Mathematics

Which curriculum does SMMA Primary follow for mathematics?

At SMMA Primary, we follow the National Curriculum for mathematics.  Our curriculum maps for each year group show the progression of knowledge throughout their time at SMMA and be seen at the bottom of this page.

Our Maths Statement provides a detailed explanation and description of our carefully planned approach to teaching and learning of numeracy at the school. 

How do you teach calculation?

We understand that parents and families may want additional information about the particular way in which we teach parts of the mathematics curriculum and so have produced calculation policies which cover the four operations at each different year group and the progression through the methods. 

SMMA Primary Calculation Policy - Addition and Subtraction

SMMA Primary Calculation Policy - Multiplication and Division

Slides from our Key Stage One Maths calculation parent workshop are available here

What about mental maths?

We are really keen to build up automatic recall of key maths facts.  Knowing certain facts off by heart without having to think allows children the freedom to problem solve.  In our curriculum, we have embedded these Key Instant Recall Facts (KIRFs) into each half term of each year group from Year 1 to Year 6.  These build on one another and link to the expectations of each year group.  We send these home each half term, so that families can support by practising them but you can also access them here.

How do you assess pupils in the curriculum?

Teachers use a variety of assessment strategies to best assess what your child knows and what they need to do next.  The majority of assessment is completed during and at the end of lessons to inform next steps of learning. We also do assessments at the end of every Maths unit which helps understand the progress made throughout that particular area. Formal full maths assessments are planned out at strategic intervals across the year to ensure a full picture is achieved.                                          

What else can we do to support at home?

To support pupils to continue to make progress at home, SMMA Primary have subscribed to two different maths based apps. 

In either paper form or online, Times Tables Rock Stars is a carefully sequenced programme of daily times tables practice. Each week concentrates on a different times table, with a recommended consolidation week for rehearsing the tables that have recently been practised every third week or so.

This format has very successfully boosted times tables recall speed for hundreds of thousands of pupils over the last 8 years in over 14,000 schools - both primary and secondary - worldwide.  It is also a lot of fun - with pupils able to choose their own rock name and belonging to their class band.  This is a great way to boost speed and accuracy.

A user guide for parents and carers is available below

Times-Tables-Rockstars-letter-for-parents.pdf

Sumdog is an unique online learning engine.  Each pupil at the school has an individual login.  As they play games, they answer maths questions. Through their answers, Sumdog adapts questions personally to each individual, progressing them through the curriculum at their own pace.  Questions are drawn from relevant skills, mixing the current learning focus with revision. You can visit their website here:  https://www.sumdog.com/