Numeracy and Mathematics in the curriculum

Numeracy & Mathematics  play a vital role in our daily lives, helpings us to understand the world around us. Mathematics plays a key role in the development of science and technologies and is vital to research in engineering, computer science, medicine and finance. Learning in Numeracy & Mathematics helps pupils access other areas of the curriculum and develops skills in problem solving, logic, reasoning, creativity and abstract thinking. Learning in this area is also key for pupils developing skills for learning, life and work.

The main elements of this subject are:-

• Problem solving and enquiry skills
• Information handling
• Number, money and measurement
• Shape, position and movement

At Langcraigs, we encourage children to learn ‘number facts’ and tables.  However, of equal importance, is the opportunity for pupils to apply their mathematical knowledge to solving problems in real life.  Our maths planners take account of Curriculum for Excellence and more emphasis is being placed on active methodology throughout the school.

We use a range of approaches and resources to support us with these aims:

Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract Approaches

Throughout the school, pupils are encouraged to explore new concepts using a Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract approach (C-P-A). This means that pupils are supported to demonstrate their understanding using concrete materials such as base ten blocks or counters. This understanding is then developed to represent the same concept using a pictorial format. Once these representations have been established, pupils will then solve problems in their abstract form, using the concrete and pictorial representations to aid their understanding of the process. Using a C-P-A approach helps pupils to develop a depth of understanding.

Number Talks

Throughout the week, pupils engage in Number Talks sessions. These sessions involve purposeful classroom conversation based on a numerical mental maths problem. Pupils are encouraged to solve a problem, using a strategy of their choice, and then share their mathematical thinking with the class. Pupils are encouraged to find multiple strategies relating to a problem and to justify the strategies they have chosen. Listening to their classmates explain their strategy is an important part of the Number Talks process. The aim of these sessions is to help pupils develop confidence with a range of strategies and develop flexibility in their approach to solving problems.

S.E.A.L.

S.E.A.L. Maths (Stages of Early Arithmetical Learning) is used in many stages throughout the school, particularly in the infant stages. The approach involves small group teaching of core numerical concepts and is highly effective due to the close observation of each child’s actions and responses. Through S.E.A.L., pupils develop a range of strategies that they can use to solve problems. These strategies increase in sophistication as pupils progress through the stages of S.EA.L. learning.