Mathematics – curriculum information

Maths at Pearson

Our lead teacher for maths is Miss White.

At Pearson Primary School, we are committed to ensuring that every child meets their full potential in mathematics. With this as the driving force behind all mathematical teaching and learning, we are currently in the process of adopting a strategy known as teaching for mastery. Teaching for mastery allows all children to work at a level of challenge that perfectly suits their level of understanding, whilst also ensuring that all pupils are motivated to challenge themselves in every lesson.

Whilst we use the mastery approach to the teaching of mathematics, we ensure coverage of the curriculum by using the White Rose Hub small steps. This method of teaching perfectly suits the mastery approach and allows all children to develop fluency in the mathematical concept and then apply this concept to reasoning and problem solving situations. All children will be given the opportunity to reason and problem solve in every lesson, whether this be as an individual or as a part of a group.

In every year group children will work in all four of the curriculum areas – number, measurement, geometry and statistics. Our aim as teachers is to ensure that every child is fluent in all of these areas and can then apply the skills to a problem solving and reasoning situations. For example, in addition the children need to be able to complete calculations in their simplest form. Once they can do this we do not simply make the numbers bigger, they will be given word style problems and reasoning style tasks to fully develop their understanding in this area.

In all year groups children will be given opportunities to use concrete, pictorial and abstract. The concrete method gives the children the opportunity to work with mathematical apparatus in order to link the ‘real world’ with an abstract concept, this link allows the children to see and feel the concept they are working with. Once they are comfortable with this method the children will be given pictorial representations of the same concept. Finally, once the children are truly comfortable with the use of pictorial apparatus they will then be better equipped to apply these methods to abstract concepts.

Alongside all maths lessons it is an expectation that all children will be given an opportunity to use their calculation skills every day at school. In KS1 this will often be spoken or whiteboard work. LKS2 the children will be focused upon their times tables and in UKS2 the children will complete arithmetic style quick starts at the beginning of each session. This has proven very successful at raising the standard of number work within the school.

Pupils work hard to be positive role models and give support to others. They are
very proud of the work they do as restorative practitioners, play buddies and wellbeing ambassadors. This is a highly inclusive school.

Ofsted

Pearson Primary School has gone above and beyond the realms of every day teaching and learning in this challenging year. Thank you to the wonderful staff for all they do, both seen and unseen. Our child is happy, inspired, challenged, supported and making progress – what more could we ask for?

Parent's comments

I have had a lovely afternoon hearing the Year 1 children read so thank you. I was so impressed with the calmness and maturity of the children.

Comments from a volunteer reader

I have full faith in Mrs Clarkson and her wonderful team. They have bent over backwards over the past year to make sure my daughter has an education and I know they will continue to do so. They are amazing and I am so great full for their support for my child throughout the lockdowns. They have exceeded my expectations as they always go the extra mile.

Parent's comments

Thank you so much, our child couldn’t be happier.

Parent's comments

Pupils’ behaviour and attitudes are excellent. They are respectful, considerate and polite. Pupils are incredibly thoughtful and look after one another

Ofsted

The teachers are always looking out for the children and they are nice to the children.

Parent's comments

I would like to express my gratitude to the extent the school supports the festival of Eid Ul Adha. Not only by allowing the children a day to celebrate with their families but also by celebrating these events in the school as well.

Parent's comments

My child loves the school and enjoys her time here.

Parent's comments

Pupils feel safe and cared
for in the school. Parents agree.

Ofsted

We are very happy with the school and our child’s progress.

Parent's comments