Mathematics is a crucial part of your child's education at St Denys.  We strive to make mathematics fun and to encourage our children to become confident and independent mathematicians.

How do we learn mathematics?

We have adopted a mastery approach to Mathematics teaching (detailed below), because we believe that each one of us can achieve mastery of Mathematics.  Through this approach, we promote the Christian ethos of the school.  Through this collaborative and paired approach to learning, we teach the children that each of us has a role in helping every other child, and we promote the idea that every person has something unique to give when working as part of a team.

Rationale

At St Denys Infants School, we have adopted a mastery approach to the teaching and learning of Mathematics. This can be broken down into five big ideas that underpin Mathematics lessons across the school:

• representation and structure

• mathematical thinking

• fluency

• variation

• coherence

Mathematics equips pupils with the uniquely powerful set of tools to understand and change the world. These tools include logical reasoning, problem solving skills and the ability to think in abstract ways. Mathematics is important in everyday life. It is integral to all aspects of life and we endeavour to ensure that children develop a positive and enthusiastic attitude towards Mathematics that will stay with them.

Classroom norms we seek to establish:

1. Everyone can learn Mathematics to the highest levels.

2. If you ‘can’t do it’, you ‘can’t do it yet’.

3. Mistakes are valuable.

4. Questions are important.

5. Mathematics is about creativity and problem solving.

6. Mathematics is about making connections and communicating what we think.

7. Depth is much more important than speed.

8. Maths lessons are about learning, not performing.

Role of the Parents

We recognise the importance of parents’ contributions in their child’s mathematical development.  We actively encourage parents to help their child in learning. We provide guidance during year group parents’ evenings.  Parents are always welcome to talk to their child’s teacher about any concerns or how they can help their child with Mathematics.  We have registered all children on an app called “Doodle Maths.”  This takes the place of weekly maths homework – we ask that children spend 10 minutes a day practising their skills using the Doodle Maths app.