STEM

Maths, Computing, Science & DT

• FACT Calculation Policy download_for_offline
  download_for_offlineFACT Calculation Policy

 Maths

At Monks Orchard, we believe that mathematics is a key life skill that underpins many aspects of everyday life, work, and future learning. A strong foundation in maths equips pupils with the ability to problem-solve, think logically, and make informed decisions, which are essential for success in education, employment and the diverse opportunities of the future. We believe that maths can be both fun and challenging and aim to inspire a love of maths in every pupil. We equip our pupils with key mathematical skills and knowledge, and offer them the opportunity to engage with exciting puzzles and complex problems that stimulate their curiosity and creativity. 

Working with our local Maths Hub enables us to continually develop high-quality teaching through sustained professional development and collaboration with other schools. This ensures our pupils benefit from a mastery approach to maths, building deep understanding, confidence and resilience so that every child can succeed.

Our core vision is that every child is a confident, skilled and resilient mathematician.

Our maths curriculum ensures that all pupils: 

• Become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics 
• Develop reasoning and problem-solving skills 
• Appreciate how mathematics applies in the real world

Intent and Aims of our Maths Teaching

At Monks Orchard, we are committed to teaching mathematics in a way that fosters excitement, creativity, and relevance, promoting a positive and confident attitude towards the subject. Our pupils will: 

• Experience maths as a stimulating and engaging subject, helping to build a confident and enthusiastic approach to learning. 
• Develop proficiency in essential skills, knowledge, and understanding, with an emphasis on quick recall of basic facts to strengthen mathematical fluency. 
• Gain confidence in applying mathematical facts effectively in different contexts. 
• Build the ability to express mathematical ideas clearly and effectively, using appropriate mathematical language. 
• Foster logical thinking and use systematic approaches to solving problems. 
• Understand how maths is used in everyday life, recognising it as a vital tool for communication and problem-solving.
• Be encouraged to work both independently and collaboratively, learning from others as well as developing personal responsibility.

Curriculum Overview

We use the White Rose Maths curriculum as the foundation for our mathematics teaching. This carefully sequenced programme builds children's understanding step by step, introducing new concepts in small, manageable stages while providing opportunities to practise and apply learning. The curriculum places a strong emphasis on reasoning, problem-solving and developing a deep understanding of mathematical concepts rather than simply memorising procedures. To ensure our curriculum best meets the needs of our pupils, we sometimes supplement White Rose lessons with additional resources and adapt the order of units where appropriate. This allows us to respond to pupils' prior knowledge, make the best links between topics and ensure all children receive the support and challenge they need to make excellent progress.

Calculation Policy

FACT Calculation Policy

Maths in the Early Years

In the Early Years, mathematics is taught through play, exploration, and real-life experiences. Children develop a strong foundation by counting, sorting, comparing, and recognising patterns in a fun and engaging environment. Through practical activities, stories, and hands-on resources, we encourage curiosity and confidence with numbers. Our approach focuses on building early problem-solving skills and a deep understanding of mathematical concepts, preparing children for future learning.

Instant Recall of Facts

Times Tables Rockstars and Numbots 

At Monks Orchard Primary, we believe that the ability to instantly recall facts is important to ensure mathematical success. To support our children in developing these ‘fast facts’, we provide access to NumBots (from Reception) and TTRS (from Year 2). These engaging online platforms offer a fun and effective way to build your child’s understanding, and we encourage regular use at home - ideally around 10 minutes a day.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FTQJN1b2Ik 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nEtVaPpWSQo 

KS1 - Mastering Number 

This national programme  aims to secure firm foundations in the development of good number sense for all children from Reception through to Year 1 and Year 2. The aim over time is that children will leave KS1 with fluency in calculation and a confidence and flexibility with number. Attention will be given to key knowledge to support success in the future.

KS2 - Phonics of Maths 

Years 3 - 4 - Number Sense: Times Tables Fluency - Our school uses a dedicated Times Tables programme that provides a structured, mastery-based approach to teaching multiplication and division facts. It is designed to develop children's understanding, confidence and fluency in times tables, ensuring every child has the support they need to succeed.

Years 5 - 6 - We focus on the key arithmetic, facts and skills they need to be able to support them across the maths curriculum

Family Maths Project

We are excited to be taking part in a Family Maths initiative, sponsored by the National Numeracy Charity.

Every child from Reception to Year 2 has received Family Maths scrapbooks from National Numeracy are simple books given to pupils where they record and collect weekly maths activities completed at home with their families, using drawings, photos or written explanations. They are designed to help children and parents explore everyday maths together, building confidence and making connections between classroom learning and real life.

The National Numeracy Charity also supports adults to improve their number confidence and skill with their free National Numeracy Challenge. See the link for more details and to sign up.

https://www.nationalnumeracy.org.uk/

https://youtu.be/XZuert73Le0

Trips & Extra Curricular Opportunities

National Challenges 

Each year, selected pupils take part in the National Primary Maths Challenge (Years 5–6) and the First Maths Challenge (Years 3–4), providing opportunities to stretch and celebrate their mathematical thinking.

Connect 4 Competition 

Another highlight of the year is our annual Connect 4 Competition, which is hugely popular with our keen problem-solvers. Over a hundred pupils from Years 3–6 take part in the initial heats. The semi-finals and finals are then held live in the hall using a giant game board, creating a truly electric atmosphere as the rest of the school watches on in anticipation.

Aim High Days 

We are also the host of the A.I.M. High Programme run by Authors Abroad. AIM High Days are led by subject specialists where students from local schools work together to achieve, inspire and master concepts and ideas at a deeper and more advanced level. 

Number Day

Every year, we take part in the NSPCC’s Number Day, where pupils ‘dress up for digits’, and take part in a number of engaging games, activities and competitions throughout the day, all while raising money for a very good cause.

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