Mathematics

Summer Term 2024

We have been very busy this half term in Reception recapping lots of our previous learning over the year.
We started off by remembering what we have already learned about odd and even numbers. We made our own odd and even aliens by deciding what they would look like e.g. 3 eyes, 5 legs, 4 arms and 2 feet. We then played a game where we had to look at the number on a sweet, find the right piece of Numicon and then decide if it was odd or even so we could put it in the right sweet jar.
We then practised adding and taking away using Numicon, looking really carefully at the symbols so we could work the calculations out accurately. We also looked at word problems and solved them with cubes, practising writing out the calculations too. Towards the end of the week, we recapped our number bonds and looked at pictures of a snowy scene, looking out for number bonds in the pictures such as 3 snowballs and 7 snowballs, 5 snowflakes and 5 snowflakes.
After this we looked at 2D shapes. We started the week by reading the story 'the perfect fit' where a triangle was sad that she didn't fit in with any of the other shapes until she decided that they should all play together, and they created some wonderful pictures and games. We then had a go at describing the properties of some 2D shapes by talking about the number of sides and corners. We played ‘guess the shape’ and had to describe the shape in the bag to the class to see if they could work out which 2D shape we were holding!

Then we learned all about 3D shapes. We began the week by finding out the difference between 2D and 3D shapes. We found out that 2D shapes were flat and that 3D shapes had been 'blown up!' We did some 'magic' by putting 2D shapes in a bag and blowing on them to turn them into 3D shapes! We practiced saying the names for these shapes, had a go at shape sorting and talked about their features. We went on a shape hunt around the classroom to find real examples of 3D shapes.

At the end of the half term we have been learning all about money. We discussed where money comes from and what we use it for. We then looked at and talked about the coins and notes we use. We compared money to Numicon and matched the number to the correct coin - 1=1p, 2=2p 5=5p etc. The children realised that we didn't have coins for some amounts and had to add the coins to together to get the correct value, e.g. 3p = 2p and a 1p.

Spring Term 2024

This half term we have explored odd and even numbers. We started by sharing different amounts of food between toys and looked to see if it could be shared fairly, meaning it must be an even amount. We then looked at Numicon and learnt how to tell if a tile was odd or even. We sorted them into groups of odd and even tiles and discovered that the odd tiles had 'sticky out bits'.

We have also looked at subtraction and started by acting out the song ‘5 little aliens’. We then looked at number calculations to show ‘taking away’ 1 alien. We learnt the subtraction symbol ‘-‘ and recapped what equals ‘=’ looks like. We listened to a subtraction story and used our cubes to work out the calculation e.g. 'First, there were 5 frogs in the pond. Then, 2 frogs swam away. Now, how many frogs are there in the pond?'

We revisited subitising by exploring different ways of making the numbers 0-5 on a Hungarian five frame and then recapped how to make numbers bonds to 10 using Numicon. We looked at some missing number calculations and had to solve them using our Numicon tiles.

We then learnt all about pattern by making some patterns with our bodies e.g. touch your head, touch your shoulders, touch your head, touch your shoulders. We explored different patterns and had a go at making our own AB, AAB and circular patterns with things from around our classes. We then read the story ‘Pattern Fish’ and looked at all of the different types of patterns we had learnt about.

Autumn Term 2023

In Autumn 1 we have been introduced to the numbers 0 - 5. We have looked at what the numerals looks like and have explored representing these numbers using different manipulatives. We have discussed what each of these amounts look like on an Hungarian five frame, ten frame, on our fingers, as a Numicon tile and on a dice.

After learning about numbers from 0 – 10 in Autumn 2 we have looked at subitising. We explored different ways of making the numbers 0-5 on a Hungarian five frame using unifix cubes. We also looked at some photographs of groups of objects and tried to subitise the amounts we could see.

We then started looking at number bonds to 5. At the start of the week we used our Numicon to see how many ways we could make 5 by putting the 5 piece of Numicon on the floor and then finding two other pieces that fit exactly over the top. We have also used unifix and put these in whole/part frames and practised splitting a whole number into pieces. We have looked at dominoes and made sure that the spots totalled 5. To end the week we learnt about calculations and looked at the symbols for add and equals.

We then looked at quantities and explored more, fewer and equal amounts using toys, cubes and counters. We also used a number line to help us find and see which numbers are bigger than others.

This half term we have also looked at 2D shapes. We started the week by looking at the story 'The perfect fit' where the triangle was sad that she didn't fit in. We used lots of 2D shapes to create our own shape pictures, like in the book. We then learned the names of some 2D shapes (circle, square, triangle, rectangle and hexagon) and then discussed some of the properties including number of sides and corners.

Summer Term 2024

This term in maths, the children have enjoyed learning to measure accurately. The children used a variety of equipment and resources to measure lengths, heights, weight and capacity. The children explained their findings and discussed any patterns. For example, the children were amazed to learn that our resource packs of Base 10 and Numicon weighed exactly the same. We also extended this learning into our science lesson where we investigated if the tallest child in the class was the oldest child in the class. It was a great opportunity to apply our measuring skills and use some of the vocabulary from our maths lessons.

The children have also been revisiting and consolidating their addition, subtraction, multiplication and division skills. We have been retrieving the different methods that we use for each skill and trying to extend our reasoning skills by explaining how we got to the answers. The children have been getting much more confident with these skills and it has been great to see them being able to apply the skills when completing problem solving challenges.

Spring Term 2024

This term in Maths we have been learning how to solve division calculations accurately. The children made links with real life experiences and how they have shared equally with a friend etc. The children learnt a pictorial method to divide equally by 2, 5 or 10.

Using our knowledge of division and sharing the children moved on to finding a fraction of a shape or number. The children discussed how a fraction was part of a whole and needed to be equal to the other parts. They found fractions of shapes by folding them and shading them. Then they found a fraction of a number using resources and then pictorial methods, building on previous learning.

We have also learnt to compare numbers using the symbols < (less than), > (greater than) and equal to (=). The children compared numbers up to 100 and demonstrated reasoning skills, explaining how they knew their comparison was correct.

Autumn Term 2023

This term the children started with learning about number and place value. They built on the skills they had learnt in Reception and practised recognising, counting and ordering numbers to 20.The children built on their number knowledge by identifying one more and one less than a given number cubes, Numicon and number lines.

The children have started to add numbers within 20 using cubes to represent each number in the calculation.  We have also used Numicon and Base 10 as a visual resource to support addition skills. The children are now becoming more confident with recording calculations. The children have also been learning to subtract one number from another within 20, making sure they count accurately and double check their answers.

The children have been investigating number bonds to ten and have used Numicon to help them to find the pairs of numbers. It was wonderful to see the children identifying patterns when all the number bonds were recorded. We were really impressed that the children could use the addition number bonds to help them complete subtraction number bonds, for example, if they knew 6+4=10 then they knew 10-6=4. The children embraced the challenge of learning number bonds to twenty, again building on what they knew about number bonds to ten to help them. The tens frames and counters supported them when finding the answers.

Year 1 have been identifying 2D and 3D shapes too. They have also been describing a shape using clues and asking a partner to guess which shape they are. They have used key maths vocabulary such as straight, curved, sides, corners, edges and vertices. The children were able to make their own patterns with shape and used tangrams to create their own shape pictures!

The final concept we have explored this term is money. They children named all the coins and notes in our currency. We discussed their value and why we use larger coins or notes, rather than carrying round a large amount of pennies! The children role-played shops and shopkeepers so they could practise using money to pay for different items.

The children have made an excellent start with their maths skills this term and are showing such enjoyment in lessons. Keep up the great work Year 1!

Summer Term 2024

During the Summer term, the Year 2 children have been working hard to retrieve the methods they have been taught throughout the year for addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. The children started using formal column addition with two two-digit numbers, thinking carefully about the place value for each digit.

The children have been looking at money. They used coins and notes to make the same amount in different ways and were also able to use their knowledge of addition to total two amounts of money. The children then applied their knowledge of subtraction to find change, making sure they used the correct units of pence or pounds.

The children were also able to retrieve how to tell the time to the nearest 15 minutes and made their own clocks to support them in telling the time to the nearest five minutes. They practiced counting in fives and looking at which half of the clock the minute hand is on in order to tell if the time is to or past the hour.

Spring Term 2024

This term in Maths we have been learning how to exchange one ten for ten ones when solving addition and subtraction calculations. We have used a pictorial method of drawing the Base 10 to solve a variety of different calculations and problems.

We have continued to practise solving multiplication and division calculations too! We used a range of methods and talked about the most efficient ways to solve problems.

We have also learnt to find fractions of numbers and shapes. We used the cubes to understand about dividing an amount into equal groups. We solved different problems involving fractions, including finding fractions of different measurements.

We practised telling the time to 15 minutes and began learning about telling the time to 5 minute intervals.

We also retrieved the values of the coins and notes from Year 1. We used the coins and notes to make amounts and found different ways to make the same amount.

Autumn Term 2023

In Year 2, we started the new year by focusing on important number facts and place value. We used the Base 10 to partition numbers into tens and ones and looked at how we could make different combinations of tens and ones too.

We have practised writing our numbers to and within 100 and worked with these in lots of different ways, including ordering and comparing numbers.

We learnt a new method to solve addition and subtraction calculations using pictorial representations of the Base 10, alongside the manipulatives themselves.

We started looking at multiplication and division and how to solve calculations efficiently using our times tables. We used the manipulatives to support us with our methods of sharing and grouping when dividing, repeated addition and arrays when multiplying, as well as implementing our times tables knowledge with a focus on our 2s, 5s and 10s.

We also looked at shape, thinking about the properties of 2D and 3D shapes, as well as pattern spotting and even creating our own patterns using 3D shapes!

We’ve also had to retrieve our learning from Year 1 to tell the time to o’clock and half past the hour. We then moved on to learning about telling the time to quarter past and quarter to. We have drawn hands on the clocks to show the correct time and written the time too!

Lots of the children have worked very hard to challenge themselves with Mrs Maths Challenges as well this term and we are trying hard to develop our reasoning and problem solving skills.

Summer Term 2024

Year 3 started the new term learning about Money. We began by consolidating the children's prior knowledge of pounds and pence. The steps included converting pounds to pence, adding and subtracting money and finally finding change. We then started a new topic all about Time. Our first lesson involved learning about Roman numerals to 12, which the children were quick to gain an understanding of. Our lessons involved many practical sessions with clocks to support the learning of being able to read the times past and to the next hour. These lessons continued with introducing AM and PM and we concluded the topic calculating durations of time. We encouraged the children to also look at and read clocks at home to support the learning of this important skill.

Year 3 arrived at half-term mid way through the topic of Length and Perimeter. The children thoroughly enjoyed a practical session at the start of this topic to consolidate their understanding of mm, cm and m.

After half-term the children began learning about statistics. They learnt how to interpret and draw bar charts and pictograms and how to read two-way tables. Our final topic of the summer term was mass and capacity. The children enjoyed a further practical lesson weighing items using various scales and sorting them as to whether they weighed more or less than 500g. The learning steps involved finding equivalent masses, comparing masses, measuring capacity and finally adding and subtracting capacity.

Spring Term 2023

Year 3 began the term by learning about the formal method for multiplication, trying hard to place one number in each box to help ensure our calculations were accurate. Following this, we learnt how to divide using place value counters; this involved exchanging tens for ones to make sure we could divide the numbers equally. Our main topic this term was fractions. We learnt lots of new vocabulary connected to the topic; our daily retrieval meant we could practice giving definitions for these words. Our lessons included comparing fractions, finding fractions on a scale and number line, adding and subtracting fractions and finally to find fractions of amounts.

Autumn Term 2023

This half-term, we have worked hard on completing our multiplication and division unit. Building on our prior learning on multiplication in Year 2, the children have developed their knowledge of repeated addition and using arrays to represent their multiplications. We have also started to learn our times tables in earnest, beginning with the 2s, 5s and 10s, and progressing to the more challenging 3s, 4s and finally the 8s. Over Christmas, we encourage the children to keep up their excellent Times Table Rockstars practice!

Summer Term 2023

This term in Maths we have been learning how to add and subtract fractions. We have also been learning how to convert pounds and pence, add and subtract amounts of money. We have learnt how to tell the time to the minute on an analogue clock, how to read a digital clock and how to work out durations of time. In our shapes unit, we have also learnt more about angles, turns, the names and properties of common 2D shapes and 3D shapes. Finally, we learnt how to draw and interpret pictograms and bar charts.

Spring 2023

This term, Year 3 have been working on multiplying and dividing a 2-digit number by a 1-digit number. Then, we moved on to measuring lengths and measuring the perimeter around a closed 2D shape. After this, we worked hard on comparing, ordering and counting in fractions. We also used number lines and bar models to work out equivalent fractions. Finally, we have loved using the equipment to learn about weighing mass in standard units of grams and kilograms and measuring volume and capacity in millilitres and litres!

Summer Term 2024

This term in Year 4, we have been learning about decimals, money, time, statistics and position and direction. The children have been building on their prior knowledge by implementing what they already know about time and applying it into their Year 4 work. The children were able to extend their knowledge by converting between a 12-hour digital clock and 24-hour digital clock. This can be very difficult but the children showed great perseverance and determination.

The children particularly enjoyed learning about position and direction. They were able to plot coordinates on a graph and could identify that the X axis is horizontal and the Y axis is vertical. Additionally, the children were able to create challenges for each other. This involved the children drawing their own graphs and giving coordinates they had made to another children. If successful, the children made a shape with the plotted coordinates.

Spring Term 2023

This term in Year 4, we have been learning about multiplication and division, length and perimeter, shape and fractions. The children have been building on their prior knowledge by implementing what they already know about fractions and applying it into their Year 4 work. The children were able to extend their mathematical vocabulary by explaining what improper, mixed and proper fractions are. We have looked at how to add and subtract fractions using the same denominator. Also, the children were able to use a fraction wall and a number line to find equivalent fractions. This can be very difficult but the children showed amazing determination and resilience.

The children particularly enjoyed learning about lines of symmetry in our shapes topic. They used a mirror to work out if a shape had a line of symmetry or not. As an extension activity, we challenged the children to find shapes around the classroom that had any lines of symmetry.

Autumn Term 2023

This term in Year 4, we have been learning about place value, addition and subtraction, area and multiplication and division. The children have enjoyed using their problem-solving skills to break down the different calculation methods. They have been using a range of tools to support their learning such as place value counters and base ten. This has supported the children in using the column method when adding and subtracting four-digit numbers with more than one exchange. The children are currently working hard on their multiplication and division skills. They have been listening to lots of times table songs to support these skills. The children particularly enjoy the supermover songs.

Summer Term 2023

In Maths, we have covered the unit of money, including estimating a total amount, adding and subtracting money and giving change. We have also covered the unit of time, including telling the time to the minute, using a.m. and p.m. and converting to a 24-hour clock. We have also been focusing on practising all the multiplication tables up to 12 times 12 for the official DfE Multiplication Tables Check (MTC), which the pupils will take in June. We have daily practise sessions and a weekly quiz, which supports them not only with their quick recall but with the format of the official check.

Spring 2023

In Maths, the children began the new year by finishing off our multiplication and division topic. We looked at multiplying and dividing 3-digit numbers by 1 digit. We also developed our ability to find factor pairs of certain numbers. Just before half term, we moved on to learning about length and perimeter. The children developed a further understanding of finding missing values and how to solve them. We have now moved on to looking at fractions and we have found that the children have retained a lot of their Year 3 knowledge. We moved our learning forward by analysing equivalent fractions and converting mixed number fractions into proper and improper factions. We are now ready to start re-capping and developing our learning about decimals.

Summer Term 2024

During the Summer Term, year 5 have been extending their understanding of place value and fractions, to decimals. Children learnt how to use a hundred square to add and subtract decimals and find complements to 1. They can also add and subtract decimals with different numbers of decimal places, remembering to add zeros as place holders, to ensure accuracy in their calculations and a good understanding of misconceptions that arise without them. Their place value knowledge helped them to sequence decimals with different numbers of decimal places. They can also multiply and divide by 10, 100, and 1,000. Next, we moved on to negative numbers, counting forwards and backwards in different intervals, comparing them, finding the difference and applying them to every day contexts. The children felt particularly confident in this unit. Finally, using concrete apparatus and equipment, the children have developed their understanding of volume and conversion of units, looking at the root words od milli and kilo, to strengthen their understanding.

Spring Term 2023

In Maths, Year 5 studied geometry, perimeter and area and statistics. The children have confidently identified different angles (acute, obtuse, right angle and reflex), have measured angles accurately using a protractor, have explored the area of compound and rectilinear shapes and have inputted data onto a line graph. The children have made outstanding progress with these skills and we are very proud of their perseverance!

Autumn Term 2023

Year 5 have worked hard on their fractions. They have found that working with fractions is easy when the denominators are the same. If they are presented with fractions with different denominators, they can confidently find a common denominator. They can switch between a mixed number and an improper fraction and back again.

They are learning good tips to support them when multiplying a 4 digit number by a 2 digit number. They are gaining more confidence with short division, developing strategies with repeated addition, if they are less confident with their times tables, to enable them to access a division calculation.

Summer Term 2023

Year 5 started the summer term learning about statistics. We began by plotting data on to line graphs trying to be as accurate as possible. We continued to read and interpret the data from line graphs before learning how to read and interpret data in tables and timetables. Through reading timetables, we were able to recap our knowledge of time especially the 24-hour clock.

Our second topic was shape, we started by classifying angles and deciding if they were acute, a right angle, obtuse or reflex. We referred to the definitions on our working walls to check if we were correct. We learnt how to make careful estimates of angles and how to use a protractor to draw and measure angles. We found this challenging but with practise, we improved our skills.

We then moved on to looking at regular and irregular polygons and recapped our knowledge of 2D shapes and their properties. We really enjoyed using Polydron to create a range of 3D shapes from which we could explore their faces, edges and vertices. We are most proud of creating a dodecahedron which is a shape made up of 12 regular pentagonal faces.

Spring 2023

Year 5 have been working hard on multiplying fractions and mixed numbers. This knowledge was built on when we moved on to the fractions, decimals and percentages unit, where it was encouraging to see the solid connections that the children had made with their prior learning. They are getting very good at converting between the three units. Their place value knowledge was also extended, beyond the decimal point.

The children are now moving on to perimeter and area, paying careful attention to the units being used.

Summer Term 2024

Year 6 have consolidated their knowledge of properties of shape and have looked at 2D and 3D shapes. We have also covered statistics, focusing on using bar charts and line graphs to read and interpret data. The children learnt about the different parts of a circle and used this knowledge to read and construct their own pie charts.

Spring Term 2023

Year 6 started the term by learning the key concepts linked to ratio and proportion. The children used their knowledge of fractions to calculate ratios. We started by using pictures and objects to help us to visualise the changes. The children used scale factors to enlarge shapes. Our learning then focused on algebra. We quickly realised that we had been using algebra within maths for a very long time! Our learning began with picture representations, exploring patterns and sequences of numbers and then we moved onto writing our own expressions and formulas to find missing values. The children enjoyed using the ‘function machines’ to solve equations. We then moved onto decimals and percentages. We studied the relationship between decimals and percentages and applied this knowledge to problem solving activities. We were able to make connections between our knowledge of fractions to find equivalent decimal and percentage forms. Finding percentages of amounts was initially quite tricky, but with perseverance and practise we succeeded in solving complex calculations. We used bar models to show the relationship between all three. We are now consolidating our learning on area, perimeter and volume. We have learnt a new formula to calculate the area of triangles.

Autumn Term 2023

In Year 6 we have been consolidating our knowledge of place value the four operations and fractions.

We have investigated and deepened our understanding of place value by applying reasoning and problem solving skills to numbers up to 10,000,000. We used concrete resources such as counters and base 10 to ensure we had a firm understanding of place value before using formal written methods. As part of our learning on the four operations, we developed our fluency in using formal written methods while solving many problems. This half term we were introduced to long division. We persevered with the processes of long division and challenged ourselves to apply this knowledge to multi-step problems. This allowed us to think creatively and spot patterns in calculations. The children applied their knowledge of the four operations to calculating with fractions. We discussed key vocabulary such as denominator and numerator which helped us to focus our working out. At the end of the autumn term, we developed our understanding of converting between metric and imperial measurements.

Summer Term 2023

Year 6 have consolidated their knowledge of properties of shape and have looked at 2D and 3D shapes.

We have also covered statistics, focusing on using bar charts and line graphs to read and interpret data.

The children learnt about the different parts of a circle and used this knowledge to read and construct their own pie charts.

Year 6 have also enjoyed the White Rose Summer Bakery Project which allowed the children to consolidate their Year 6 learning. The children really enjoyed the bakery project where they calculated measurements and costings for cupcakes, designed and created their own packaging and finally baked their own cupcakes! We were really impressed with the teamwork skills that the children showed and they all told us how delicious the cakes were.

Spring 2023

Year 6 were introduced to the concept of ratio for the first time. The children used their knowledge of fractions to calculate ratios. We started by using pictures and objects to help us to visualise the changes. The children used scale factors to enlarge shapes. Our learning then focused on algebra. We quickly realised that we had been using algebra within maths for a very long time! Our learning began with picture representations, exploring patterns and sequences of numbers and then we moved onto writing our own expressions and formulas to find missing values. The children enjoyed using the ‘function machines’ to solve equations. We then moved onto decimals and percentages. We studied the relationship between decimals and percentages and applied this knowledge to problem solving activities. We were able to make connections between our knowledge of fractions to find equivalent decimal and percentage forms. Finding percentages of amounts was initially quite tricky, but with perseverance and practise we succeeded in solving complex calculations. We used bar models to show the relationship between all three. We are looking forward to starting our next unit of learning – area, perimeter and volume.