Numeracy

      Here at Norwood Green Infant and Nursery School we want the children to develop a secure foundation and understanding in numeracy. Numeracy is a key life skill and Maths is a core subject in the curriculum a vital part of your child’s development.

    This subject requires an understanding of the number system, a repertoire of computational skills and an inclination and ability to solve number problems in a variety of contexts. Numeracy also demands a practical understanding of the ways in which information is gathered by counting and measuring and is presented in graphs, diagrams, charts and tables.

     Our aim is to develop all these skills so as to make each pupil confident enough to tackle maths in a logical, practical and systematic way. In order to achieve this, the children have a mathematics lesson every day. Each lesson generally lasts 45 minutes and is split into 3 sessions. This involves a 10 minute mental maths activity, 20-25 minutes focussed topic teaching and independent activity, and a whole class plenary of 10 minutes.

The children cover a variety of topics including money, shape, time, movement & direction, number work and problem solving (using & applying).  

    A range of resources are used to teach the learning objectives including ICT. Maths homework is set on a weekly basis in years 1 and 2 and is designed to complement the work being taught in the classroom. The children also have a weekly ‘mental maths’ test to develop their mental thinking and strategies.

    In key Stage 1 the children follow the revised National numeracy Framework, which has been recently introduced. Although the children will still be following a maths curriculum, there will be more scope to plan lessons according to the needs of the children and the nature of the session and activities. At the end of year 2 the children are required to take their SATs-Standard Attainment Tasks in Maths.

    In the Foundation Stage the mathematical development objectives for the children are taken from the Early Learning Goals. The teaching and learning takes a much more practical approach where the children learn the key skills (number, counting, calculating, shape and space and measures) through play and games as well some formal written methods.

    We encourage the children to value the importance of maths in their lives and its links to the real world and we ensure that all the mathematical learning that takes place is done so in a fun and inspiring  way.