Binley Woods Primary School
Mathematics Curriculum
At Binley Woods Primary School we have a mastery approach to teaching Maths with the help of Mathematics Mastery, a professional development programme for teachers.
Overview
Our Mathematics curricular principles are:
The ‘mastery approach’ to teaching maths means that instead of learning mathematical procedures by rote, we want pupils to build a deep conceptual understanding of concepts which will enable them to apply their learning in different situations.
Our Maths curriculum is cumulative - each school year begins with a focus on the concepts and skills that have the most connections, which are then applied and connected throughout the school year to consolidate learning. This gives pupils the opportunity to ‘master maths’; by using previous learning throughout the school year, they are able to develop mathematical fluency and conceptual understanding. Problem solving is woven throughout the mathematics curriculum and is used continually through lessons to help deepen children’s understanding.
So how do we avoid teaching procedures and instead get pupils to develop a deep understanding in mathematics?
We use ideas called Dimensions of Depth to deepen pupils’ understanding. These are explained in the sections below.
Maths Meetings
Maths Meetings are a vital part of our maths teaching and are used to consolidate key learning. Each Maths Meeting lasts between 5 and 15 minutes and they happen regularly throughout the week. Each year group in school from Reception to Year 6 participate in Maths Meetings.
Maths Meetings provide an opportunity to teach and revise 'general knowledge maths' which may not explicitly be covered during the maths lessons that week, such as telling the time, and also allows the daily integration of maths into the surrounding environment. This means that children are practising concepts and skills on a regular basis, meaning they are continually building on their mastery of these concepts.