedded at the start of each session using White Rose Flashbacks. Problem solving and reasoning are a vital part of each lesson and are accessible for ALL children, although this may be scaffolded or supported for different groups of children.

Click below to see our Curriculum overview:

Children in EYFS follow outcomes taken from Early Learning Goals (Number, Numerical Patterns). Children in Reception will be following the ‘Mastering Number’ scheme as their daily maths lessons alongside elements from White Rose. Y1 and Y2 will run this programme alongside their daily maths lessons. KS2 are establishing a fluent approach towards teaching multiplication by practising and chanting daily times tables to prepare them for the Y4 Multiplication Check. We are also incorporating ‘iSee Reasoning’ into our daily lessons to help with the use of STEM Sentences across the school.

We promote children’s successes across the whole school in termly ‘Bellefield Star Mathematicians’ assemblies where ‘Talk for Maths’, problem solving and reasoning are celebrated.

Assessment and Coverage is monitored termly by the Maths Lead (RD) as part of a Learning walk around each classroom. Teachers have a clear coverage map and the White Rose overview shows how each area of maths progresses throughout the year. Pupil Voice allows children to discuss their learning, discuss what they find challenging and talk about their love of maths. ‘Book looks’ give us a chance to celebrate the learning that is going on throughout the school and ensure progress is being made for all children. Learning walks have taken place with the Wiltshire Maths Lead and the School Improvement Advisor to ensure consistency and regular feedback on areas of improvement. 

Children’s Mathematical learning is completed mainly in Maths books or learning journey folders in the Foundation Stage.  Work is marked by teaching staff and regular feedback, both written & verbal, is given regularly. Children are given times to reflect on answers and correct misconceptions.

We use NFER assessments three times a year to assess children’s mathematical understanding and inform our data at Pupil Progress meetings. In Year 6, SATs examinations are held at the end of the academic year to track children's progress across their time at primary school. Y2 and Y6 teachers attend regular moderation meetings throughout the year which is a chance to moderate maths with other Wiltshire schools.

World Maths Day 2023

Please see our Policy page for our complete Maths and Calculation Policy.

 If you have any further questions about maths at Bellefield, please contact your child's teacher or the maths lead at rob.davies@bellefield.wilts.sch.uk