Maths
The Mathematics curriculum at The Roche School provides our pupils with essential and motivating learning. Throughout the school, pupils are guided through a comprehensive curriculum of Number, Shape and Space and Data Handling. Once foundations are secure, our pupils enjoy applying their knowledge to real life mathematical problems and investigative tasks. The curriculum aims to ensure that pupils are fluent, confident and flexible in their understanding and application of mathematics.
Core concepts within mathematics are presented to the children with a great deal of ‘hands on’ experience. These are solidified with practice using a variety of multi-sensory approaches. In the first term, the focus is on number quantities and the symbols for 1-20. We also explore 2D and 3D Shape and Patterns. We then move onto addition and subtraction, non-uniform measurements and begin work on Time. In the third term, the children develop their adding and subtracting skills and develop their understanding of Time. They start to count in 2’s, 5’s and 10’s.
Children work on the core topics of Number, Geometry and Handling Data. Over the course of KS2, children increase their fluency of arithmetic, their flexibility in approach and their reasoning skills – all core strands of the new National Curriculum. They also begin to work on Algebra. In Year 5 our students move on to an 11+ curriculum in preparation for their entrance exams in Year 6.
Regular formative assessment in the classroom ensures that pupils at The Roche School are continuously progressing. Individual feedback allows them to assume responsibility for their own learning, set goals and become more independent learners. Children work in sets, at levels appropriate to their ability and pace of learning. There is movement between the sets according to individual progress.
Yearly, our pupils are encouraged to compete in external challenges, which, in the past have had a positive impact on the learning and self-motivation that our students exhibit. We also aim to embed mathematics in many cross-curricular activities, enjoying chess tournaments, guest speakers and STEM challenges.
