Mathematics

At The Hawthorns Primary School, we aim to develop all pupils’ mathematical thinking, fluency and reasoning skills through high quality, daily lessons. We provide a curriculum which caters for the needs of all individuals and sets them up with the necessary skills and knowledge for them to become confident, flexible mathematicians.

Using the mastery approach, we incorporate sustained levels of challenge and support through varied and high-quality activities with a focus on fluency, reasoning and problem solving. Our approach of using concrete, pictorial and abstract form helps progression for all learners. Questioning is used to deepen understanding and develop mathematical connections and fluency. Stem sentences, using mathematical language, allow children to verbalise and explain their thinking. In the classrooms, working walls are used to support, extend and celebrate the children’s learning journey. 

• Maths Mastery - How to Support your Child at Home

• Maths curriculum subject overview

• Mathematics Long Term Plan

• The Hawthorns Mathematics policy

• Addition and Subtraction Policy

• Multiplication and Division Policy

• Useful websites to support maths learning at home

Key Instant Recall Facts (KIRFS)

To develop your child's fluency and mathematical recall, we are introducing KIRFS (Key Instant Recall Facts) throughout the school. KIRFS are a way of helping your child to learn key facts and information which, if they have instant recall of, will greatly benefit them in our maths lessons in school. 

KIRFS are designed to support the development of mental maths skills which underpin much of the maths work we do in class. They are particularly useful when solving calculations involving addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. They contain number facts, such as number bonds, and timetables, which need constant practise and rehearsal in order for the children to recall them quickly and accurately.

Please also make use of our school subscriptions for Times Table Rock Stars, Purple Mash and Education City to support your child at home.

Instant recall facts help enormously with mental agility in maths lessons. They are not designed to be a time-consuming task and can be practised anywhere — in the car, walking to school etc. Regular practise (little and often) helps the children to retain these facts and keep their skills sharp. When you practise these at home, please try to keep it fun by using practical resources when possible. Playing board games or card games are an excellent opportunity to reinforce many of the facts, e.g. Monopoly, Dominoes, Snakes and Ladders.

Over their time at The Hawthorns, we believe that if the KIRFS are developed fully, our children will be more confident with number work, understand its relevance, and be able to access the curriculum much more easily.