Maths at Haddon

Maths Lead: Mr K Grafstein

At Haddon, we are passionate about developing numerate children who have a love and understanding of maths. As a school, we encourage a relentless pursuit of mathematical understanding and skill in order to help our pupils to become inquisitive and confident mathematicians. Over the last few years, we have been embedding the mastery approach as well as crafting our own adaptations for our pupils to ensure their success.

Early Years

In EYFS, our pupils develop their concept of the number system through the use of concrete materials and pictorial representations.  They should experience practical calculation using a wide variety of equipment, e.g. small world play, role play, counters, cubes, ways of recording calculations using pictures, etc. We use Numicon to help develop a deep understanding of the number system. F2 are currently taking part in the Mastering Number Programme from NCETM, which is a programme designed to ensure children have a thorough understanding of number and the number system. This programme will make up the majority of maths taught sessions, with the remainder being teacher designed in order to cover other aspects of the curriculum. In order to ensure that all aspects of the curriculum are covered, we have created a long term plan (which covers both F1 and F2) that identifies key concepts to be taught, including those from the Mastering Number programme. 

KS1 and KS2

From Year 1—6, we have adapted the White Rose Maths scheme to support our children. This scheme uses the Concrete, Pictorial, Abstract approach to encourage children to think mathematically, building in lots of opportunities for mathematical discussion. Teachers have the flexibility to adapt the ideas in White Rose Maths. Our long term plans have been adapted to prioritise the key areas of mathematical learning as specified by the Ready to Progress Criteria. These areas are then revised daily throughout the year to support understanding and recall. Teachers create medium term plans where adaptations from White Rose are shown, whether they have pre-empted lessons needed for the children or included as a result of assessment after lessons.

Other aspects about Maths at Haddon: 

Daily Arithmetic Practice 

In Years 2 – 6 children have the opportunity to practise arithmetic regularly through 10 in 10. 10 in 10 is a set of 10 questions which the children have 10 minutes to answer. These are completed three times a week.

The questions are carefully chosen to cover: 

• Recent/Current teaching 
• End of Year expectations 
• Ready to Progress Criteria 

Twice a week, children in Years 2 – 6 will complete a flashback 4 task, where they will reflect on more reasoning activities and those of other areas of mathematical learning like measurement and statistics.

This gives the children the opportunity to practise key mathematical skills throughout the year and encourages regular revisiting of concepts across the curriculum.

Times Table Rockstars

As a school, we use Times Table Rockstars as a way to practise Times Table knowledge, both in preparation for the MTC at the end of Year 4 and more importantly to contribute towards children’s fluency in mathematical facts. 

In Year 3 and 4 children have regular sessions in class where they use TTRS to practise their times tables. All children from Year 2 – 6 have access to TTRS online and can use it to practise their tables at home. As a school, we celebrate times table accuracy with weekly celebrations.