Maths

The acquisition of sound mathematical skills is considered to be a fundamental requirement for every child at Liverpool College Preparatory School. An understanding of Numeracy is an invaluable life skill that pupils will need to draw on throughout their lives. For this reason, Mathematics takes a central place in the school curriculum.

At all times we seek to build children's confidence in Mathematics and try to present the subject in exciting and meaningful ways. Children derive a great deal of pleasure from doing mathematics as an intellectual activity, such as in playing games, brain teasers or puzzles, either alone or with others. Pupils are challenged with weekly problem solving activities with a focus upon investigative mathematics. This includes an understanding of geometric designs and structures and as a precise and unambiguous way of representing ideas, of predicting things that will happen, of conducting an argument or explaining results.

Opportunities are also provided to enable children to apply their mathematical skills through testing hypotheses, by classifying, ordering, measuring etc. and then generalising about what they have discovered. Through their use of mathematics to solve problems in school, we believe that children become more aware of the need for mathematical understanding and skills in their future lives.
As a department, we aim to take each child through a structured curriculum that begins with the Early Learning Goals in Nursery and Reception and develops to follow the content and timing of the National Numeracy Strategy from Reception through to Year 6. All pupils receive a daily mathematics lesson, including an oral or interactive element, dedicated to the acquisition, practise and development of mental mathematic strategies. Formal written methods are taught only when understanding of mental methods has been fully developed.

In addition, we aim to encourage children to develop an ability to search for patterns and relationships, seek and understand connections between mathematical ideas, explore problems and puzzles of a mathematical nature and to communicate mathematical ideas. A great deal of emphasis is placed upon talking, discussion, questioning and exchanging ideas about mathematical activities so that the children can become adept at verbally communicating mathematical ideas and are able to record mathematical activities in a variety of ways, including the use of ICT.

Classes are mixed ability until Year 4 when setting then takes place. Setting is reviewed half-termly thereafter and pupils may be moved up or down a set according to progress made.

For the more able, we aim to offer opportunities to undertake tasks designated for the year above, when appropriate, and/or explore additional mathematical topics aimed at providing a challenge and adding breadth and enjoyment to the subject. For example, Year 6 Set 1 pupils follow the Year 7 scheme of work. In Year 6, in addition to the prescribed course, we undertake to prepare all the children for formal examinations: firstly the Liverpool College Senior School Entrance Examination and secondly the KS2 SATs examinations.

Booster classes are offered to all pupils in the run up to examinations. At this stage, intensive support is also currently available for pupils struggling to grasp the basic concepts in the form of extra weekly maths learning support. These sessions, which take place on a one to one basis, or in a small group, aim to motivate and encourage pupils to ensure that all pupils leave the Preparatory school with a solid understanding of Numeracy.

Over recent years, the Mathematics department has developed into an extremely successful department, achieving SAT's resulting significantly higher than Local averages, National average and National Averages for other IAP's schools

Maths Curriculum Overview, please click here: Maths


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