Mathematics is essential to everyday life, critical to science, technology and engineering, and necessary for financial literacy and most forms of employment.  A high-quality mathematics education therefore provides a foundation for understanding the world, the ability to reason mathematically, an appreciation of the beauty and power of mathematics, and a sense of enjoyment and curiosity about the subject.

The nature of mathematics

Mathematics provides a way of viewing and making sense of the real world. Mathematics can be used to describe, to illustrate, to interpret, to predict and to explain. The usefulness of mathematics is without question and its knowledge and application of skills are found in both practical and purposeful activity.

Numeracy

Numeracy is an ability to be confident and competent with numbers and measures. It requires an understanding of the number system, a repertoire of computational skills and an inclination and ability to solve problems in a variety of contexts. Numeracy also demands practical understanding of the ways in which information is gathered by counting and measuring, and is presented in graphs, diagrams, charts and tables.

Aims

• to encourage a positive attitude to mathematics
• to develop the ability to think clearly and logically in mathematics
• to develop skills and knowledge and the quick recall of basic facts
• to develop imagination, initiative and flexibility of mind
• to develop the skills of working systematically, independently and co-operatively
• to provide pupils with a supportive atmosphere in which to develop their mathematical skills

The National Curriculum for the Teaching of Mathematics

The National Curriculum shows the range and balance of work in primary mathematics that will ensure that pupils become properly numerate. At Hollingwood Primary School we will follow the INSPIRE maths mastery scheme which covers all aspects of the National Curriculum for mathematics in key stages 1 and 2.