Maths No Problem

We teach maths daily and follow the 2014 National Curriculum. Our aim is to ensure that our children have a secure understanding of maths and are able to recall and apply their knowledge quickly and accurately.  The children will develop mathematical reasoning and learn to solve problems by applying their mathematical understanding whilst seeking solutions to problems.

Maths Intent Statement

At Tangmere Primary Academy we want our young mathematicians to become confident learners who demonstrate resilience when facing mathematical challenges. In maths lessons, we follow the Singaporean ‘Maths No Problem’ programme.

Maths No Problem

Singapore Maths

Singapore Maths is an approach we have adopted at Tangmere Primary Academy; it is based on research and evidence and has changed the way we deliver our teaching. Instead of learning discrete mathematical facts off by heart, the children are taught to develop fluency based on concepts derived from Bruner’s Concrete Pictorial Abstract (CPA) approach. Children have the benefit of understanding why formulas work, instead of just applying them. This leads to a deeper form of learning and longevity in retaining this knowledge. We always try to contextualise Maths, so that the children understand the links between the mathematics that they learn in school and how to use Maths in real life. We try to show that mathematics is not an isolated subject, by linking learning to the practical matters of the real world around them.

Sequence of our Mathematics lessons

The CPA approach mentioned earlier follows the understanding that children learn best first using concrete or real objects; following this they can apply that learning using imagery or pictorially; finally, they will be able to apply their learning to more abstract representations: written calculations in Maths. 

MNP Learning

Explore
In their lessons, children are encouraged to tackle an “Explore” problem in a number of different ways. Can the children visualise the problem and imagine how they will find out the answer? Our philosophy is that it is better to solve one problem in five different ways than to solve five different problems! Comparing and contrasting different methods for solving the same problem enables learners to connect different areas of knowledge and to deepen their mathematical understanding. Our children have the opportunity to use different CPA (concrete, pictorial and abstract) resources and methods to solve different problems, which makes learning accessible to all.

Journaling 
It is important that the children learn how to record their findings. The children are often asked to create a visual representation of the problem. They will sometimes be asked to create their own problem similar to the one tackled in the “in focus” task or explain their learning clearly to another classmate. Our children are also great at evaluating the different methods they have used, explaining which they prefer and why.

Master
The children of Tangmere Primary Academy are given the opportunity to see how a model mathematician has tackled the same problem. What is the conventional way of solving the problem and recording our calculations? The class teacher introduces and explains the new learning for the lesson and works through different examples to build the pupils understanding of a mathematical concept. The children’s confidence with using conventional methods of recording greatly increases as we advance through each topic. 

Guided Practice and Workbooks

Finally, children are given plenty of opportunity to practise the skills they have learnt in class during a guided practice session with the teacher and through independent application. Our children enjoy learning maths and understand that challenge makes us grow. Practice makes perfect!