Mathematics

At DIS, our vision is for every student to be a competent, confident and fluent mathematician.  We teach Maths using a mastery approach. Our aim is for our learners to refine their fluency, reasoning and problem-solving skills, whilst developing a breadth and depth of knowledge that allows them to approach challenging mathematical concepts with confidence.

Teachers use the National Curriculum for England, supported by the White Rose Maths Hub scheme of learning, to plan for mastery, using a range of resources to support teaching and learning.   Students are taught a range of mathematical topics in each year group, Some topics are repeated year on year with progressively more challenging curriculum content introduced.  In every lesson and every topic, problem solving and reasoning opportunities are integrated, In the classroom, the use of concrete resources, as well as pictorial representations, support student’s conceptual understanding of the curriculum content. Mathematical topics are taught using a blocked approach to ensure that students are given adequate time to develop a depth of understanding before moving on with their learning.

In addition:

• Planning allows for deeper understanding with students demonstrating high levels of fluency in performing written and mental calculations and mathematical techniques.
• Each lesson includes a ‘Fluent in Five’ task in order to continually develop calculation fluency.
• Lessons are planned to engage and challenge all students.
• Mathematical language is used consistently by both teachers and students.
• Individual learning styles (concrete, pictorial and abstract) and the academic abilities of all students in the class are catered for.
• Mental Maths and Arithmetic assessments take place regularly to track fluency skill development.
• There is regular use of ICT resources – Numbots, Times Table Rockstars & Century Tech both in class and at home to reinforce fluency.
• Lessons allow time for thinking, encouraging discussion and promoting perseverance.
• Lessons make problem solving, reasoning and investigation integral to student’s learning of mathematics.