At Langold Dyscarr we truly understand how important Maths is as a life skill and therefore are dedicated to providing the best possible education in this area of learning.

OUR MATHS MASTERY CURRICULUM

Maths is a fundamental life skill that all of our pupils will use on a daily basis from the minute they begin to name numbers. To understand the number system and how to manipulate numbers, is a huge undertaking and needs to be taught in a very practical, progressive and well-planned way from day one in our setting for the true principles of maths mastery to be securely embedded and built on.

Maths Mastery is the approach that we undertake at Langold Dyscarr, ensuring there is no ceiling of our pupil’s learning but also ensuring that a solid and mastered knowledge of the areas of maths we teach is secured.

Across Key Stage One and Key Stage Two, our long term plan enables the National Curriculum to be covered effectively as it is split into small linked steps that build on prior knowledge from the year group before as well as extending learning ready for the next year. These small steps ensure that coverage is not rushed and that there is plenty of time for consolidation. Extension of all learning is through application of the maths skills they have acquired in various contexts (worded problems, problem solving, investigations, puzzles and games, practical activities.) Times tables knowledge underpins everything and the importance of learning these by heart is instilled in our pupils.

IMPLEMENTATION:

The aim in Foundation is to build strong mathematical foundations, ensuring that children are supported to have the mind-set that they can achieve in this area. This is accomplished by embedding habits of learning through the COEL (Characteristics of effective learning) and supporting children via enabling environments and good quality adult interactions. The teaching and learning in Foundation takes place both indoors and outdoors through a wide range of practical and hands on resources supported by the NCEMT, White Rose and Numberblocks schemes. 

In Key Stage One, in small progressive steps, concrete and pictorial activities underpin the learning, ensuring all pupils build a secure knowledge of the number system including place value, number bonds and counting. Models such as base 10, number lines, bar model and part/part whole help pupils to manipulate numbers and create a solid foundation for further maths in Key Stage 2. From Year 1, the pupils are introduced to the specific lesson format for maths, which includes Recall, Guided Practise, Intelligent Practise (my turn/your turn) and Dive Deeper.

All lessons across Key Stage 1 and 2 are planned using this specific mastery model:-

1. RECALL – Focus is on recalling prior knowledge of the key skills that may be needed for the lesson to come (multiplication tables, number bonds, equivalent fractions, square numbers etc.)
2. GUIDED PRACTISE (YOUR TURN/MY TURN) - The new concept of the lesson is introduced under guidance from class teacher in the MY TURN section (more so in Key Stage 1). The teacher will guide pupils through a problem modelling specific methods they wish them to use and this guidance will be displayed in class (whiteboard/working wall). Pupils will then be given a very similar problem to solve using the same strategies (YOUR TURN).
3. INTELLIGENT PRACTISE - Provides opportunity for independence to gain fluency of the new skill. Procedural and conceptual variation embeds ability to find and understand patterns in maths.
4. DIVE DEEPER - Provides opportunity to master the new skills through using and applying questions and problem solving.

A wide range of resources are used to supplement lessons including Power Maths, White Rose, Testbase, Nrich, Classroom Secrets as well as many more.

As a result of this dedicated structure for Maths Mastery across school, we ensure that we are embedding a love for Maths as well as improved confidence and stamina when working with numbers and the ability to work not only independently but collaboratively.