Mathematics
At Annesley Primary and Nursery School, we believe that children should be equipped to solve problems; develop ways of looking at patterns; discover efficient strategies and make links between the different areas of maths. We believe maths is a universal language; it helps us to describe, make sense, investigate, understand and respect our ever-changing world. We believe all children can achieve in mathematics, and teach for secure and deep understanding of concepts through fluency, number sense and reasoning. Where possible, we try to make our maths ‘real maths’, making our learning and experiences relevant to everyday life. We use mistakes and misconceptions as an essential part of learning and provide challenges through rich and varied problems. We encourage children to use approaches, which work for them, by equipping them with a range of efficient strategies and ensuring an understanding of them. At our school, the majority of children will be taught age related content and will be supported in understanding this through pre-teaching and close the gap teaching when necessary. We aim to make maths an exciting and varied experience to enable children to flourish and achieve.
Our medium and long term plans and sequencing of lessons follow the White Rose mastery approach (FS2 through Year 6) where the goal is to deepen understanding so that each lessons builds upon the last. Mathematical concepts and skills are broken up across the key stages. A concept is taught and will be revisited the following year, but in greater depth in order to build upon prior knowledge. We start with number (place value, addition/subtraction, multiplication/division - KS2) which is consolidated first before moving on to measurement, statistics and geometry. This is important as the children will them be able to use their number skills and then apply it to the other mathematical disciplines. A progression map has been provided to all teachers so that they understand where children are coming from and where they are headed. We tailor our sequential plans to individual cohorts. As the pupils enter UKS2 we build in more opportunities to access material that is above their age level, in preparation for the 11+ and continuation on to secondary.
Key Instant Recall Facts (KIRFs)
As a school, we recognise the importance of fluency and mental skills in mathematics and this approach will support children at Annesley Primary School in becoming more secure in their recall of the key facts for their year group, enabling them to approach more complex maths with confidence and flexibility.
What are KIRFs and why are they important?
KIRFs are the ‘Key Instant Recall Facts’ that children need to secure during their primary years. They include facts such as number bonds and timetables. They are particularly useful when calculating, adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing but also underpin many other areas of mathematics. For example, in order to find equivalent fractions in Year 6, children need to be able to rapidly recall their knowledge of common multiples (numbers in particular times tables). When children have quick access to a bank of facts, which incur little cost to working memory, they have more capacity to think about more complex problems that draw on these facts. We have noticed that without regular rehearsal, these facts are forgotten so it is essential they are practised regularly and embedded in children’s long-term memory so they can be recalled quickly and accurately.
We thank you for supporting your child in developing as a confident mathematician. We strongly believe that with factual fluency, your child will become much more confident when working with number and be able to access the curriculum year-on-year with more confidence and enjoyment.
If you have any questions, please speak to your child’s class teacher.
Maths Support at Home
We hope that this page will support your understanding of maths in school- and perhaps help you see the subject in a new light!
Questions or queries? We'd love to hear them! Don't be afraid to approach your child's class teacher.
Remember we have online maths games platforms for the children to use. In KS1, children have NUMBOT and in KS2, children can use Times Table Rockstars. You will find your child's login details in their reading diary. Click on the links below.
White Rose have also produced some amazing workbooks that you can use at home to support your child's learning in school. The is one for each unit of learning completed in maths for each year group. Click on the link below to access these
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Download a workbook to use at home