At Bloxham, maths is a subject for curious minds. We want children to enjoy spotting patterns, trying ideas and discovering that there is often more than one way to solve a problem. Most of all, we want every child to feel that maths is for them.

How many ways can you make ten? Why does that method work? What would happen if the numbers changed?

Making sense of number

A strong sense of number begins with understanding what numbers mean and how they relate to one another. Children use practical resources, often called manipulatives, to make mathematical ideas visible. Counters, cubes and other objects help them explore a problem; pictures and models help them explain it; numbers and symbols help them record what they have discovered.

These resources matter beyond the early years. A child might use objects or a bar model to understand a new idea before tackling a calculation independently. The aim is for children to know why a method works, as well as how to use it.

I do, we do, you do

Our teachers guide children through new learning in manageable steps. First, the teacher models an idea and explains their thinking: I do. Next, the class tries it together, discussing choices and noticing mistakes: we do. Then children practise, explain and apply the learning for themselves: you do.

We use Power Maths to provide carefully sequenced problems and opportunities for children to discover, discuss and practise mathematical ideas. Teachers ask children to explain their reasoning, listen to different approaches and check understanding throughout the lesson. If something has not clicked, they can show it in another way or give children more time with the resources before moving on.

Our classrooms are places where it is safe to have a go. A mistake can start a useful conversation: What did we notice? What could we try next?

Maths beyond the maths lesson

Children see the value of maths when they use it for a purpose. They might measure accurately in design and technology, record and compare results in science, use data to explore a geographical question or work with dates and timelines in history. Applying what they know in a new setting helps them recognise when maths can help.

We also make time to celebrate it. Number Day brings children together for mathematical challenges and a chance to have fun with numbers across the school.

Come and see English at Bloxham. From their first discoveries about number to increasingly complex problems, children build fluency, confidence and the ability to explain their thinking. Ask a Bloxham pupil “How do you know?” and let them show you

Students enjoyed dressing up to celebrate Number Day!