Mathematics
Maths across Wickhambreaux CEPS
At Wickhambreaux, we believe that mathematics is so much more interesting and diverse than simply the study of number and calculation. It is a playground for pupils, amateurs, and professionals; a subject that presents challenges; an arena for competitions; a source of problems, small and large; a stadium in which games of strategy, logic and tactics are played; and the key to unlocking the great mysteries of science, art, music, philosophy and even sport!
Our approach to teaching mathematics follows the principles of constructivism, whereby learners have the opportunity to derive solutions and strategies for solving problems for themselves through investigation using their fluency with mathematical facts and relationships to develop their conceptual understanding. We use intelligent practice and variation theory to facilitate deep understanding, and interleaved practice to strengthen transfers skills, retention of information, faster acquisition of new skills, and improved mastery of existing abilities.
Pupils at Wickhambreaux enjoy mathematics, and we have a variety of extra curricular clubs, activities and events in which pupils participate. Some examples include; lunch time chess club, before-school maths sessions, after-school maths challenge clubs, entrance into competitions (local and national) including the UKMT Junior Maths Challenge, in which students from Wickhambreaux have achieved bronze and silver awards. We also run themed weeks during which pupils enjoy participating in mathematical activities for an entire week. Past highlights have included visits from theatre companies who have performed mathematical plays, games afternoons wherein parents and carers are invited to come and join in with maths games with their children, visits from practical puzzle companies, architectural challenges and escape rooms.
All our staff have genuine enthusiasm for this wonderful subject, and this is reflected in pupil’s positive attitudes and engagement, which all contribute to academic progress and enjoyment which lays the foundation for lifelong learning.
In the words of Galileo: Mathematics is the alphabet with which God has written the universe.
Current maths initiatives at Wickhambreaux
- Member of the Kent and Medway Maths Hub 'Teaching for Mastery Development' programme
- Participating in the NCETM 'Mastering Number' programme in EYFS and KS1
- Before-school pre-teach sessions to boost confidence in mathematics and develop fluency
- Times Tables Rock Stars - including weekly 'Arena' battles
- Year 4 'Mathletes' - maths challenge group
- Year 5&6 UKMT Maths Challenge Club
Subject Leader Profile
Mr. N. Kent (BA Hons, MA, PGCE) leads mathematics at Wickhambreaux CEP.
He works closely with all members of staff to create an engaging and supportive environment where children not only understand the mechanics of mathematics but also develop a deep appreciation for the subject. He firmly believes that mathematical fluency is fundamental for every student, enabling them to develop problem-solving skills that are essential both in academic and everyday life.
Mr. Kent works collaboratively with teachers across the school, offering guidance on effective teaching methods, resources, and assessment strategies. He is committed to ensuring consistency in the teaching of mathematics and to raising the overall standard of mathematical achievement. To support this, he regularly attends professional development sessions and teacher research groups, working with other schools and specialists in the Kent and Medway Maths Hub to share best practice.
Mr. Kent and other class teachers run early maths sessions to boost confidence in mathematics. He also enjoys running 'Mathletes', a maths challenge group for Year 4 pupils. They enter maths competitions including the MTC Cup and the Primary Maths Challenge.
Vision Statement
Mathematics is a beautiful subject which is deeply embedded through-out all areas of our school’s curriculum. It provides students with powerful ways to describe, analyse and change the world. Students can experience a sense of awe and wonder as they appreciate the power of mathematics and come to understand the connections betwixt every aspect of the subject.
Students who are functional in mathematics are able to participate in modern society having the tools to understand science, technology, engineering and economics.
Students at our school study mathematics so that they can become fully participating citizens in society who are able to think mathematically, reason, solve problems and assess risk in a range of contexts.
Good learning takes place when students are given opportunities to solve a variety of problems in different contexts, develop their understanding, both instrumental and relational, and make links between different areas of mathematics.
Good teaching enables good learning to take place. It involves creating an appropriate environment in which students can respond to high levels of expectation and challenge. All pupils are expected to achieve, and this is facilitated by the use of intelligent practice, variation theory, and fostering positive, meaningful home-school partnerships.
"The teachers’ job is to organise and provide the sorts of experiences which enable pupils to construct and develop their own understanding of mathematics, rather than simply communicate the ways in which they themselves understand the subject."
(Non-Statutory Guidance, National Curriculum, 1989)
As a result of good teaching and learning, our students are encouraged to develop into free-thinking, creative risk takers who can operate mathematically and achieve their potential. They are encouraged to enjoy and pursue this beautiful subject both in lessons and outside of the classroom, so that mathematics can truly become a genuine passion.
