At Delta, Maths lessons are planned and delivered using the White Rose scheme of learning. It is underpinned by the concrete, pictorial, abstract (CPA) approach. Classrooms have a range of mathematical resources made available for children in each key stage. These include, but are not limited to, Numicon, Base 10, place value counters, Bead string, number lines, digit cards and hundred squares.

Pupils are taught through an evidence-based “I do, We do, You do” approach and are given the opportunity to practice using questions which are progressive and include a mix of fluency, reasoning and problem-solving so that children have opportunities to make explicit connections throughout their independent practice. We believe that the teaching of mathematics should equip children with unique, powerful tools to help them understand and make sense of the world around them. These tools include logical reasoning, problem solving skills and the ability to think in abstract ways.

The National Curriculum for Maths aims to ensure that all children:

• Become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, including through varied and frequent practice with increasingly complex problems over time, so that pupils develop conceptual understanding and the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately.
• Reason mathematically by following a line of enquiry, conjecturing relationships and generalisations, and developing an argument, justification or proof using mathematical language.
• Can solve problems by applying their mathematics to a variety of routine and non-routine problems with increasing sophistication, including breaking down problems into a series of simpler steps and persevering in seeking solutions. Mathematics is an interconnected subject in which pupils need to be able to move fluently between representations of mathematical ideas.

In Key Stage 1, our aim is to ensure that pupils build fluency, reasoning and problem-solving skills through active learning. We want them to have confidence and mental fluency with numbers, space and measure. Pupils will have different opportunities within the sessions to use a range of methods and manipulatives that allow them to be effective learners. They will move to Key Stage 2 with the knowledge and skills to apply their knowledge to more complex problem-solving and reasoning – making connections between multiple units and applying them through multi-step problems. This means they can then begin to apply and deepen their understanding of key mathematical concepts.

The concrete, pictorial and abstract (CPA) approach provides our pupils with the scaffolding required to access the learning at all levels. Every lesson begins with an arithmetic starter activity to activate learning and reiterate the importance of fluency. We then move on to explicitly teach vocabulary that is relevant to the lesson, and that vocabulary is modelled consistently throughout. Teachers use the “I Do, We do, You do” approach to show mathematical thinking, display a high-quality model and use specific mathematical vocabulary. The repetitive nature of the model allows pupils the opportunity to practice and embed skills. Teachers use a ‘check and adapt’ strategy in lessons to assess which children are ready for independent practice, and scaffold where necessary.

Delta is part of the London C and NW Maths Hub since 2023/2024. We are now on the journey to embed our approach to teaching mastery across the school. We are also participating in the Mastering Number programme to further develop our provision in Early Years and Key Stage 1.

Times Tables

We use Times Table Rock Stars to support children’s learning of times tables and Key Stage 1 participate in number bond practise. Times Tables are at the heart of mental arithmetic, which in itself helps form the basis of a child’s understanding and ability when working with number. Children in Year 3 to 6 also engage in daily 10-minute focused times table practice that utilises a combination of recall practice ad chanting.

The expectations for each year group for timetables and number bonds are as follows:

Year 1  - number bonds to 10 and 20

Year 2 - number bonds to 10 and 20 and 2x, 5x, 10x
Year 3 - 3x, 4x, 8x
Year 4 - 6x, 7x, 9x, 11x, 12x
Year 5 - All x and ÷ facts (12x12)
Year 6 - All x and ÷ facts (12x12) and related language/symbols e.g. % and square root

At Delta, children are encouraged to log in to Times Tables Rock Stars every day to practice their timestables and improve their knowledge of related division facts. Once the children have learnt the times tables and related divisions by heart, they are able to work far more confidently – and efficiently – through a wide range of more advanced calculations. At Delta, we believe that through a variety of interactive, visual, engaging and rote learning techniques, most children can achieve the full times table knowledge required by the end of Year 4.