Maths
Pear Tree Mathematics
Mathematics is a creative and highly inter-connected discipline that has been developed over centuries, providing the solution to some of history’s most intriguing problems. It is essential to everyday life, critical to science, technology and engineering, and necessary for financial literacy and most forms of employment. A high-quality mathematics education therefore provides a foundation for understanding the world, the ability to reason mathematically, an appreciation of the beauty and power of mathematics, and a sense of enjoyment and curiosity about the subject.
The Pear Tree Way
‘Rich and sophisticated problems should come before acceleration of progress’
We make maths exciting and meaningful for the children we teach. Maths is not about number but about life. It is about the world in which we live. It is about ideas. By teaching mathematics creatively through story, dance, drama, music, outdoors and through practical based activities relating to other curriculum areas we enable the children to become enthused, interested and engaged.
It is also essential that we help the children to develop a positive attitude and growth mind-set as we know that mathematics is not a subject which is simply a set of right and wrong answers but one which requires conjecture, imagination, intuition and guesswork. It requires a mind-set, which seeks out patterns and problems. It relies on abstract thought but also relies on an ability to use symbols, images, diagrams and models as tools to support thinking and learning.
Throughout a child’s time at Pear Tree each year group will give the children ample opportunities to:
- 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.
- be able to 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.
One way to help the children to develop these skills is to ensure that each year incorporates a problem solving activity into their daily routine and includes a maths area which is updated regularly and accessible to the children all of the time. They should also use the maths trolley as a further opportunity to allow the children to enhance their mathematical skills.
Heart and Soul
Developing deep thinking and questioning the way in which the world works promotes the spiritual growth of the children. On a regular basis the children will be encouraged to delve deeper into their understanding of Mathematics and how it relates to the world around them.
As it is a universal language the children will become aware of the relationship of shape and number through different cultures, religions and the arts.
Problem solving skills and teamwork are fundamental to Mathematics through creative thinking, discussion, explaining and presenting ideas. Children will always be encouraged to develop their Mathematical reasoning skills, communicating with others and explaining concepts to each other.
Please take a moment to browse through this section of the website as you may find some aspects very useful in order for you to support your child at home.
Early Years and Key Stage One
http://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/grownups/help-your-child-with-maths
For parents of children in Early Years and Key Stage One the webpage will be extremely useful to you and focuses on supporting your child in lots of practical and engaging ways. It has plenty of information and videos about maths development from 0-6 with fun activities that you can build into everyday life and play.
Key Stage One and Key Stage Two
The BBC Bitesize website is a really valuable resource with plenty of videos and games to engage your child and to give them the opportunity to apply their skills.
Key Stage One games and videos
http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ks1/maths/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zjxhfg8
Key Stage Two games and videos
http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ks2/maths/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/z826n39
