Mathematics at St Philip Howard:

Our intent for mathematics at St Philip Howard School is for children to achieve mastery and to develop a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts. Teachers will have high expectations of all children.

Children across the school will :-

• Have fun exploring and investigating number in practical ways

• Be positive about their mathematical skills

• Have secure knowledge

• Learn the importance of accuracy

• Have opportunities to apply their skills across the curriculum and in their daily lives

As a result children will develop fluency, confidence and resilience in mathematics, they will have a “can do” attitude and lots of fun and positivity on their journey towards excellence.

How do we do this?

For a number of years we have been using HfL's Essential Maths planning. At the start of 2022-23 academic year we introduced Mastering Number (NCETM) in Reception to Year 2. (Due to Covid recovery our Year 3's have also used the programme this year.) Since Sept 2020 members of staff have been involved in the Teaching for Mastery work group and staff training across the school has been based on the NCETM materials. As a result staff are now transitioning from Essentials to NCETM planning. Both Maths schemes are based on the Mastery approach we are moving towards NCETM planning as the steps are smaller and we believe this will work better for our current cohort.

What is teaching for mastery?

Mastering maths means pupils of all ages acquiring a deep, long-term, secure and adaptable understanding of the subject. The phrase ‘teaching for mastery’ describes the elements of classroom practice and school organisation that combine to give pupils the best chances of mastering maths. Achieving mastery means acquiring a solid enough understanding of the maths that’s been taught to enable pupils to move on to more advanced material.

Impact

The impact on our children is clear: progress, sustained learning and transferable skills. Our children understand the importance of Mathematics to access all areas of life and daily living, and build their skills to support their understanding of the world around them. 

Assessment in Mathematics is on going. Teachers assess as they work through each topic and at the end, giving the children opportunities to apply their learning.