Mathematics at Bedford Drive Primary School
“The only way to learn mathematics is to do mathematics”
(Paul Halmos)
The school follows the National Curriculum for Mathematics as defined by the Department for Education. The National Curriculum for Mathematics aims to ensure that all pupils:
Become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, including through varied and frequent practice with increasingly complex problems over time, so that pupils develop conceptual understanding and the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately.
Reason mathematically by following a line of enquiry, conjecturing relationships and generalisations, and developing an argument, justification or proof using mathematical language.
Can solve problems by applying their mathematics to a variety of routine and nonroutine problems with increasing sophistication, including breaking down problems into a series of simpler steps and persevering in seeking solutions.
We would like to share our work and learning from Summer Term 2023
Year 1
This term, we have been learning to tell the time in o’clock and half past the hour. We used our own clocks in class to quiz each other! We have explored fractions, focusing on halves and quarters. The children have also been learning about numbers up to 100; reading and writing numbers as well as counting forwards and backwards in tens. We enjoyed working practically to work out volume and capacity using water and jugs. The children also role played their own classroom shop to reinforce their learning about money.
Year 2
This term Year 2 have continued to revisit their learning on the four operations + - X and ÷.
They have explored fractions as equal parts of a whole. They have compared and ordered fractions and found part of a quantity. They have extended their knowledge and understanding of money, reading scales, as well as time and shape.
Year 3
Throughout Summer term, children have been building on prior knowledge to develop their mathematical thinking. Children looked at money, being able to total an amount greater than £1 using a mixture of coins and notes. They then went on to calculate change using their knowledge of column method to support them. We then moved onto time were children looked at calculating time on an analogue clock to 5 minute intervals. Children also looked at duration of time, calculating using a numberline method.
Children moved onto looking at pictograms. Being able to use a symbol with a value greater than one and deciphering pictogram accurately. We then moved onto looking at bar charts, children even creating their own with accuracy. Finally children have spent a lot of time developing their understanding of fractions. We revisited what a fraction was and how these are created. Children built on their Year 2 knowledge of half and quarters and looked at tenths, thirds and eighths. Children have found fractions of amounts as well as shapes.
Year 4
In maths, we have covered many units this term. We began by learning about decimals and building on our knowledge of fractions to see how they are related. Following this, we learnt about time and how to read a 12 and 24-hour clock, while converting units of time. Afterwards, we learnt about measures of mass, length and volume before moving on to area and perimeter. Then we moved on to Roman Numerals before ending with geometry and position and movement. Throughout the term, we have also been consolidating our multiplication facts and recall speed up to 12x12.
Year 5
This term Year 5 have been very busy in maths. We have continued to work on our arithmetic skills especially continuing to practice our timetable facts. We have continued with our work on fractions and have made connections to decimals and percentages. We have also learnt the names of different angles, how to measure an angle using a protractor and how to apply these facts when problem solving. We have also recently looked at translations and reflections of different shapes.
Year 6
In Year 6 this term we have been focusing on revision of the four operations, problem solving and real-world application of maths. We have used lots of outdoor maths strategies to practice our maths skills which we have thoroughly enjoyed. We worked hard to design and make board games for Year 4 children that focused on helping them to learn their times table and we really enjoyed playing them together!
We would like to share our work and learning from Spring Term 2023
Foundation 1
In Maths, Foundation 1 have been exploring our ‘numbers of the month’: 5 and 6. We have shared related stories such as, ‘Six Dinner Sid’ by Inga Moore and ‘The Smartest Giant in Town’ by Julia Donaldson.
We have been learning how to quickly recognise amounts without counting (subitising) using large dice games and computing programmes.
We have used number recognition skills in order to call our favourite heroes using our special superhero phonebook and telephones to link with our English topic.
Foundation 2
This term Foundation 2 have been using concrete resources to work on our number bonds 10. We have also been using resources to represent all numbers to 10 in a variety of ways such as on 10’s frames and using part part whole models.
Year 1
This term, Year 1 have extended their knowledge by exploring addition and subtraction within 20. We then built on these skills during work on number and place value to 40. We used apparatus to split numbers into tens and ones and learnt to count in tens. We really enjoyed exploring the properties of shape and created our own repeated patterns. We even made our own rulers during our chapter on measurement and height, which we used to measure items around the classroom. We can even measure with our hands and feet!
Year 2
Every day we start our maths lesson by completing our ‘Fluent in Five’ questions. This gives us a chance to practise our addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. We have been learning all about money. We can name each coin and can use different coins to make a total amount. We have also been learning all about 2D and 3D shapes. We learnt some new vocabulary words such as ‘vertices’ and ‘faces’.
Year 3
This half term with have continued with our fluency every morning, working on the 4 main operational methods. We began Spring 1 by continuing our topic of Multiplication and Division. We extended our knowledge of multiplication by using the column method with 2 digit by 1 digit numbers. We then looked at using the bus stop method for division, including division with remainders. During spring 2 we worked on measure, looking at length, mass, volume and time. We looked at the units each are measured in and what equipment we could use. We compared scales and discussed the importance of understanding a scale before we attempt to read it.
Year 4
This term, year 4 have been very busy in maths. We began by consolidating our knowledge of multiplication and division using formal written methods and introduced the concept of division with remainders. Afterwards, we looked at graphs, data and statistics and discovered how we can represent data in different ways. We began by looking at pictograms, before moving to bar charts and line graphs. Once we were confident with drawing these, we began to use them to solve real world problems. Then, we began to learn about fractions. We explored how fractions can be written and placed on number lines, we learned how to show mixed numbers and how to find equivalence in fractions. We then began to add and subtract fractions with the same and different denominators.
Alongside all of this, we continued to develop our times table knowledge with daily practice and weekly testing.
Year 5
This term Year 5 have been very busy in maths. We have continued to work on our arithmetic skills especially continuing to practice our timetable facts. We have been learning all about fractions. We have consolidated our understanding of finding parts of shapes as well as numbers. We extended our knowledge of fractions by learning about improper fractions and common denominators. We have also learnt how to add and subtract fraction by finding common denominators, converting them and then recording them as both improper and whole number fractions.
Year 6
This term, Year 6 have covered a wide range of concepts in maths. At the start of the spring term we consolidated and built upon our knowledge of percentages – focusing on finding percentages of an amount. Next, our focus turned to solving ratio and algebraic problems in which the children worked on: comparing quantities, including numbers, objects, fractions and mass before moving on to solving word problems. Our focus then turned to area and perimeter. Beginning with a review of perimeter, we then moved on to exploring how to calculate the area of rectangles, triangles and parallelograms. We continued to build on our knowledge of shapes by developing our understanding of volume as it relates to cubes and cuboids. Geometry came next with Year 6 investigating angles on their own, in word problems and in shapes. We then studied in depth position and movement, specifically looking at translating and reflecting a shape on a coordinate grid.
We would like to share our work and learning from Autumn Term 2022
Foundation 1
This term Foundation 1 have listened to stories that involve counting and taken part in related Maths activities within the learning environment. The children have focused on a ‘number of the month’ to deepen their understanding of number.
Foundation 2
This term Foundation 2 have been learning sorting, matching and developing a deeper understanding of numbers to 5. We have been working on our number bonds to five and can represent all numbers to 5 in a variety of ways.
Year 1
In Year 1, we have revised our number bonds to 10, before expanding our knowledge of numbers from 0 to 20. We learnt out how to write our numbers as words as well as numerals and manipulate them into addition and subtraction families. We explored position and order as well as learning new positional and ordinal language such as first, second, third and ‘to the left’ or ‘to the right’ or ‘between’. We developed our knowledge of mathematical strategies to enhance our learning, including the part-part whole model, number lines and counting on. We compared quantities and learnt new mathematical language of ‘greater than’ ‘less than’, ‘fewer’.
Year 2
In Year 2, we have been counting up to 100 using concrete objects, counting in ones, tens, forwards and backwards. We have developed a number of methods to support our learning with addition and subtraction. Children have explored multiplication and division of 2, 5 and 10. The children have looked at different ways of grouping and sharing.
Year 3
In Year 3, the children have increased their understanding of number up to 4 digits, being able to count forwards and backwards from any given number in 1’s, 10’s and 100’s. We have developed strong methods for addition and subtraction focusing on column method when renaming and regrouping. Children have begun to explore multiplication and division, focusing on 4 and 8’s and understanding the terminology of grouping.
Year 4
The children have increased their confidence with place value and been able to work with numbers up to 100,000. Children have been exposed to more mathematical vocabulary such as regrouping and renaming, which has been vitally important as we moved on to our unit of addition and subtraction. Children focused on the formal column method for these calculations. We then moved on to multiplication and division, teaching children strategies for remembering their times tables with increasing fluidity.
Year 5
In Year 5, we have been looking at numbers up to one million. We have also been looking at the four operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. We have been using a variety of methods including the column method, the grid method and the bus stop method.
Year 6
Here is a selection of our work over the school year 2021/22:
Summer Term
Foundation 1
Foundation 1 have been practising their counting skills, recognising numbers and matching numeral to quantity! We have enjoyed reading lots of books linked to our Number of the Month and we have been singing counting songs every day. There have been plenty of opportunities for practising our Mathematical skills when we play in continuous provision.
Foundation 2
This term Foundation 2 have been learning about addition, subtraction, number bonds to 5 and 10 and we have been developing our fluency and reasoning skills. We have been consolidating all of this through child initiated continuous provision.
Year 1
Year 1 have been learning to tell the time in o’clock and half past the hour and fractions, focussing on halves and quarters. They have also been learning about numbers up to 100; reading and write numbers as well as counting forwards and backwards in tens. Children enjoy using manipulatives to practically show their mathematical learning.
Year 2
This term Year 2 have continued to revisit their learning on the four operations + - X and ÷.
They have explored fractions as equal parts of a whole. They have compared and ordered fractions and found part of a quantity. They have extended their knowledge and understanding of money, time, as well as 2Dshape and 3D shapes
Year 3
Year 3 have enjoyed continuing to practise their times tables in preparation for year 4. Within lessons, the children have developed their understanding of perimeter, being the distance around the outside of a shape. They have enjoyed gathering data as part of their statistics work, where they have then displayed it as a pictograph and bar chart. They also learned about different angles and identified them as being acute, obtuse or right-angled.
Year 4
Year 4 have tried hard to improve their multiplication skills daily to meet the standard expected for the end of Year 4. We have learnt about length, mass, volume, angles, properties of shape and space.
Year 5
Year 5 have been learning about measurements this summer term. We have looked at converting units of length, mass and volume. We have also looked at how to calculate perimeter and area of both simple and compound shapes.
Year 6
Year 6 have been using their mathematical skills to create board games to further embed their learning.
Spring Term
Here is a selection of our learning from the Spring term.
Foundation 1
Foundation 1 have been continuing to look at one number each month., with a focus on 4 and 5 this term. We have been looking at different representations of each number and using their sorting skills to separate them. We enjoyed investigating shape and learning names of some 2D shapes.
Foundation 2
In Foundation 2, we have been continuing to look at a different number each week. We have been looking at the composite of numbers and applying our knowledge on addition to help us create a number. To further develop our knowledge of number, we have been learning about doubling.
Year 1
In Year 1 this term, we have been learning to subtract, focusing on subtracting a one digit number from a two digit number. We have been using our knowledge of models we have learnt to support us in answering difficult questions.
Year 2
In Year 2, we have been looking at division; understanding the difference between grouping and sharing. We have successfully used a model for each pictorially and used these to help us answer difficult questions.
Year 3
In Year 3 this term, we have been looking at money and time. We applied our knowledge of subtraction using a column method to find change of given amounts and developing our understanding of renaming and regrouping. We have also begun to look at time and build upon our knowledge from year two to understand what the minute hand represents.
Year 4
In Year 4, we have been looking at fractions: fractions of a shape and number. Year 4 have been applying their multiplication facts to help with finding a fraction of a number. We have revisited what makes a whole and the meaning of denominator and numerator. This has supported us in our understanding of addition of fractions with the same denominator.
Year 5
In Year 5, we have expanding our knowledge of place value by looking at decimals to 1000 ths. We have been using formal written methods for addition and subtraction of decimals, ensuring we use placeholders within our columns. We have also been looking at graphs; we were focusing on the understanding different types of graphs and understanding their scales to answer tricky word problems.
Year 6
In Year 6, we have been looking at shape, focusing on perimeter, area and volume. Through this, we have also developed our knowledge of conversions within length. Building on our knowledge from Year 5, we have been looking at percentages. We have also been investigating percentages of given amounts using partition to help us find an answer
Autumn Term
Foundation 1
Nursery have been looking at a number a month. We have been looking at different representations of each number and using their sorting skills to separate them.
Foundation 2
In Foundation 2, we have been looking at a number a week. We have been identifying shapes based on their properties. To further develop our knowledge of number, we have been learning one more and one less than a given number.
Year 1
In year 1 this term, we have been learning to count, recall, write, order and make numbers to 10. They have also been linking numbers to their names (up to 10)
Year 2
In Year 2, we have been counting to one hundred; developing our knowledge of Place Value; comparing numbers; counting in steps of 2,10, 3 and 5; applying knowledge of number to solve problems; adding tens and recognising its relationship to adding ones; adding 2-digit numbers
Year 3
In Year 3 this term, we have been using dienes to help us to add and subtract 3-digit numbers with renaming. We have been developing our knowledge of Multiplication and Division; using our 4 times table to help with our 8.
Year 4
In Year 4, we have been looking at addition and subtraction to numbers to 1000 including renaming and regrouping. We have been using our knowledge of number to estimate our answers. Year 4 have also been rounding numbers up to 1000. Moving on to our topic of multiplication and division, we have been practising our times tables up to 12x12 and applying these to multiplication questions which have involved remainders.
Year 5
In Year 5, we have been looking at numbers up to one million. We have been using formal written methods for addition and subtraction including renaming and regrouping. During our multiplication topic, we were focusing on the grid method and compact formal method. Following on from this we have also been looking at the Bus stop method as our formal written method in division.
Year 6
In Year 6, we have been looking at place value of numbers up to 10,000,000. We have developed our knowledge of the four operations in maths by using a formal written method for each and applying these to two-step problems. We have also been identifying the links between fractions and decimals.
There are a number of ways that you can support your child with their learning at home and Mrs Cartledge, Subject Leader for Mathematics has prepared the following information that may be useful for you.
At Bedford Drive Primary School, we have constructed an ambitious Mathematics curriculum, which follows the content of the EYFS statutory framework and the National Curriculum.
You can also keep up-to-date on how school are working on this subject throughout school via our Twitter Page for Maths @MathsBedfordDr1