Mathematics
At Martello we focus on the teaching of skills, methods and facts to enable pupils to solve problems. The children will be required to learn number facts with quick recall, so that when learning new methods they can concentrate on the process. The number facts they need, e.g. times tables, should not hinder their development. The children will be given time to practise skills so they become fluent in calculation methods and other mathematical skills.
The expectation will be that children can explain their mathematical thinking; maths lessons should not always be quiet lessons, but interactive and fun, with children engaged in tasks, sharing ideas and solving problems.
We cover the curriculum at a pace that ensures that deep mathematical understanding of concepts is enabled. Our expectation is that the majority of children will move through the curriculum at the same pace.
Children who grasp ideas and concepts at a quicker pace will be challenged appropriately, through variation and rich tasks requiring higher-level thinking. Those children who are not fluent with content taught in a particular lesson, will consolidate their learning through additional practise and support in our daily interventions and feedback.
As a school, we believe that securing a strong attainment in mathematics provides children with a greater grounding in understanding the world around them, further granting them access to a great breadth of opportunities in later life.
Intent
Children become fluent in the core areas of mathematics, through varied and frequent practice with increasingly complex problems over time.
Children can reason mathematically using mathematical language e.g. ‘I know that… therefore…’
Children can solve problems by applying their mathematics to a variety of routine and non-routine problems with increasing confidence.
Children are given all relevant opportunities to apply their subject knowledge in foundation subjects to further develop and consolidate their mathematical fluency and reasoning skills.
Implementation
The teaching and learning of mathematics is a fundamental element of the curriculum at Martello Primary. Children are taught a lesson of maths daily with further opportunities given to engage with the subject in the foundation subjects where appropriate.
Across the school, maths lessons follow the same structure to ensure consistency in learning.
Maths lessons comprise of the following:
Daily feedback questions to consolidate understanding from the previous lesson.
Daily retrieval practice to provide opportunities for children to secure their understanding of previous subject areas taught.
Explicit teaching - modelling key examples and strategies
Fluency - partner practice which will include varied fluency activities
Applying skills - reasoning and problem solving
Challenge questions
Reflection to summarise and build consolidation
Additionally, age appropriate times tables practice will be built into lessons frequently across the week using ‘Rolling numbers’ times table songs and the online ‘Times Tables Rockstars’ programme.
Impact
As a result of the carefully structured lessons and high quality teaching, we ensure that our learners make good or better progress in lessons and we aim to inspire them to have a love for maths.
What is the Year 4 Times Tables check?
The Year 4 Times Tables check, known by the government and schools as the Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check (MTC), is an annual check which will take place in June to see if Year 4 pupils in England and Wales have a good level of times tables knowledge. Primary-school children are expected to know all their times tables up to 12x12. Under the current National Curriculum, children are supposed to know their times tables by the end of Year 4.
Why has the test been put in place?
The DfE says that the check is part of a new focus on mastering numeracy, giving children the skills and knowledge they need for secondary school and beyond. The purpose of the Multiplication Tables Check is to determine whether Y4 pupils can recall their multiplication tables fluently (being able to answer times tables questions accurately and quickly, without having to work out the answers).
What is the Year 4 times tables test’s format?
The Multiplication Tables Check is an online, on-screen digital assessment meaning the children will take the test on a chrome book at school.
The times tables test will be timed, with the entire assessment lasting approximately 5 minutes in total. The children will be set a handful of practice questions to begin with. Following the practice questions, the test itself will comprise of 25 questions; children must answer each question within 6 seconds.
How will the results be reported?
Pupils' individual results will be made available to schools, and the Department for Education will report national results to track how they change over time. Schools will be required to report the results to parents or carers.
What happens if my child does not score very highly on the test?
There will be no "pass mark" (expected standard threshold) and no child will "fail" the test. Multiplication facts will be the only things tested (there will be no testing of children's knowledge of division facts or problem-solving in the check).
The DfE says the purpose of the check is to help teachers identify which children are falling behind and target areas where they’re not being given a chance to succeed.
Why are times tables so important?
Secure and confident knowledge of times tables is vital to children’s success in Maths. They are the building blocks of Maths and with multiplications mastered the doors to many other areas of Maths become unlocked!
Here are some ways which memorising times tables can benefit your child:
Most importantly, knowing their times tables will give your child confidence in their ability in Maths. We aim for all children to be able to mentally recall their times tables, moving away from counting on their fingers as they become more confident.
Times tables can help your child to grasp other mathematical concepts, such as fractions, division, ratio and percentages to name a few. Children who do not know their times tables will not be able to access more complex procedures.
If a child is confident with their times table skills, then this can reduce the cognitive load when learning a new method. An example of this is when learning the long multiplication method; if a child is already confident with their times tables then they can solely focus on the new skills with the method, e.g. where to carry numbers, when a place value holder is needed, estimating and checking that their answer is correct. This will not only help to ensure that their calculations are accurate, but speed up the process of learning a new method and also boost their confidence as they see that they have been successful.
Expectations for times tables for each year group:
Year 1 - Count in multiples of 2, 5 and 10. Recall and use all doubles to 10 and corresponding halves.
Year 2 - Recall and use multiplication and division facts for the 2, 5 and 10 multiplication tables. Including recognising odd and even numbers.
Year 3 - Recall and use multiplication and division facts for the 3, 4 and 8 multiplication tables.
Year 4 - Recall and use multiplication and division facts for multiplication tables up to 12x12.
Year 5 - Revision of all times tables and division facts up to 12x12.
Year 6 - Revision of all times tables and division facts up to 12x12.
How can I help my child:
Times tables are learnt best when learnt regularly and in short bursts. At Martello, we use rolling numbers to familiarise children with multiplication facts and 'Times Tables Rock Stars' to support instant recall and help learn multiplication and division tables. This interactive tool is a fun way of learning times tables facts as well as being highly addictive! The children are able to play against their friends and teachers.
The 'Sound Check' area of the website has been designed specifically in order to support the Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check and can be easily accessed at home.
Please click the 'Times Tables Rock Stars' link below to take you to the pupil login area:
Some other useful websites for practising times tables are included below:
Maths Frame tables check This activity mirrors the multiplication table check children will complete in June. We will use this frequently throughout the year to track children’s progress and familiarise them with the format of the check.
Hit the button! Hit the Button is an interactive maths game with quick fire questions
Times Table Mountain Select the table you wish to practise and then begin your ascent. If you manage to reach the top you can print out a certificate and view a report of your mistakes.
For further information see Multiplication tables check: information
Home Learning Help
Listed below are a selection of useful websites which may assist children in completing their home learning.
BBC Bitesize KS2 Maths: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/z826n39
Maths is Fun: https://www.mathsisfun.com
Primary Maths Arena: http://primarygamesarena.com