Maths

At Grove Road Primary School we believe that children should be introduced to the processes of calculation through the use of concrete, pictorial and abstract resources. As children begin to understand the underlying ideas of Mathematics,  they develop ways of recording to support their thinking and calculation methods, use particular methods that apply to special cases, and learn to interpret and use the signs and symbols involved. Over time children learn how to use models and images to support their mental and informal written methods of calculation. As children’s mental methods are strengthened and refined, so too are their informal written methods. These methods become more efficient and succinct and lead to efficient written methods that can be used more generally. By the end of Year 6 children are equipped with a range of efficient methods and strategies that they understand and can use correctly. When faced with a calculation, children are able to decide which method is most appropriate and have strategies to check accuracy. At whatever stage in their learning, and whatever method is being used, it must still be underpinned by a secure and appropriate knowledge of number facts, along with mental skills that are needed to carry out the process and judge if it was successful.

Intent Statement: 

Grove Road strives to give all children the opportunity to learn and develop key mathematical skills which they can apply to everyday life. Grove Road aims to instil a resilient attitude to Maths, to ensure children feel confident to apply their skills to a range of different contexts across the curriculum and beyond.  

We aim to provide a coherent, structured Mathematics curriculum that leads to a sustained mastery and a greater depth of understanding of the mathematical skills. All children will have the opportunity to apply their knowledge of the key concepts to solve unfamiliar word problems, undertake complex reasoning and use appropriate mathematical reasoning. 

Intended Impact: 

During the children’s learning journey at Grove Road, our intended impact of the Maths curriculum is to ensure that; 

• The children have a secure knowledge of number facts (including number bonds and multiplication tables) and a good understanding of the four operations;
• The children are able to use this knowledge and understanding to carry out calculations mentally and to apply general strategies when using one-digit and two-digit numbers and particular strategies to special cases involving bigger numbers; 
• The children make use of diagrams and informal notes to help record steps and part answers when using mental methods that generate more information that can be kept in their head; 
• Have an efficient, reliable, compact written method of calculation for each operation that pupils can apply with confidence when undertaking calculations that they cannot carry out mentally. 

PUPIL VIEWS

"We love Maths! We enjoy challenges and the problem solving lessons” - Year 5 Children 

"I love Challenges. I like having to work out the answer in a more tricky way and then feel proud of myself afterwards” - Harry, Year 5

"In Maths we use the Checking Station to help us mark ourselves and then Greater Depth to move us forward” - Year 5 Children

"My teacher challenges me in Maths in the Greater depth. It takes you deeper with your learning” - Charlie, Year 5

"I love Maths  - I love learning! Maths is my favourite thing” - Year 2 children 

"If you have made a mistake you can try again and have to be determined” - Year 2 children

"If you go wrong in Maths I like that you can try again in a different way” - Ruby, Year 3

"I love Maths because there are always so many ways to learn about numbers. Cherry models (part-whole models) and bar models are my favourite!” - Nancy, Year 2

Maths Calculation Policy 

The Calculation policy is a good support and helpful guide. It explains and shows how we teach the four operations across the school. In the policy there are links to model videos which demonstrate a particular method. Here are a few examples: