Mathematics

Mathematics equips pupils with uniquely powerful ways to describe, analyse and change the world. Pupils who are functional in mathematics and financially capable are able to think independently in applied and abstract ways, and can reason, solve problems and assess risk. This area contains all the primary mathematics materials.

Click here for a link to our resources which describe how we teach mathematics methods.

The planning structure for each year group is organised into five blocks. Each block has incorporated into it objectives from the Using and applying mathematics strand and from two or three of the other core strands.

The blocks are:

Block A: Counting, partitioning and calculating
Block B: Securing number facts, understanding shape
Block C: Handling data and measures
Block D: Calculating, measuring and understanding shape
Block E: Securing number facts, relationships and calculating

Each block is made up of three units. A unit represents around 2 or 3 weeks of teaching. For each of the 15 units that cover the teaching year, there are overviews of children’s learning, assessments planned. These provide insight for teachers when planning the children’s learning and reviewing their progress.

The units are designed to be used independently when planning a period of 2 or 3 weeks’ work. However, when mapping out the blocks and units over the term or year the inter-relatedness of the content and pitch of the units needs to be taken into account. Sometimes we move off track completely, ensuring a firm grasp of the objectives from the block we are teaching. Progress and development is based on evidence of learning at Raglan.

All children are set targets following regular assessment.

We use a scheme called Abacus Evolve (Website for teachers) as the basis for our mathematics teaching. For those requiring additional support we use a range of resources including TEEJAY maths (Teejay Website)for reinforcement and practice materials to ensure the application of maths is sound. Abacus Evolve was chosen for its clear resources for use on Interactive Whiteboards and accompanying text books which contained sound problem-solving activities.

We also use Scottish Heinemann Maths, the school has long used the SPMG (Scottish Primary Maths approaches (SHM website) .

For those requiring greater challenge we use TEEJAY and resources from key stage 3 and Abacus 7. MALT, (MALT website) resources are used right across the school to provide teachers with in-depth knowledge of mathematical understanding and ability. The results from these indicate misconceptions which teachers address when producing individual maths targets.

We usually teach a dedicated mathematics lesson every day. We also teach mental arithmetic lessons.

We publish a booklet called ‘The Raglan Junior School Calculation Methods’. This outlines the exact method of calculation used for each of the four operations, +, -, x and /.