Maths

Catholic Social Teaching in Mathematics

Teaching Catholic Social Teaching (CST) through mathematics in the primary school setting offers a unique and meaningful way to integrate faith and learning. CST principles such as human dignity, solidarity, the common good, and preferential option for the poor can be embedded into real-life math contexts. Here's how this can be done effectively in a simple chart and for a more detailed explanation, please see the document in the files section below.

Intent

At St Gabriel’s Catholic Primary school, we are committed to nurturing the hearts and minds of all children to ensure that they reach their full potential. We believe that maths is an essential tool for accessing opportunities throughout life and aim to support our children in not only developing their mathematical knowledge but also in growing a love for maths.

  In order to help our children, develop the mathematical knowledge they need, we follow the national curriculum - taught through a maths mastery approach. Children who master maths acquire a deep, long-term, secure and adaptable understanding of maths as a subject.  It our core belief that all children access high-quality maths teaching and opportunities which enrich their learning. It is broadly assumed that most children will move through the content taught at the same pace, with additional support provided to those who need further practise, and additional reasoning-based challenges provided for those who acquire a deep knowledge at an accelerated pace. 

  To ensure maths is inclusive in all aspects, teachers adapt planning and resources where necessary – on both whole-class or individual levels - so that it is accessible for all. A range of well-maintained, high-quality manipulatives are available across the school and all children are actively encouraged to choose to use the resources they need to build their independent learning skills.  Opportunities are provided across all curricular areas for the development and application of mathematical skills to help all children not only secure their mathematical knowledge but also to see the value of maths as a subject.

Acquisition of mathematical vocabulary is made a priority through regular modelling and use throughout both the verbal and written aspects of a maths lesson; children are praised for their use of mathematical vocabulary. Vocabulary progression is clearly mapped out in our Maths Vocabulary Progression document which teachers actively use to ensure that children are exposed to an increasingly complex and comprehensive mathematical vocabulary.

 Please have a look at the files section below for further information about maths at St Gabriel's.

A Mastery Approach to Maths at St Gabriel's

What Is Maths Mastery?

Maths mastery ensures that all children are given the opportunity to acquire a deepened understanding of the subject.

A strong emphasis is put on problem solving and reasoning which results in understanding the concepts in greater depth. Before this can be achieved, children need to have a solid understanding of the concepts and procedures before they can move on to more advanced material. This can be achieved by using a CPA (concrete, pictorial, abstract) approach to maths giving all children the opportunity to work towards mastery.

Our Maths Mastery Schemes:

White Rose - Preschool

Mastering Number - Reception

Primary Stars & Mastering Number - Year 1 & 2

Power Maths - Year 3/4/5/6

Do you need help in supporting your child with their maths at home? Are you struggling to understand the methods that your child uses in their maths homework?

If so, please see our calculation policies below which details how we teach the range of mathematical concepts in our schemes of work. For year group specific information, please visit the 'Maths help' tab at the top of each class' web page.

At St Gabriel's we are passionate about continuing our professional development so that we are in the best position to teach your child effectively. Because of this, we are part of the NCETM Cheshire and Wirral Maths Hub. NCETM (National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Maths) is an organisation which is funded by the Department for Education whose remit is to support the ongoing professional development of all those who teach maths.