Key Stage 1
Numeracy
Mathematics is a life skill and provides a way of viewing and making sense of the world. It can be used to analyse and communicate information and ideas and to tackle a range of practical tasks and real life problems. We want the children at Chalfont St. Giles Infant School and Nursery to enjoy learning mathematical concepts. We use Mathematics to enrich the children's learning experiences and to provide them with a useful tool for everyday life.
We aim to:
- enhance knowledge, skills and understanding of mathematical concepts.
- talk about and explain their understanding of concepts, skills and methods as well as listen to others.
- prepare children to use mathematics in the wider world.
- enjoy mathematics.
- become independent mathematics learners.
- be able to apply knowledge and skills to mathematical tasks.
- use ICT confidently to extend and develop concepts, skills and attitudes.
- provide equal opportunities for all children.
In
order to meet the needs of children of differing abilities pupils are taught
in similar ability groups to allow for differentiation. During open-ended
activities or investigative work, differentiation is by outcome or through responses
to varied questioning. In Year 1 and 2, pupils are grouped into ability sets
across the year group.
We plan for lots of opportunities for active learning, this includes encouraging the children to; verbalise what are doing and why, tackle a range of tasks involving practical investigation and problem solving, apply their knowledge and skills to tasks within mathematics and other curriculum areas. Teachers’ expectations are high and matched to the ability and experience of individual children.
I.C.T. makes an important contribution to the curriculum. Computers are available in the I.C.T. suite and in each classroom, and are used to facilitate the teaching of Mathematics. Mathematics lessons are planned once a week in the ICT Suite. Interactive white boards are available for whole class and small group work.
Mathematics lessons are organised into a 3 part lesson:- Mental and Oral Starter, when children practice their mental mathematics skills. This is followed by the main part of the lesson where the focus is on developing key skills from the mathematics topic being taught, finally there is a plenary where the learning is drawn together and children reflect on what they have learnt and what they need to do next time.
Children's work is assessed continuously in line with National Curriculum requirements and the school's record-keeping and assessment policy. Observational and written assessments are made as an integral part of the child's work. Assessments are carried out at the end of each unit of work using a variety of tests and strategies. These are used to inform future planning. End of KS levels are reported to parents along with the child's annual report. Pupils' mathematics levels are recorded by the Assessment Co-ordinator each term to track individual progress.
Mathematics targets are displayed in the classroom. The children are familiar with their targets and know what steps to take in order to achieve them. During parent's evening, the parents are informed of all targets.
Pupils at our school respond positively to the full range of tasks, and are able to tackle real life problems and undertake investigations appropriate to their age, ability and previous attainment. Pupils say that maths is fun and that they enjoy learning.