Mathematics and Numeracy

Pupils will gain an understanding of how the development of mathematics has always gone hand in hand with the development of civilisation itself. Pupils will develop an awareness of how Mathematics surrounds us and underpins so many aspects of our daily lives, such as architecture, art, music, money and engineering. Pupils will learn to appreciate the beauty and excitement of Maths, both in its own right and in its applications, as well as its essential importance for progress in other areas of learning. Pupils will learn how formal mathematics has developed through rigorous logical reasoning; inventing or discovering abstract objects and establishing the relationships between them.

Pupils will learn how numeracy, the application of mathematics to solve problems in real-world contexts, plays a critical part in our everyday lives, and in the economic health of our nation.

Pupils will begin in the early years by solving problems, explore ideas, establish connections and collaborate with others, through play.

In later years, pupils will be provided with opportunities to work both independently and collaboratively to build on these foundations. Pupils will develop in five connected and interdependent proficiencies. These are Conceptual understanding, Communication using symbols, Fluency, Logical reasoning and Strategic competence.

Pupils will develop their mathematical thinking and apply logical reasoning to the investigation of relations within and between concepts They will justify and prove their findings. They will develop an understanding of numerous mathematical concepts and apply and reason with the abstract representation of these concepts. Pupils will comprehend and become proficient with the symbols and symbol systems used in mathematics.

Pupils will learn the difference between conjecture, likelihood and proof.

Pupils will operate with objects that do not physically exist, and use and develop their creativity to imagine and discover new realities. They will learn numerical modelling and forecasting and develop their entrepreneurial thinking.

Pupils will develop Mathematical resilience together with a sense of achievement and enjoyment as they overcome the challenges involved. They will learn not to be afraid of unfamiliar or complex problems, as they can be reduced to a succession of simpler problems and, eventually, to basic computations. They will develop metacognitive skills which can help them identify steps to take to improve performance. Pupils will play, experiment, take risks and be flexible in tackling mathematical problems.

Pupils will gain the tools to analyse data critically, to develop informed views on social, political, economic and environmental issues. They will gain clarity of thinking, to understand and make reasoned decisions.

Pupils will develop the skills needed to manage their own finances, make informed decisions and become critical consumers. They will interpret information and data to assess risk and make effective choices.