Mathematics at Oakwood Infant and Nursery School

Our principal aim is to develop the children’s knowledge, skills and understanding in mathematics, and to inspire our children to build connections between the different areas and concepts of mathematics, other subjects, and the world around them.

“Mathematics reveals its secrets only to those who approach it with pure love, for its own beauty.”  

Archemedes

Key Stage 1

Our school adopts a mastery approach to the teaching and learning of mathematics, following the national curriculum objectives as set out by White Rose.  Staff use ‘Characteristics of Effective Learning’ to enable children to develop positive attitudes, curiosity, critical thinking and creative approaches to problem solving.  We are passionate and fully committed to developing a balance between procedural fluency and conceptual understanding. 

Our children participate in daily interactive mental mathematics sessions to develop their confidence in counting and in the recalling of facts.   This is to ensure that prior knowledge is consistently drawn upon, so that our children can apply their knowledge in solving problems. Our curriculum is designed to enable our children to distinguish between abstract mathematical concepts and concrete representations.   We believe that competent mathematicians can make strong connections between the different learning areas of the mathematics curriculum, can apply their skills and knowledge to support learning, and can make mathematical connections with other curriculum subjects. To assist with this process, continuous provision is in place within all classrooms and outdoors.    Our staff model the correct use of mathematical vocabulary to enhance our children’s understanding of mathematical language and to teach them how to use it in explaining mathematical processes and strategies.

Impact

The measure of the impact of this will be the extent to which our children reach their full potential as they get to know more, experience more, remember more and do more.