Mathematics

At Finedon Schools, we use a mastery-based approach to learning Mathematics as children’s chances of success are maximised if they develop deep and lasting understanding of mathematical procedures and concepts.  We believe that children need to become fluent with number and develop an automaticity that allows them to progress on to more complex problems over time.  They need to be able to reason mathematically, both orally and on paper, using generalisations and justifications to explain their thinking as well as solve problems that require them to break down complex problems into the steps required to reach a solution. 

We aim for children to develop a strong conceptual understanding of mathematics and move fluently between different representations making rich connections, recognising and utilising the links to solve increasingly sophisticated problems.

The need to have a firm understanding of number lies at the root of all mathematics learning.  This is promoted in our schools by the utilisation of ‘hands on’ learning using a wide variety of concrete materials and manipulatives and real-life situations to make mathematics learning relevant.  We aim for children to develop an automaticity with number that allows them to recall specific facts such as number bonds to ten, single digit addition (e.g. 5 + 6 =) and times table facts and their related division and fraction facts.