Mathematics
We believe that mathematical skills are fundamental to every child’s education. Mathematics is not just a subject here; it is a vital tool that helps children understand the world, develop logical thinking, and enhance their problem-solving abilities—skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.
We follow the National Curriculum for maths to ensure that all children:
- Become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics.
- Reason mathematically by following lines of enquiry.
- Solve problems by applying their mathematical knowledge to a wide range of real-world contexts.
Our Approach
We believe that mathematics is much more than numbers and calculations. It is a language of reasoning, problem-solving, and making connections. At Kells Lane, our teaching is firmly rooted in the principles of mastery, which means every child is supported to build secure and lasting mathematical knowledge before moving on to new concepts.
- Mathematical Talk: We encourage children to verbalise their mathematical thinking regularly. When children explain their reasoning aloud, they consolidate their learning and develop conceptual understanding, not just procedural knowledge. This practice helps them clarify their thinking and make meaningful connections between different mathematical ideas.
- Problem Solving and Reasoning: Our lessons emphasise problem-solving and reasoning skills, providing children with opportunities to apply their knowledge in a variety of contexts. This approach nurtures confident learners who can tackle challenges creatively and with resilience, reflecting our school’s vision of pushing boundaries and reaching new heights.
- Deep Understanding Over Speed: We focus on moving children beyond surface-level knowledge to deeper understanding. Through regular discussion and exploration of mathematical problems, children engage actively with the subject, strengthening both their procedural fluency and their ability to reason mathematically.
We draw upon well-established programmes such as White Rose and NCETM to plan lessons that are tailored, challenging, and engaging for all abilities. In addition to the daily maths lesson, all children participate in fluency sessions focused on deepening their understanding of basic mathematical skills, particularly times tables, to build speed and accuracy.
Maths in EYFS
In our Early Years provision, children begin their mathematical journey through play, exploration, and practical activities. We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, which encourages children to develop a solid grounding in key mathematical concepts. Our focus areas include:
- Counting and understanding numbers: Children engage with numbers in meaningful contexts, helping them to develop a deep understanding of quantity and number relationships.
- Recognising patterns and relationships: Through games and activities, children identify and create patterns, supporting their logical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Exploring shapes and spatial awareness: Hands-on experiences with shapes and space help children understand the world around them and develop essential geometric reasoning.
- Using mathematical language in everyday contexts: We ensure children become familiar with the vocabulary of maths, enabling them to communicate their thinking clearly and confidently.
Maths Fluency Curriculum Overview
Maths Curriculum Overview – Nursery
Maths Curriculum Overview – Reception
Maths Curriculum Overview – Year 1
Maths Curriculum Overview – Year 2
Maths Curriculum Overview – Year 3
Maths Curriculum Overview – Year 4