Maths Policy

Philosophy Statement

Aims

Time Allocation

Lesson Structure

Planning

Record Keeping / Assessment

Resources

Monitoring and Evaluation

Philosophy Statement

At Warren we believe that Mathematics plays an important role in everyday life. We aim to develop confident competent mathematicians, who have an understanding of the structures and processes of Maths in order to use Maths real purposes. Back to top

Aims

We aim to:

- Foster children's proficiency in number, shape, space and measures and data handling.
- Facilitate efficiency in mental calculation.
- Develop skills and abilities to undertake investigations, solve problems and think logically.
- Stress the importance of correct mathematical language in order to explain mathematical reasoning. Back to top

Time Allocation

All classes spend at least one hour per day on Maths. Days are divided between a number and a topic focus.

Years 1 and 2 3 days number & 2 days topic
Years 3 and 4 3 days number & 2 days topic
Years 5 and 6 2 days number & 3 days topic Back to top

Lesson Structure

Each lesson will have a mental activity, mental strategy focus, a larger group input followed by differentiated group tasks. One or two groups will also receive further teacher input. Group work may be either written or practical. Each lesson will also have a plenary session, which will focus on any of the previous teaching areas or begin to prepare ideas for the following session.

Maths investigations, problem solving, application of number and thinking skills will form an integral part of weekly Maths lessons. There will be a developing emphasis on explaining reasoning used in methods of calculation from verbal to written format. Back to top

Planning

The focus of the planning is taken from the relevant termly grid in the Numeracy Strategy and entered on to a half termly overview. Medium term planning indicates the specific objectives that will be taught in relation to each area, and these are selected from the key objectives and the teaching programme for the relevant year groups. Short-term plans are prepared using these objectives, making them more specific for the differentiated group. The short-term plans will also indicate the objectives for mental activities and show key questions. Back to top

Record Keeping / Assessment

- All Foundation children will be teacher assessed during their first few weeks in school.
- Years 1 and 2 will use Teacher assessment or SATs material as appropriate.
- Years 2 and 6 will take part in statutory assessment towards the end of the year.
- Years 3 to 5 will use optional SATs materials.
- Competency records for each child will be completed on the year group objectives sheet, half-termly - these will be kept in purple planning folders.
- Assessment outcomes from marking and short term plans are used to inform and adjust future planning. (See record keeping and assessment policy.) Back to top

Resources

A wide variety of texts and practical resources are used to achieve the desired objective and develop experience. Children are encouraged to use a wide range of methods for calculating and recording answers.

Calculators are used as a tool to aid problem solving where the initial thought process has been achieved.

Children should have access to ICT to support their mathematical development and skills. Back to top

Monitoring and Evaluation

The Co-ordinator will monitor and evaluate through observation discussion and perusal of plans. Monitoring will also take place at half-termly monitoring meetings where Maths has a specific focus. Back to top

Approved by Governors: Summer 2007

Review Date: Spring 2011 Back to top