Teaching Maths

At Barnsbury we aim to provide children with mathematical experiences which stimulate the children’s enthusiasm and develop their fluency, ability to reason mathematically and their ability to solve problems.

 Our aims in teaching mathematics are that all children will:

• find mathematics an enjoyable and exciting challenge.
• develop self-confidence, through practical activity, exploration and discussion.
• use and apply a range of mathematical skills and knowledge to solve problems, through decision making and reasoning.
• use accurate mathematical vocabulary to explain their thinking.
• reach / exceed age related expectation whilst making good progress.
• use IT confidently when solving mathematical problems.
• develop a clear, logical and systematic way of working.
• understand and appreciate the importance of mathematics in everyday life. 

Numicon

Throughout Barnsbury all the children use the teaching resource Numicon. The Numicon approach is multi-sensory, using apparatus and focusing on Action, Imagery and Conversation. The program of activities with Numicon shapes and rods helps students understand number relationships, spot patterns and make generalisations. When Numicon patterns are arranged in order, pupils begin to notice important connections between numbers, for instance that each number is one more than the last and one fewer than the next, odd and even numbers and place value. Numicon illustrates number bonds, addition and subtraction, place value, doubling and halving, estimation, division and multiplication. The Numicon Shapes and rods help teachers and students to communicate their ideas. Students are encouraged to work together on activities which emphasise applying understanding to solve problems. The Numicon teaching approach helps pupils ccommunicate their mathematical thinking to teachers. This in turn helps teachers ‘see’ a students’ understanding. By watching and listening to what students do and say, the Numicon approach provides learners with the opportunity to play to their strengths, thereby releasing their potential to enjoy, understand and achieve in mathematics.

Although predominantly used for whole-class teaching at Barnsbury, Numicon can also be used in small groups and for individual support.

Click here to see a short video about Numicon https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYgwM5Z1tMo

Barnsbury Primary School & Nursery was first appointed as a Numicon Advocate School for the academic year 2017/18 we are thrilled to have been awarded Numicon Advocate Status for the third consecutive year 2019/20. as a result of demonstrating good teaching and learning using the Numicon approach.

Barnsbury Primary School awarded Advocate School Status

Progress in Understanding Mathematics Assessment (PUMA)

All children in years 1 to 6 undertake three PUMA maths tests per year. This provides teachers with a child’s mathematical age against their chronological age. Children that are six months above or below their chronological age are considered to be working at the expected age. As well as termly testing, the children are weekly tested on their number bonds/times tables. Teachers keep record of children’s number bonds/times tables to ensure progression and as a form of assessment. 

Parental / community involvement

We value the contribution to maths learning made by parents and provide information, guidance and workshops on the best ways they can support their children’s learning. Parents and DBS checked community volunteers are welcomed into the school to support children in maths. Children are expected to practice their number bonds/times tables at home a minimum of three times a week. In addition to number bonds/times tables practice children will also receive homework, based on the learning happening in the classroom that week.  

Click here to see the calculation policy

Click here to see the "Supporting Maths throughout the Primary Years" Presentation

Click here to see the Maths Policy  

Click here to see the White Rose Maths Policy