At Thythorn Field Primary School, we plan mathematics using National Curriculum 2014, using Thythorn Field Primary School’s Mathematics Calculation Policy and guidance from the White Rose scheme of work. We develop our curriculum to ensure mathematics skills are used in all subjects and seen as an essential part of life.

Our mathematics curriculum equips pupils with tools that include the ability to calculate securely in all four operations, a comprehensive understanding of the number system, problem-solving skills, and the ability to think in abstract ways. It is designed to enable children to learn key skills, practise, consolidate and apply them and then to master them. Children learn about real life mathematics wherever possible in a purposeful context.

During the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Curriculum, mathematics forms part of many interactive learning experiences. Mathematics in EYFS is very practical and includes indoor and outdoor learning. Pupils develop their knowledge and understanding of mathematics through play, exploration and discussion. They learn to count, read, write and order numbers to 20 using pattern, songs and objects. They work with shapes, learning their properties; use language to give positional clues and compare quantities, identify and recreate patterns.

During Key Stage 1, mathematics lessons include mental mathematics which is designed to be faster paced and enable children to quickly calculate mentally. In lessons, they learn how the number system works and learn strategies for calculating with all four operations. Additionally they learn about shape and space, through practical activity which builds on their understanding of their immediate environment. They develop their use of mathematical language, using it to talk about their methods and explain their reasoning when solving problems.

During Key Stage 2, children move to calculating fluently with all four number operations, moving to formal traditional methods throughout the Key Stage. Children use a wider range of mathematical language and expected to articulate their reasoning about mathematics clearly, using precise mathematical language. A large focus is on problem solving and in all areas of the mathematics curriculum.

Parent Maths Morning

On 26th February, we were very lucky to be joined by 60+ parents for a fun filled maths morning. Each class had several parents who enjoyed helping and learning with their child (and others), in various areas of maths. There was such a positive atmosphere all across the school, which really allowed the children to see how important and interesting maths can be for all ages! 

We look forward to seeing further parent and community interest in Maths, as well as other curriculum learning opportunities. 

Many thanks to all the parents who gave up their time to work with their child and others! 

Mrs Boyd

Here is how our Parents responded to the morning:-

What sort of maths have you and your child been involved in this morning?

• Fruit and Veg money portions
• money challenging problems
• money handling
• Symmetry, plotting coordinates, triangles
• drawing shapes
• tens and ones/numicon
• measurements
• measuring (with a ruler), centimetres, trundle wheel measuring
• weighing – heaviest and lightest
• dot to dots/lines/blocks
• dice challenge
• dominoes pairs/dominoes challenge
• adding and subtracting/take away
• beanbag throwing – adding up
• multiplication tables/  X table squares
• fractions

Was the maths morning useful to you and your child? Why?  

100% answered YES

• Fun to do maths together in school.
• Helps to cement the parent/teacher/child shared approach to learning.
• It was great to see my children enjoying maths.
• It is extremely beneficial to have first-hand experience of the way in which maths is being taught to our children. It enables the continuation of tuition at home without any confusion. It is also a good opportunity to see the classroom at work.
• It was good to be involved and see what the children are learning. Also from the child’s perspective, it tells them that we are interested and value their learning.
• Good to see the level of maths they are working at. Useful to see the methods that the children use in class, so that we can mirror these when working at home. Sometimes it can be difficult to know we’re not overcomplicating the task to the children.
• You understand the teaching methods.
• Having fun with my child with addition.
• To see how the children and teacher work together and make it fun.
• I showed my support and it was interesting.
• Useful to see how it is explained.
• It gives an insight into how the subject of maths is approached.
• Building confidence for my children, I learnt things myself. They enjoyed me being there.
• It taught me how she learns and she was happy she got to show me.
• It was really good to see the children’s reasoning skills.
• Very happy to help other children as well as my own.
• Nice to see how well my child is doing.
• It was fun and maths should be fun!
• Lovely to see how they are improving.
• I really enjoyed helping, I think it helps the children with their confidence and it made it fun.

What was your favourite part of the maths morning?

• Doing different exercises with the children and seeing my own children in their school environment.
• Adding 10’s and 1’s.
• Learning and refreshing things for myself and seeing my children enjoying their learning.
• Seeing how my child has learnt since starting school.
• All of it!
• Spending time with my child.
• Helping other children.
• Coffee and biscuit! Seeing and helping my children.
• Spending time with my son, seeing his confidence grow. Seeing his peers and him learn together.
• Meeting all of the children and seeing how they achieve.
• Time with my kids.
• Seeing my year 3 child responding positively to me and the Maths Challenge.
• I enjoyed every aspect of the morning, it was great to see all of the children engaged in both years.
• The enthusiasm of the children to show us what they can do. Being involved in their learning, so I can help more in the future.
• Having the interaction with your child and seeing their interpersonal skills with other children.

What could be even better for next time?

• Great event, would like more in other subjects.
• Maybe in Summer, outdoor activities.
• Maybe smaller groups with a parent in charge of that group.
• Had a really nice time with all the class.
• It was really well organised and fun.
• Maybe seeing some regular lessons.  Have more time to see end results.
• Some areas of Maths I am not sure how they are explained, so it’s more difficult to help them at home.
• I think the morning worked really well and the activities were well planned and appropriate.
• Explain the role of the parent. Incorporate other subjects.