Maths at CFS

At Charford First School, we aim to provide a high-quality maths curriculum that is both challenging and enjoyable for all of our children.  Our policies, resources and approach support our vision to enable every child to become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics; with the ability to reason mathematically and develop skills in problem solving. Skilled and trained staff gives our mathematics curriculum coherence and they know the most effective ways to implement it.
By applying our values of resilience and determination when faced with mathematical challenges, we nurture the children’s enthusiasm for maths, and show them that it is an exciting ‘journey’ that everyone can enjoy, value and master.

Across school, the Maths-No-Problem or concrete-pictorial, abstract approach to learning is followed and teachers plan work in sequential units that build on previous learning which leads to a deeper understanding. The curriculum is broken down into small manageable steps which help children understand concepts better. Flexibility is built into planning to allow staff to adapt to meet the needs of all the children.

We aim to provide all children with the practical skills to understand the concepts, facts and operations necessary to meet the mathematical needs of everyday life and will secure our intention that all children make good progress from their starting points.

Key Instant Recall Facts

Our mathematics curriculum gives recognition to the importance of our children being enabled to become fluent in procedures, concepts and key instant recall facts (KIRFs.) KIRFs are a way of helping the children to learn by heart, key facts and information which they need to have instant recall of.

KIRFs are designed to support the development of mental skills that underpin much of the mathematics in school and we provide daily opportunities for the children to practise and learn them. They contain number facts such as number bonds and times tables that need constant practice and rehearsal, so children can recall them quickly and accurately.

They are particularly useful when calculating and having quick, accurate and efficient recall and application of number facts and procedures minimises cognitive load for the children. This is so important when they are problem-solving.

Over their time at Charford First School, we believe that, if the KIRFs are developed fully, our children will be more confident with number work, understand its relevance, and be able to access the curriculum much more easily. They will be able to apply what they have learnt to a wide range of problems that confront us in everyday life.

The use of Times Tables Rockstars in Years 2 – 4 works alongside the KIRFs in developing fluency and speed of retrieval. This initiative equips the children well when undertaking the national Multiplication Check in Year 4.

Please see the KIRFs progression document that outlines expectations for each Year Group from Nursery to Year 4.

Websites

www.topmarks.co.uk – This website links to hundreds of online games and activities. You can search by topic or age.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects - Bitesize is the BBC’s free online study support resource for school-age children.

www.ictgames.com – a wealth of free educational maths games.

https://mathszone.co.uk – home to hundreds of maths learning activities for primary children.

https://nrich.maths.org/ - a whole website dedicated to maths problem-solving and reasoning!

https://ttrockstars.com/ - everything multiplication!