Mathematics is a creative and highly inter-connected discipline that has been developed over centuries, providing the solution to some of history’s most intriguing problems. It is essential to everyday life, critical to science, technology and engineering, and necessary in most forms of employment. A high-quality mathematics education therefore provides a foundation for understanding the world, the ability to reason mathematically, and a sense of enjoyment and curiosity about the subject.

The National Curriculum for mathematics aims to ensure that all pupils:

• become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, including through varied and frequent practice with increasingly complex problems over time, so that pupils have conceptual understanding and are able to recall and apply their knowledge rapidly and accurately to problems
• reason mathematically by following a line of enquiry, conjecturing relationships and generalisations, and developing an argument, justification or proof using mathematical language
• can solve problems by applying their mathematics to a variety of routine and non-routine problems with increasing sophistication, including breaking down problems into a series of simpler steps and persevering in seeking solutions.

The programmes of study are organised in a distinct sequence and structured into separate domains. Mathematics is also taught in the context of other across the curriculum particular Science, Geography, History and Computing.

At Penruddock we believe that pupils should make connections across mathematical ideas to develop fluency, mathematical reasoning and competence in solving increasingly sophisticated problems. We embrace the mastery approach to teaching mathematics and use the DfE recommended Power Maths Scheme to help us structure our lessons. We encourage our pupils to see mathematics as a creative subject which can stimulate moments of pleasure and wonder. We believe in an age of rapidly developing technology, confidence and an understanding of mathematical concepts are more important and better equip our pupils for their future than merely learning techniques.  

We know that supporting your child's learning at home is important to you however keeping up to date with changes to teaching methods this can sometimes prove difficult. The calculation strategies that children use in school may be different from those that you are more familiar with. At Penruddock, we encourage parents to support your child's learning in class by practicing the strategies that your child has been using in lessons.

If you are having problems, please do not hesitate to contact your child's class teacher for support. Above our policies for teaching calculations in school for your information. Also, make sure that you look out for our regular information evenings for parents to find out more.