At Norbridge Academy, we aim to do two things; encourage and develop a lifelong love of maths; and to teach pupils to be confident, fluent mathematicians who can reason, and problem solve successfully as skilled and competent adults.

Maths is taught progressively and sequentially across the academy and begins the moment they begin in Nursery.

In the Foundation Stage, we know that pupils should be taught through practical ‘hands on’ learning experiences. There is a focus on mastery of early number. Frequent and varied learning opportunities right across the setting allow pupils to develop an understanding of relationships and pattern. They begin to reason about number, and problem solve through practical activities.

In Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, we use a way of teaching maths called Same Day Intervention (SDI).

SDI works perfectly to meet the needs of our pupils. By teaching using the SDI strategy, there are opportunities for:

Alongside SDI, pupils are taught to quickly recall times tables facts. This helps them with, and gives them confidence with, all areas of maths. They become efficient, accurate mathematicians.

For those pupils who need support, in addition to SDI, we use a range of high-quality, trusted resources. An example of this is something called Ready to Progress, which is published by the DfE (Department for Education) and NCETM (National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics).

In addition to making lessons more engaging, manipulatives allow children to move through the CPA (Concrete, Pictorial, Abstract) approach to secure their understanding of mathematical concepts.