Maths
Our maths curriculum is designed to provide children with the skills and confidence that they need to be successful mathematicians, at school and beyond. Not only is our aim that every child will develop a deep understanding of maths skills, but we also want our children to be confident, inquisitive mathematicians with a love of the subject.
We aim to develop children’s knowledge and understanding of mathematical concepts rather than simply teaching them how to achieve a correct answer through following steps in a method.
We want Woodmansterne mathematicians to be able to think critically and reason their ideas and understanding, so our curriculum provides many opportunities for children to problem-solve, both independently and collaboratively. We ensure children face problems where they may need to try several approaches before finding success and make mistakes along the way; in this way, we train our children to be resilient learners.
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Implementation
Our Maths ethos revolves around meeting the specific needs of each individual child and there is a clear and consistent approach to the teaching of maths. We ensure children access work which provides them with a level of challenge which will allow maximum progress. In each lesson, children are provided with three challenges from which to choose. One level provides scaffolding and support and one stretches the most able children with more complex questions. Children self-select their level of challenge and adapted the work they choose as the lesson progresses based on feedback, marking and their level of understanding and confidence with a concept. If a child finishes a challenge during the lesson, they move up to the next one; an extension activity is always provided for the most able children when they have completed Challenge 3.
We also meet the needs of each child by carefully considering which children need an initial teacher input, often working with groups or 'peeling off' certain children, who may benefit from extra support, while allowing more confident children to work more independently.
Progression of Skills
Geometry - Properties of Shapes
Geometry - Position and Direction
Times Tables and the Multiplication Check
What is the Multiplication Tables Check?
Times tables fall under arithmetic. All primary school-aged children are expected to know their times tables multiplication up to 12 x 12 by heart. In fact, they are expected to have mastered their times tables by the end of Year 4.
The Multiplication Tables Check (MTC) is a key stage 2 assessment taken by pupils at the end of Year 4 (in June). The MTC’s purpose is to ensure that times tables knowledge is at the expected level and helps teachers and school leaders identify which pupils are secure in their multiplication tables and which pupils may need additional support to get there. The multiplication tables check is statutory for all primary schools.
What is Times Table Rock Stars (TTRS)?
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TTRS is an engaging online platform that helps children improve their times tables through fun, game-based learning. It provides a personalised approach, allowing children to practice at their own pace while motivating them with rewards and recognition. We are excited to announce a refreshed and restructured approach to teaching, assessing, and rewarding times tables mastery. We believe that this new approach will better support our children in building confidence and speed in their times tables knowledge. Research shows that computer-based practice is more effective than traditional pencil and paper methods, which is why we are transitioning to ‘Times Table Rockstars’ (TTRS) for both practice and assessment. We will no longer be using a worksheet approach to times tables. |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What has changed from our previous times tables system?
This engaging platform will allow children to progress at their own pace while enjoying a fun, interactive learning experience. We look forward to seeing our children thrive with this new system! Our goal is to lower the age at which children confidently master their times tables, ensuring that by the end of Year 4, all children reach Platinum level in time for the statutory Multiplication Tables Check (MTC) in June.
How does TTRS support my child’s learning?
TTRS adapts to your child’s individual needs, identifying their strengths and areas for improvement. By practising regularly, children build fluency and speed in recalling multiplication facts, which is essential for success in maths. Teachers can also tailor tasks to focus on specific tables or gaps in knowledge.
How often should my child use TTRS?
We recommend that children spend at least 10 minutes per day practicing on TTRS. Regular, short practice sessions are more effective for retaining and improving times tables knowledge than infrequent, longer sessions.
How are children rewarded on TTRS?
Children can earn badges as they progress through different times tables. The badge system motivates children to achieve key milestones. The badges are awarded as follows:
- Bronze badge: Mastering the 1x, 2x, 5x, and 10x tables.
- Silver badge: Completing the 4x, 8x, 6x, and 12x tables.
- Gold badge: Learning the 9x, 7x, 11x tables, and squared numbers.
- Platinum level: Reaching fluency in all tables by the end of Year 4, in time for the statutory Multiplication Tables Check (MTC).
In Years 5 and 6, children will focus on developing rapid recall and mental arithmetic skills in preparation for their KS2 SATs and the transition to KS3.
How can I track my child’s progress?
Parents can monitor their child's performance through the reports called 'heat maps' generated by TTRS. These provide detailed feedback on which times tables your child has mastered and where they need more practice. This can be accessed on the app or through the website by clicking on 'Stats' and then 'Fluency'. Teachers will share these heat maps with parents.
What are the different game modes on TTRS?
Click here to access a TTRS parent guide which explains all the various game modes.
What if my child is working below the times tables for their year group?
We understand that this transition will take time, so please don’t worry if your child is currently working below the targeted times tables for their year group. With Times Table Rock stars (TTRS), teachers can create a tailored program to match each child's abilities, helping to close any gaps in multiplication knowledge.
How do teachers use TTRS in school?
Teachers use TTRS for both practice and assessment. They can assign specific times tables for children to work on, track their progress and provide targeted support where needed. TTRS also makes learning fun and interactive, encouraging children to engage with multiplication in an enjoyable way.
Through the Garage mode children can focus on specific times tables and gradually colour in their heat maps, representing their progress. This can be done both at home and in school. To ensure accurate assessments, teachers will check your child’s levels by asking them to complete Garage tasks during school time, as some may receive support from siblings or others at home. Teachers will monitor this closely and address any discrepancies to make sure the heat map reflects true independent learning before awarding the children with their badges.
How does TTRS ensure that my child is being stretched and challenged?
The Garage mode is designed to be highly adaptive, adjusting the questions based on your child’s needs. It focuses on the times tables they need to improve, ensuring targeted practice. As your child’s confidence and fluency grow, new times tables will automatically be introduced, signalling that they are ready to advance in their learning. This progression can be very motivating, as children can clearly see their own improvement and success.
How can I help my child improve?
There are lots of ways to learn times tables, but here are a few suggestions to get you started:
● Make sure your child plays daily in 'Garage mode' on Times Tables Rocks Stars - The Garage game mode is very clever and will adjust the questions your child is asked, ensuring they are always working on the facts they need to improve. Also, give them a times tables square to use whilst they play. This way they can double-check facts they are not sure about.
● Sing times tables songs. There are hundreds available! Put them on in the car, bath time or any ‘free’ time where you have a few spare minutes.
● Chanting the old-fashioned way- rehearse the tables forwards and backwards, gradually increasing in speed.
● Plenty of praise- When encouraging children to pursue something important, like timetables, there’s no harm in heightening their enthusiasm with plenty of praise. ‘You got this!’ ‘Look at your heat map now!’
● Write out the tables – This can be in the form of a simple list or you could also be a bit more fun. Being creative will make writing and learning the tables more enjoyable. Here are some examples:
· Write the facts as the petals of a flower;
· Get them to test you on the facts and get them wrong on purpose and see if they correct you!
· Treasure Hunt: Hide the facts around the house and give them the answers. Can they find them in record time?
· Take a pot of water and a paintbrush outside to ‘paint’ the facts on a wall.
· Use chalks to write the facts outside in giant numbers.