Maths at St James
Maths Vision
At St James Primary we strive to build bright futures, enabling all children and adults to reach their full potential. By using concrete manipulatives, pictorial diagrams and abstract representations, children become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, learn to reason mathematically and to solve problems. We believe that being able to talk about the mathematics the children are experiencing is vital for them to be able to reason and solve problems, so we use rich questioning and discussion, active and involving teaching approaches and actively encourage reflection on learning.
Our Maths teaching is underpinned by the belief that all children need a deep understanding of the mathematics they are learning. We believe mastery will be achieved when more time is spent on key concepts that are then revisited and reviewed. This allows for the development of depth and sufficient practice to embed learning. We ensure all pupils have access to the concepts and the rich connections between them. Mastery is, therefore, the aim for all children, hence we have an ambitious Maths curriculum for all.
Maths Long Term Plan (based on WhiteRose)
Calculation and Progression Documents
A sound understanding of place value and the number system is essential for children to carry out calculations efficiently and accurately. The purpose of these documents are to outline the stages of progress for written calculation methods in the four operations and the progression of mental maths methods.
addition and subtraction calculation policymultiplication and division calculation policy
mental methods addition and subtractionmental methods multiplication and division
In addition to these documents, we have developed a series of learning journeys which break down the small steps for each unit of work into the skills which need to be taught. This helps with pitch and expectations of work in maths lessons, as well as being an invaluable tool for assessment for learning and assessment of learning.
Place valueAddition and subtractionMultiplication and divisionFractionsDecimals and percentagesLength height perimeter area and volumeMass capacity temperature and converting unitsMoneyPosition and directionProperties of shapeStatisticsRatioAlgebra
Quick Maths and KIRFs
Quick Maths gives students repeated practice of basic skills and concepts (fluency, consolidation, mastery of what has been taught) It is a whole-class session which builds in length and expectation from Nursery to year 6. The session is practical, fast-paced and covers a wide range of concepts in a short period of time. The concepts covered include place value, 4 operations, doubling and halving, shape, time, money, number bonds and fractions. The pitch and expectation of these sessions has been mapped out in a progression document that teachers use to plan their quick maths sessions.
Nursery Quick Maths OverviewQuick maths overview including KIRFs
Key Instant Recall Facts
KIRFs (Key Instant Recall Facts) are designed to support the development of the mental skills that underpin much of the maths work in school. Instant recall facts help enormously with mental agility within maths lessons. When children move onto written calculations, knowing these facts can be very beneficial. Each year group is allocated six facts to focus on throughout the year, in line with age-related expectations. These are practiced in quick maths sessions and sent home to parents to support at home. Each half term, children will be assessed on their year group’s KIRF. Teachers track when pupils achieve their KIRF and pupils who do not achieve will continue to work on it in an intervention group.
KIRFs by year group and termNursery handoutsReception handoutsYear 1 KIRF handoutsYear 2 KIRF handoutsYear 3 KIRF handoutsYear 4 KIRF handoutsYear 5 KIRF handoutsYear 6 KIRF handouts
Websites to help you at home
Your child has logins to MyMaths and to Times Tables Rockstars. These online programmes support homework and fluency build up if used regularly. If you do not have a login, please contact your child's class teacher.
Times Tables Rockstars MyMaths
