MATHS

As with Literacy there have been big changes in the way Maths is taught.  Since September 1999 we have been working from the National Numeracy Strategy.  The basic lessons structure is similar to the Literacy, working as a whole class and in small groups.  In Maths we always start with a warm up starter of mental and oral work.  As in Literacy, we often use interactive methods in the whole class part of the lesson so that children are constantly challenged and are both interested and involved.

As Maths Co-ordinator Mrs Almond keeps up to date with all the new initiative, including 'Springboard' and Wave 3, which are schemes of work to help give children more confidence in Maths.  She observes other teachers in their lessons and ensures that children progress in an appropriate way.

We expect children to learn their multiplication tables and from Year 2 onwards they have a monthly tables test.  In KS2 they also have a speed tables test.  Pupils are encouraged to try and improve their own scores each time, rather than competing against each other.  In Year 1 we like children to try and learn their addition bonds up to a total of ten.  These are the facts that will help them greatly throughout their lives.

It can sometimes come as a surprise to parents to hear their children cite Maths as their favourite lesson.  There is now a lot of emphasis on teaching children a variety of approaches to solving problems and on asking them to explain their methods.  They learn to carry out operations mentally before writing down 'sums'.  The progression through various kinds of written methods may seem confusing to parents, but we are happy to explain this.

We hold Information evenings for Literacy and Maths so that parents can come along and find out more about the lessons.