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Mathematics

Mathematics Vision at Dedworth Middle School

 

At Dedworth Middle School, our curriculum is designed to ensure that pupils:  

  • Develop a strong foundation by becoming fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, enabling students to build a deep, conceptual understanding where they can quickly (and accurately) recall and apply knowledge 

  • Reason and think critically by pursuing lines of inquiry, exploring relationships, patterns and generalizations, developing an argument in justification or proof using mathematical language  

  • Apply mathematical skills to solve both routine and non-routine problems with growing complexity, breaking challenges into smaller, manageable steps and demonstrating persistence in finding solutions 

  • Enjoy learning maths, where teaching links to prior learning, sequenced and coherent, and planning addresses gaps in learning as soon as possible  

 

Our curriculum is underpinned by a philosophy that follows Teaching for Mastery principles (NCTEM) and is achieved through the focus on the deeper learning of each concept. To ensure this is done well, we use White Rose as the basis of our curriculum, adapting as we see fit to the individual children that we teach.  

 

Depending on the year group of the children, children are either taught in tutor groups or sets, as well as small groups for interventions. Setting is used as a tool to ensure that we are stretching, challenging and supporting the individual children we teach according to their needs.  

During the input of a lesson, children engage and move through concrete, pictorial and abstract concepts, as well as having practical opportunities to explore their learning, to ensure deeper knowledge is fostered. Stem sentences are utilized to help support children’s understanding, enhancing reasoning skills by encouraging them to reason, explain, and justify their knowledge. Through stages of their independent earning, children can develop fluency, conceptual understanding, alongside well-thought-out mathematical reasoning.  

 

At the heart of our Maths Department, which is made up of experienced math-specialist and non-specialist teachers who work collaboratively, is a commitment to excellence in teaching. We recognise the diverse expertise in our team and strive to ensure all children receive a high-quality curriculum. 

To achieve this, our Heads of Department actively lead CPD sessions, which are designed to enhance subject knowledge and pedagogical skills of all teachers, fostering confidence in mathematical concepts, ensuring we maintain a high standard of teaching. 

 

Teaching for Mastery Principles

 

 We use the NCTEM 5 Big Ideas for Teaching for Mastery when planning and teaching our children Maths. White Rose adopts the Teaching for Mastery Principles, helping us to align all of our approaches.   

  • Teaching for mastery is fundamentally built on the ethos that all children are capable of understanding and doing maths, given sufficient time and small enough steps (coherence)  

  • By building on the 5 Big Ideas for Mastery, pupils can make rich connections between concepts and ideas. Challenge is provided through depth, rather than accelerating onto new content   

  • It is not just about memorising facts or procedures but involves knowing ‘why’ as well as knowing ‘that’ and knowing ‘how’ to use knowledge appropriately, flexibly, and creatively to apply it in new and unfamiliar situations.  

 

Mathematics Curriculum Overview

Mathematics Curriculum Road Map

Mathematics Steps to Achieve