Maths

Intent

Our aim is for all pupils of St Augustine’s to leave us with a firm grasp of key concepts in Maths. We also hope to foster confidence and a love of learning in Maths. In order to do this, we ensure that high quality teaching of Maths takes place using a Mastery approach. This approach benefits all children, with a wide range of abilities, ensuring they are secure in their Maths knowledge and are confident in applying this knowledge in a range of contexts. It also allows for opportunities to deepen and extend the learning.

Children are given cross-curricular opportunities to apply their skills throughout the year, for e.g during science lessons and investigations, design technology projects or through participation at school fairs.

We are well resourced, ensuring all classes have access to a wide range of concrete mathematical resources to develop their learning. We utilise ICT effectively to enhance learning and use the online learning platform, Times Tables Rockstars, to support children’s learning of Times Tables.

We believe firm foundations in Maths is the key to success and have worked hard to ensure that all of the appropriate building blocks are in place to allow all children the opportunity to experience success in maths.

Mathematics Curriculum 

We follow the White Rose curriculum which uses the mastery approach. The Maths mastery approach is a teaching method that focuses on deep understanding of mathematical concepts rather than just memorizing procedures. It encourages students to explore problems thoroughly, develop reasoning skills, and build a strong foundation by mastering each topic before moving on. This approach often uses concrete examples, visual models, and collaborative learning to help students grasp ideas clearly and apply them confidently in different situations.

Characteristics of a Mathematician 

• Curious and Inquisitive: A good mathematician loves asking questions and exploring new ideas. They are always looking for patterns and connections in numbers and shapes.
• Problem Solver: They enjoy solving challenges and puzzles, using logic and reasoning to find answers. They see problems as exciting opportunities to learn.
• Patient and Persistent: Math problems can be tricky and sometimes take a long time to solve. Good mathematicians don’t give up easily—they keep trying different methods until they succeed.
• Detail-Oriented: They pay close attention to every step of their work, checking carefully to make sure their answers are correct and complete.
• Creative Thinker: Good mathematicians use creativity to try new approaches and think “outside the box.” They find unique ways to solve problems when traditional methods don’t work.
• Lifelong Learners: They enjoy discovering new mathematical ideas and are always eager to learn more, even when it’s challenging.
• Good Communicators: Sharing their ideas and solutions with others is important. They explain their thinking clearly and work well with others to explore math together.
• Open-Minded: They are willing to learn from mistakes and see them as part of the learning process, which helps them grow and improve.

🌟 Mathematician Role Models 🌟

At our school, we love to celebrate amazing mathematicians who have made a big difference in the world. Here are some inspiring people who show us just how exciting and powerful maths can be!

1. Katherine Johnson
Katherine Johnson used her incredible maths skills to help NASA send astronauts safely into space and back to Earth. Her work was very important for the success of many space missions. She also showed the world that girls and people from all different backgrounds can be amazing at maths and science.

2. Ada Lovelace
Ada Lovelace is known as the very first computer programmer, even though computers didn’t exist in her time! She worked on ideas for a machine that could follow instructions using maths. Ada imagined that these machines could do much more than just calculations—they could create music, art, and much more.

3. Srinivasa Ramanujan
Ramanujan grew up in India and taught himself maths from books, without going to a big university. He discovered amazing new ideas about numbers that surprised even the best mathematicians. His story reminds us that being curious and working hard can lead to incredible success, no matter where you come from.

4. Maryam Mirzakhani
Maryam Mirzakhani was a brilliant mathematician from Iran who became the first woman ever to win the Fields Medal, which is one of the most important awards in maths. She loved solving very difficult problems about shapes and spaces, and she never gave up, even when her work was challenging.

5. Alan Turing
Alan Turing was a genius mathematician who helped break secret enemy codes during World War II, which saved many lives. He also came up with ideas that helped invent the first modern computers, changing the world forever. Alan’s work shows how maths can be used to solve big problems.

6. Hypatia
Hypatia lived over 1,600 years ago in Ancient Egypt and was one of the first women known to teach maths and science. She was very brave and loved learning, teaching many students even when it was difficult for women to have an education back then.

7. Cédric Villani
Cédric Villani is a famous mathematician today who is known for his stylish bow ties and exciting way of showing how fun maths can be. He works on problems about how things move and change, and he loves sharing his passion to inspire others to enjoy maths too.