The maths programmes for both Key Stage 2 and 3 are closely linked to the national Numeracy Strategy. Children visit the various aspects of mathematics during each term. This allows for reinforcement and consolidation throughout the year.
The duration of each lesson is 1 hour. The lessons usually follow a 4 part structure. The lesson will begin with some mental and oral mathematics. The aim of this is to stimulate the child to learn and to help improve the rapid recall of number facts. The second part to the lesson usually involves some direct teaching of an objective for that day (this is usually progressive through a week). The third part of the lesson usually involves some practise of a method or some problem solving activities. The final part of the lesson brings the whole class back together and either reinforce the lesson or will introduce the following days objective
All children within the school know the level at which they are currently working at and are aware of their personal target for the year. Although teachers are continually making assessments of the child’s ability, the children are formally assessed at 4 points throughout the year and children’s progress is tracked and shared with both children and parents.
The focus in mathematics is for each child to make progress in relation to their personal target over the course of a year.
Key Stage 2
Year 5
Children in Year 5 have a daily mathematics lesson. The maths groups are then organised into a top set and 3 mixed ability classes. Within the mixed ability classes there is daily teaching assistant support. Children are covering the topics within the revised framework for mathematics and the medium term plans can be found on the school web site.
Year 6
Children in Year 6 have a daily maths lesson. The four tutor groups are organised between 5 teaching staff. The organisation takes the form of 1 top set and four mixed ability classes. Within the mixed ability classes, Teachers select groups of children to take part in weekly sessions with a trained teaching assistant. This is in order to work on improving mathematical ability and correcting misconceptions
As with Year 5, Children are aware of their current level in mathematics and their target level for the end of Year 6.
Children in Year 6 will have a formal end of key stage test. This will take the form of 3 written tests. Test 1 will be a 45 minute non-calculator test. Test 2 will be a 45 minute calculator test. Test 3 will be a 20 minute mental maths test.
Key stage 3
Year 7
Children have 3 one hour lessons per week. Children are taught in mixed ability classes. During the Autumn Term the end of Key Stage 2 data is analysed and lessons are targeted to focus on gaps within the children knowledge. Homework is set once per week in Year 7
Year 8
During Year 8 the 4 tutor groups are sub divided. Two classes are taught maths at the same time. The children in these classes are set into higher and lower ability classes. The higher ability classes follow the Year 8 scheme of work. The lower ability group will use the Year 8 scheme of work and also work on misconceptions that they children may have developed.
Intervention
Within each Year, intervention is varied to suit the dynamics of the class and the year group. Within each Year 5 class there is a Teaching Assistant dedicated to supporting the class teacher in the most appropriate way. Year 6 uses one Teaching Assistant to work with a focus group of children on rapid recall of facts. This is organised on a weekly rota so that the specific children will have 1 hour per week working on these skills. In addition to this other named children will receive focus support from a trained Teaching Assistant in specific areas of maths that these children may find difficult. Key Stage 3 children receive Teaching Assistant support within the classroom if appropriate.
Maths Surgery
Maths surgery is a daily facility available, during lunch times, to all children in the school. Children are welcome to attend the surgery for a variety of reasons; they can complete homework, play maths games or receive one to one help and support with any particular areas of maths that they have difficulties with. This is a popular facility and many of the children enjoy attending and using the surgery.
Virtual Learning
Every child at Dedworth is part of the virtual learning of MyMaths. This is a web site available to purchasing schools. All children and parents are allocated a password to the site and children can complete online home works, revise class work and play maths games. As parents are allocated a password to their child’s site, parents are able to monitor and keep up to date with their child’s mathematical progress at any time.