Mathematics

Mathematics is a creative and highly inter-connected discipline. 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.

 We aim to ensure that all our pupils:

• Become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, including through varied and frequent practice with increasingly complex problems over time, so that they 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
• Can 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

Mathematics is an interconnected subject in which pupils need to be able to move fluently between representations of mathematical ideas. Throughout our programme of study pupils will make rich connections across mathematical ideas to develop fluency, mathematical reasoning and competence in solving increasingly sophisticated problems. They will be able apply their mathematical knowledge to science and other subjects.

The programmes of study for mathematics are set out year-by-year for Year 1 to Year 6. Our expectation is that the pupils move through the Mathematics curriculum at broadly the same pace. However, some decisions about when to progress will be based on the security of pupils’ understanding and their readiness to progress to the next stage. Pupils who grasp concepts rapidly will be challenged through being offered rich and sophisticated problems before any acceleration through new content. Those who are not sufficiently fluent with earlier material will consolidate their understanding, including through additional practice, before moving on.

Core areas of study in Mathematics

• Number
• Measurement
• Geometry and Probability
• Statistics
• Algebra

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Rigour and depth of learning

At St Patrick’s, we aim to deliver the rigour of the mathematics curriculum whilst inspiring the children to appreciate maths for the magic it can be. Alongside learning facts and processes, the pupils are encouraged to investigate and discover key concepts and patterns. We believe it is equally as important to ask why as to understand how. Quickly, your child’s enquiring mind will begin look for solutions to problems as we continue to equip children for building their respective futures.

Over his time at St Patrick’s, your child will develop confidence in understanding and applying concepts in: number, algebra, measurement, geometry and probability and statistics. In each area of study, children conquer the foundations using a wealth of equipment and practice before re-visiting and expanding their breadth and depth of knowledge.
Furthermore, the pupils are given the opportunity to compete in internal and external mathematical competitions, both locally and nationally. This allows them to demonstrate their analytical and problem-solving prowess on a different stage, providing the gifted children with a chance to shine brightly and for children of all abilities to prove to themselves that they can achieve in this incredible subject.