The subject leader for Maths at St James' is Mrs Malik.

Our Christian Vision for Maths

Genesis 9:7 ~ As for you, be fruitful and increase in number; multiply on the earth and increase upon it.”

In Maths lessons, through following the mastery approach, we believe that all children can succeed in Maths ensuring that every child is given the support they need to achieve their potential. All maths lessons contain elements of the 5 big ideas of mastery (coherence, fluency, mathematical thinking, variation and representation & structure). Through this approach, children are allowed to form a deep understanding of mathematical concepts allowing each child to develop their understanding of maths to the full. A variety of methods and strategies are taught and discussed, valuing the diversity within our classrooms. Throughout St. James’, children are encouraged to spot patterns and make links between numbers and mathematical concepts, allowing them to appreciate the beauty and complexity of God’s world. As well as this, we equip children with the tools they need to reason about their mathematical understanding allowing them to share their understanding with others. Our aim is that all children leave St. James confident in their own mathematical ability and understanding, creating the opportunity for further learning and providing the foundation for a wide variety of paths in their future.

Snapshot of Maths

At St. James' we work hard to meet the aims of all three areas of the National Curriculum:

Fluency

Reasoning

Problem Solving

We make sure that we cover all three aspects in every lesson and support our learning through using practical methods and concrete resources to help us understand Maths. 

In Reception and KS1 we use NumBots to help us become fluent in subitising and number bonds.  We have our own log in and have weekly sessions in class. We also use White Rose 1 minute maths.

In Year 2 - Year 6, we use Times Tables Rock Stars to help us become more fluent in our times table knowledge. We also have our own log in and we can practise at home! If you need any help logging into your account, just ask your teacher to help. 

Maths is used in real life contexts throughout the curriculum to demonstrate links to the wider world and help consolidate learning.  

Financial Education

Financial education is an important part of our mathematics curriculum, developed progressively across the school to help children build the knowledge, skills and positive attitudes needed to make informed decisions about money. Children explore real-life contexts such as saving, spending, budgeting and making responsible financial choices, applying their mathematical knowledge in meaningful situations. Mathematics is also woven throughout the wider curriculum, with opportunities to use skills such as measurement, data handling, calculation and problem-solving in subjects including Science, Geography and Design Technology. These opportunities help children recognise the relevance of mathematics beyond the classroom and develop confidence in using maths as an essential life skill.

Teach Active

We also teach maths through physically active learning to boost engagement, well being and attainment. Health is fundamental to children’s development and our children thoroughly enjoy learning outdoors and taking part in active learning within the classroom.

Maths in EYFS

In reception class we develop our maths understanding through a mastering number approach.  Our daily maths lessons aim to build secure firm foundations in the development of good number sense for all children.  This is enhanced through continuous provision and drawing club which enables children to link their learning to real life contexts.