Barncroft Primary School
Where learning comes to life!

Maths at Barncroft

Maths

We aim that all pupils:

  • Become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics so that they develop conceptual understanding and the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately.
  • Can solve problems by applying their mathematics to a variety of problems with increasing sophistication, including in unfamiliar contexts and to model real-life scenarios.
  • Can reason mathematically by following a line of enquiry and develop and present a justification, argument or proof using mathematical language. 

Maths mastery is not just being able to memorise key facts and procedures and to answer test questions accurately and quickly. Mastery involves knowing why as well as knowing that and knowing how. It means being able to use one’s knowledge appropriately, flexibly and creatively and to apply it in new and unfamiliar situations.

After developing fluency, children need to show that they can apply their knowledge in mathematics and then move on even further to prove they have mastered the concept.

In Years 1-6 we have developed our curriculum to allow teachers and learners to achieve a secure and deep understanding of each mathematical concept. We follow the mastery style of CONCRETE-PICTORIAL- ABSTRACT to ensure children have a true understanding of a concept.  Teachers also ensure that knowledge, reasoning and problem solving are incorporated into planning. 

Alongside the mastery approach, we ensure that reasoning is at the core of every lesson. The children know they need to explain why their answer is correct and how they worked it out. The children then apply their knowledge to problem solving activities.  

Early Years Foundation Stage

Work undertaken within the Foundation stage is guided by the requirements and recommendations set out in the Early Years Framework. All children are given ample opportunity to develop their understanding of mathematics. Children use concrete and pictorial representations to develop an understanding of mathematics. Children are encouraged to use, enjoy, explore, practise and talk confidently about mathematics using reasoning. The children are exposed to problems and use practical resources like Numicon, ten frames and other concrete material to master key concepts. 

TT Rockstars

In order to aid fluency and recall of times table facts, all children are given a TT Rockstars login. This online resource is a fun and exciting way for our children to access what can be the tedious job of learning times table facts by rote. Here, the children can race against the clock to complete a variety of times table and division problems, compete against their friends for rewards and complete times table homework set specifically for them by their class teacher.