Mathematics
'Good numeracy is the best protection against unemployment, low wages and poor health'
Andreas Schleicher, The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
We all use maths every day, often without realising it. We believe that every child can develop the mathematics skills they will need, both at school and throughout their lives.
How do we teach mathematics at Sacred Heart?
We are committed to delivering the three aims of the curriculum; fluency, problem solving and reasoning. We are also committed to presenting mathematics in real life contexts wherever possible.
We think that significant time should be spent developing deep knowledge of the key ideas that are needed to underpin future learning. The structure and connections within the mathematics are emphasised, so that pupils develop deep learning that can be sustained. We understand the importance of mathematical models and begin every topic with concrete practical materials and use picture based mathematics wherever possible.
We understand the importance of asking mathematical questions such as ‘How do you know…?’ ‘Why is this …?’ ‘Can you show me a different way…?’
We aim that all children should try to learn key facts such as multiplication tables and addition facts within 10 to automaticity to avoid cognitive overload in the working memory and enable pupils to focus on new concepts.
We believe that no child ‘just can’t do maths’ and we encourage everybody through the belief that by working hard at maths they can succeed.
If a pupil fails to grasp a concept or procedure, this is identified quickly and early intervention ensures the pupil is ready to move forward with the whole class in the next lesson. Children who need extra support may also be in an afternoon mathematics intervention.
Parental involvement
We know that parental involvement can have a huge impact on the child’s achievement in mathematics.
“Parental involvement has a large and positive impact on children's learning”
Review of Best Practice in Parental Engagement" (Department for Education, 2010)
“The effect of parental involvement at home was stronger than that of either socio-economic status or parents' level of education”
The impact of parental involvement, parental support and family education on pupil achievement and adjustment (Desforges and Abouchaar, 2003)
We actively encourage all parents to help their child with maths at home and support those who need it. We have held some parent workshops which focused on progression through the four operations.
Top tips for parents and families:
Be positive about maths. Don't say things like "I can’t do maths" or "I hated maths at school"; your child might start to think like that themselves.
Point out the maths in everyday life. Include your child in activities involving maths such as using money, cooking and travelling.
Praise your child for effort rather than talent - this shows them that by working hard they can always improve.
Please check the tabs for lots more resources and information.
Preparing children for their everyday lives
At Sacred Heart we are committed to preparing children for their everyday lives and for their career and we know that mathematics will be pivotal to their success.
We feel it is important to provide children with maths activities which are presented in real life contexts.
Manchester Airport World of Work Day (WOW day)
Our maths day ran by Manchester Airport was well received by the children. They set up many exciting maths opportunities for Year 5 and 6 pupils to participate in and all of the activities were designed to highlight how important numbers are in our everyday lives. Here is some feedback from the children:
We asked how many children from the 58 who took part 'What did you think of today overall'
Brilliant = 84% Good = 8% OK= 8%
Did they understand more about the importance of maths now? all 58 children said YES - some comments from the children below....
I don't usually enjoy monopoly but I enjoyed the board game pay day
I didn't know that football was linked to maths
I enjoyed every activity
I loved the fire engine maths
maths can be really fun and important. I loved Microsoft the most
What was the most important think you learned today?
I learnt about paying bills is really important
Football use maths
numbers are important for fires
the fire activity as you should never make a hoax call
maths is in important in life
how to measure juice and use spreadsheets - this was really fun.
Business Enterprise Day
We have also taken part in a ‘Business Enterprise Day’ where children were required to set up their own mini business. They came up with a business name and designed a catalogue of products. Then using their start-up funds, they bought materials and made their own products which were sold back to the shop. At the end, they deducted their start-up costs to find out the profit.
Following this they came up with a slogan and pitched in their own advertising campaign. After the day, it was very clear we had some shrewd businessmen and women in our midst…
If you would like any more information about mathematics at Sacred Heart, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Mrs Johnson
Mathematics Lead