Mathematics
From number bonds to Euler diagrams, maths at Merlin is an exciting subject at all levels of ability. Our overriding aim is to ensure that the children master the core skills of maths, enabling them to become confident with numbers. Plenty of hands-on activities ensure that learning maths remains stimulating and engaging. Our priority is to ensure that our pupils grasp the fundamental aspects of maths, so that they have a solid foundation for building their skills and knowledge. Number bonds, multiplication tables and a variety of mental calculation methods are learned in order to develop this solid foundation.
We encourage pupils to be engaged, become active learners and show their ability to think, articulate and make connections wherever possible. We teach in a way that supports a depth of understanding, enabling children to make links between related concepts and to become confident and competent mathematicians. Mental maths skills are practised frequently; every maths lesson will start with a warm-up focused on this. Maths at Merlin is split into sessions covering strands such as numbers and the number system, shapes, space, measurement, calculation and handling data. Reasoning skills are embedded into the maths curriculum.
RECEPTION
We aim to promote enjoyment and enthusiasm for learning in maths, as well as confidence and competence with numbers and the number system. Children count reliably with numbers from 1 to 20 and are able to place them in order. They recognise numbers one more or one less than a given number. Using quantities and objects, they add and subtract two single-digit numbers, and count on or back to find the answer. They solve problems, including doubling, halving and sharing. Children use language to talk about size, weight, capacity, position, distance, time and money to compare quantities and objects and to solve problems. They recognise, create and describe patterns. Pupils can also explore everyday objects and shapes, using mathematical language to describe them.
YEAR 1
Pupils are helped to make calculations. They understand and appreciate relationships and patterns in number and space, as well as establishing their capacity to think logically and express themselves clearly. Their knowledge and understanding of maths is developed in a variety of ways, including practical activity, exploration and discussion. Children learn the 2, 3, 5, 10 and 11 times tables.
UPPER SCHOOL – YEARS 2 & 3
Our objective is to equip Merlin pupils with a range of mental and written methods (formal and informal). We develop their ability to solve problems, reason and make decisions. The ability to use and apply mathematics runs through all strands of maths teaching, and a problem-solving approach is sought wherever appropriate, rather than teaching it as a separate lesson. Children are expected to learn all their multiplication tables by the end of Year 3. We teach the 7/8+ syllabus within our lessons.
