Mathematics

At Preston Manor Lower School, we teach mathematics with an aim to develop confident, curious and resilient mathematicians. We want all pupils to reach a stage where they have the skills and knowledge to tackle mathematical conundrums with logic, reasoning and a systematic approach.

These skills are embedded within Maths lessons and developed consistently over time. We are committed to ensuring that all children are able to recognise the importance of Maths in the wider world and that they can use their mathematical skills and knowledge confidently in a range of different contexts in their lives. We help pupils develop the perseverance they require in order to resist the temptation to admit defeat when tackling unfamiliar problems. We teach them to have high expectations of themselves and foster an environment of collaboration and challenge.  

Mathematics is organised into a long-term plan, identifying which units of learning will be covered across the year, ensuring it is broad and balanced, enjoyable and engaging, challenging and meets the needs of all learners in our school. Sequenced lessons ensure that there is progression. Knowledge and skills are built upon across the half term. Progression is also clear within the year groups.  

It provides opportunities for children to develop as independent, confident and successful learners, with high aspirations, who know how to make a positive contribution to their community and the wider society.  

From Reception to Year 6, the children will increase their long-term memory by building a bank of knowledge and skills which they can apply across the curriculum. Through teaching these units of learning, the teachers will further develop their subject knowledge of the subjects they are teaching.  

By the end of Reception, the children will be able to count with numbers from 1 – 20. They will use objects to add and subtract single digit numbers and will solve simple problems involving doubling, halving and sharing. Children will use everyday language to talk about a range of measures including time and money. They will recognise, create and describe patterns and explore characteristics of everyday objects and shapes, using mathematical language to describe them.

By the end of KS1, the children will be able to approach maths in a practical hands-on way, using objects, pictures and simple calculations to solve problems. Pupils will develop confidence and mental fluency with whole numbers, counting and place value, working with numerals, words and four operations. They will also be able to recognise, describe, draw, compare and sort different shapes and work with simple fractions.  

By the end of KS2, the children will be able to confidently solve problems involving the four operations, fractions and percentages as well as with time, measures or money. Pupils will have a secure grasp of their times tables up to 12 and related division facts. They will independently use mathematical reasoning and be able to explain or justify a solution.