At Ovingham Middle School our intent is to help children to develop as confident, enthusiastic and effective learners. Our core HEART values underpin everything we do. We provide opportunities for all children to fulfil their potential through a commitment to high standards and excellence with an engaging, broad and rich curriculum. The teaching and learning environment is shaped by an understanding of what children can achieve and by teaching that meets their needs as learners. Opportunities are planned into the curriculum for pupils to develop their teamwork skills and during paired, group or class discussions pupils are encouraged to speak honestly and be accepting of others.
We believe that all children can enjoy and succeed in Mathematics. We use the mastery approach to teaching mathematics which allows all pupils access to the full curriculum and helps them become happy and resilient mathematicians who cherish the challenge of maths. Using this approach we aim for pupils to acquire a deep, long-term, secure and adaptable understanding of the subject. We aim to deliver an inspiring and engaging curriculum through high quality teaching.
Key Stage 2
The principal focus of mathematics teaching in upper key stage 2 is to ensure that pupils extend their understanding of the number system and place value to include larger integers. This should develop the connections that pupils make between multiplication and division with fractions, decimals, percentages and ratio. At this stage, pupils should develop their ability to solve a wider range of problems, including increasingly complex properties of numbers and arithmetic, and problems demanding efficient written and mental methods of calculation. With this foundation in arithmetic, pupils are introduced to the language of algebra as a means for solving a variety of problems. Teaching in geometry and measures should consolidate and extend knowledge developed in number. Teaching should also ensure that pupils classify shapes with increasingly complex geometric properties and that they learn the vocabulary they need to describe them. By the end of year 6, pupils should be fluent in written methods for all four operations, including long multiplication and division, and in working with fractions, decimals and percentages. Pupils should read, spell and pronounce mathematical vocabulary correctly.
Key Stage 3
In KS3 students increase their ability to think mathematically and develop perseverance in answering more challenging problems, communicating ideas using precise mathematical language and conventional notation. The KS3 mathematics curriculum focuses on retaining numerical fluency and developing algebraic fluency, with formal structures and methods being taught and rich mathematical vocabulary being encouraged.
Topics interleave throughout the curriculum in order to consolidate topics and aid retention. Number skills remain central to the curriculum and are practised regularly in recognition of the fact that difficulties with number fluency can result in cognitive overload when students attempt to learn new material at a later point, such as topics in geometry which rely heavily on numerical fluency. Students who already demonstrate a secure fluency or who grasp concepts rapidly, will be encouraged to apply their understanding to deeper and mathematically richer problems.
Parents Booklet
Our handy parents booklets provide information on what will be expected of learners as they develop through the year.
Calculation Policy
Our calculation policy has been devised to give pupils a consistent and smooth progression of learning in calculations across the Key Stage 1 and 2 phases.
Useful Mathematics Websites
My Maths
Our subscription to MyMaths means that your child has their own unique log in details which allows them to access a wide range of games, activities, homework tasks and investigations. Your child may be set homework by their maths teacher on Mymaths. They will find the task set for them once they log onto their own portal. The website can also be used at home to help support your child with their maths learning by using the wide range of resources.
Click on the link below to get started
Times Table Rockstars
Pupils all have their own log in details to access Times Table Rockstars. By the end of Year 4 pupils should have a secure knowledge of their multiplication tables up to 12 x 12. Knowing their tables securely will help the pupils succeed in all areas of maths. As a school we recommend that pupils practise their times tables for 10 minutes each night, the Times Table Rockstars website is a brilliant way of doing this.
Click on the link below to get started
