Maths
Our Maths Vision: Confident & Capable Learners
At Holland Park, we believe all children can achieve success in maths. Our goal is for every child to enjoy mathematics, speak about it with confidence, and develop a deep, lasting understanding that they can use in real life. We pay special attention to supporting disadvantaged children and those with Special Educational Needs (SEND).
How We Teach Maths
We use a systematic and supportive approach, drawing from high-quality national schemes like White Rose and NCETM, while also using challenging resources like NRICH.
Building Deep Understanding (Reasoning Lessons)
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Small Steps: Lessons are broken down into small, manageable steps to ensure every concept is securely understood. We take a ‘my turn, our turn, your turn’ approach to learning new skills so the children are supported throughout their learning journey.
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CPA Approach: We use a 'hands-on' method, moving from Concrete objects (like counters or blocks) to Pictorial diagrams (like bar models) and finally to the Abstract numbers and symbols.
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Talking Maths: Children are taught to explain their thinking using full sentences and correct mathematical language, often guided by helpful sentence stems (e.g., "I know this because...").
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Challenge for All: We teach as a whole class, but learning is challenging for every child through tailored questioning, resources, and adult support, rather than giving them different tasks.
Developing Quick Calculation Skills (Arithmetic)
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Fluency Practice: Dedicated arithmetic sessions focus on building speed and accuracy with the four operations (+,-, times, div), fractions, and number facts (like times tables and number bonds).
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Online Tools: We use engaging online resources like Times Tables Rock Stars and Numbots both in school and at home to help children master key facts and improve fluency.
Support and Confidence
We are committed to creating a positive and anxiety-free maths environment.
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Quick Intervention: If your child falls behind, we provide timely interventions (such as Numberstacks) to close gaps in learning quickly so they can keep up with their peers.
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Positive Feedback: Teachers provide quick, positive feedback (usually verbal) to help children correct mistakes and move their learning forward.
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Testing: Tests are used to understand gaps in learning and assist the teachers to support children when needed. Pressure is kept as low as possible so as to prevent maths anxiety, focusing instead on supporting children to build confidence and enjoy success.