Maths at Easebourne encompasses a mastery approach so that children become fluent in fundamental number facts and calculation, can to reason about their maths and can apply this reasoning to help them solve problems. Children explore a variety of methods and strategies, with opportunities to reason about which methods are most efficient and why. We aim to ensure that all children receive a rich and relevant mathematics curriculum, with emphasis on mastery - high expectation, challenge and enjoyment. There are opportunities throughout the year for children to showcase their mathematical talents, such as competitions and national challenges.
Whenever possible, we welcome members of our wider school community to celebrate maths with us. This could be through theme days such as National Numeracy Day or parent workshops.
Curriculum Design
Our curriculum is shaped so that children grow their confidence in maths, with learning broken down into small steps. New learning is modelled clearly before children have opportunities to deliberately practice.
By following the White Rose Curriculum Overview, we ensure that key concepts are spaced and revisited within and across years, promoting pupils’ retention of learning. Children are taught how to use mathematical objects (such as Cuisenaire, Numicon, rekenreks or counters), diagrams and pictures to deepen their understanding of mathematical concepts and explain their reasoning. The use of these is carefully planned for, using the White Rose Calculation Policy, so that representations are used consistently. Directed talk is an important part of maths lessons: in the Early Years and Key Stage 1 this could be through rhymes and songs, as well as stem sentences throughout the school to help children to articulate their understanding. Links are made to maths across the curriculum whenever possible, such as data handling within science or forest school.
Our school timetable includes dedicated time for fluency outside of maths lessons, so that key number facts are practised regularly. In Early years and Key Stage 1, this focuses on number, using the NCETM Mastering Number programme. In Key Stage 2, this focuses on times tables. Learning fluency facts is essential to help children build confidence and access wider areas of maths.