At Hasmonean Primary School, we follow a “mastery” approach to maths, modelled on the White Rose system. Specifically, we make use of Power Maths (White Rose Edition), which is one of only two DfE approved mastery schemes. We believe that all children should be successful at, and feel positive about maths.
We aim to teach using an interactive, whole-class model that encourages thinking, precise mathematical language and allows children to deepen their understanding. We do this by teaching mastery of concepts one step at a time, in lessons that embrace a Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract (C-P-A) approach, building on prior learning and helping children to see patterns and connections.
Lessons typically begin with a “discover” that involves a real-life scenario and inspires children to discuss a key concept through a picture story. We use the recommended “I do, We do, You do” model to build children’s understanding of how to tackle similar scenarios with increasing confidence, before moving towards opportunities for independent practice. This will also include more formal calculation methods.
“Deepen” and “Strengthen” activities both extend and support differently attaining children, including those with SEND, enabling the whole class to stay together in their learning. Children are assessed formatively throughout the lesson, and summatively at the end of each unit, enabling the teacher to see which children have mastered the key concepts and where any misconceptions are.
In addition, in Key Stay 2, children have a regular (weekly) ‘fluency’ lesson that aims to build fast recall of key arithmetic skills, such as number bonds and times tables.
Ultimately, at Hasmonean we want our children to be successful at maths, not just through rote-learning but through problem solving, thinking and discussing. We believe this approach will enable our children to develop both fluent recall and a confident conceptual understanding of the mathematical world around them.