Maths

Aims 

At Parkwood, we believe that every child can achieve in mathematics. We aim for all our children to become assured, curious, and resilient mathematicians, who have the fluency, reasoning, and problem-solving skills to approach mathematics with confidence. We aspire for our children to be inquisitive and demonstrate creativity in maths in order to help them understand mathematical connections. Through our carefully planned curriculum, children have the opportunity to work both collaboratively and independently on a range of different question types. Our teaching aims to enable children to have ‘number sense’ and develop their fluency of number. We want our children to explore their misconceptions and understand why they might be incorrect. Mistakes are seen as learning opportunities, and we encourage children to always challenge themselves and develop mathematical links in their learning. We endeavour to ensure that all our children have fluency in solving calculations and a recall of number facts, underpinned with an understanding of the structures and patterns in numbers. Ultimately, we want our children to have the mathematical skills and knowledge they will need to navigate their future in education and beyond.   

Our spiral curriculum at Parkwood is progressive and from Reception to Year 6, teachers use materials from White Rose Maths to deliver carefully planned lessons. We teach children in mixed ability groupings, enabling for rich discussions and the opportunity to verbalise and construct meaning together. The sequencing of the curriculum prepares pupils for transitions between different year groups. Children who require additional support do so through resourcing, targeted adult support and through additional activities to strengthen understanding. 

In EYFS, we use Mastering Number and the White Rose resources in small, sequential steps to support our children in reaching the Early Learning Goals. The structure of Mastering Number helps children routinely develop their number sense and aims to for them to have a secure understanding of number.  

At Parkwood, we assess mathematics by using end of unit assessments from White Rose. In addition, we use PUMA tests termly for Years 3-6. Our teachers routinely check whether pupils have secure knowledge and understanding of prerequisite mathematics and address any gaps identified. Teachers’ questioning is an important assessment tool as it is vital to ensure pupils can recall and make connections.