At Sparkenhoe Community Primary School we want to develop curious mathematicians who can spot patterns, make connections and explain their thinking.
Rationale
Children start our school with a basic understanding of counting and early number. As they progress through school, they develop into confident mathematicians who can solve a range of problems in different ways. This is through Maths being taught using a process of concrete, pictorial and abstract approaches using the Maths No Problem Programme. This begins in the Early Years with Maths No Problem Foundations and continues throughout KS1 and KS2 using the Primary Maths Series.
Maths No Programme Foundations is a programme for Foundation 2 that meets all of the requirements of the revised EYFS Framework 2021. This proven, research-based programme encourages learning through play and helps children in the Early Years begin to develop a deep understanding of the world of mathematics. In Foundation 1 children learn through implementation of a similar approach in discrete sessions and through continuous provision.
The Maths No Problem scheme is fully aligned to the National Curriculum and ensures consistency of teaching throughout the school. It is underpinned by a methodical curriculum design that builds upon prior learning and focuses on deepening understanding. It is based on research and evidence and endorsed by the Department for Education, Ofsted and the NCETM (National Centre for Excellence in Teaching Mathematics).
Using these programmes ensures our teaching focuses on depth of understanding and learning always builds on prior knowledge. We believe that using this approach to teaching maths enhances understanding, enjoyment and achievement for every child at Sparkenhoe.
Organisation
In the Foundation Stage, maths is taught through planned sessions and activities and through provision. In Foundation 1, maths is taught in some discrete sessions and through continuous provision. In Foundation 2, children have a daily 20 minute lesson where children explore concepts using concrete materials and through play. Further learning and consolidation takes place in provision. In Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 children have a daily maths lesson which is between 40 and 60 minutes. Children explore concepts and problems, discuss ideas, work in groups to solve problems, practise methods or ideas and apply learning independently.
The Maths No Problem programme provides schemes of work for each year group from Foundation 2 to Year 6, which detail the concepts for each unit and objectives covered.
Teachers use their professional judgement as to which lessons in a chapter need to be taught based on assessment of the children in their class. Sometimes teachers combine lessons or repeat lessons in order to consolidate learning.
Each chapter details the rationale of the unit and lessons are sequenced to build on prior learning within the same chapter and previous years. Progression has been mapped and is explicit.
Outcomes
By the time children leave Sparkenhoe, attainment in maths is in line with or exceeding age-related expectations. End of Key Stage 2 outcomes are consistently in line with or above national comparators for all groups of pupils, including in 2022 when KS2 statutory testing returned.
If you would like more details about the schemes of work, please contact school.
There are also parent videos available. Click the link on the right for these.