Numeracy

What is mathematics?

Mathematics is an old and well-established subject that has been studied by most ancient cultures and its importance in modern society continues. Over time the focus of mathematical study has changed in line with the changing needs of society. Mathematics builds from simple definitions and propositions that are based on observation, which involves measuring, comparing and classifying objects. It also describes patterns, properties and general concepts. Children's ability to extract the essential properties and generalise from particular cases is a key skill in mathematics. Mathematics provides the tools to abstract and work in an imagined world. Such visualisation and generalised thinking are essential skills in mathematics. Mathematics is also a creative subject in which ideas can be generated, tested and refined. These developments resulted from someone asking the question: 'What if…?' Children like to ask 'How…?', 'Why…?' and 'What if…?' questions and to be directed to solutions or be given ideas they can use to find out the answers. Questioning assumptions and conclusions, and testing to see when and why they are valid, is a cornerstone of mathematical thinking and something children enjoy.


Why is mathematics important?

The importance of mathematics to modern society is outlined by Professor Adrian Smith. In his report, 2004, Making Mathematics Count, he wrote ‘Mathematics is of central importance to modern society. It provides the vital underpinning of the knowledge economy. It is essential in the physical sciences, technology, business, financial services and many areas of ICT. It is also of growing importance in biology, medicine and many of the social sciences. Mathematics forms the basis of most scientific and industrial research and development. Increasingly, many complex systems and structures in the modern world can only be understood using mathematics and much of the design and control of high-technology systems depends on mathematical inputs and outputs.’
According to Smith, Mathematics provides a powerful universal language and intellectual toolkit for abstraction, generalisation and synthesis. It is the language of science and technology. Mathematical training disciplines the mind, develops logical and critical reasoning and develops analytical and problem-solving skills to a high degree. It suggests the basic mathematical skills are vital to the life opportunities and achievements of individual citizens. The ability to analyse information and to solve problems are key skills which have a significant role to play in modern society; the basic skills of mathematics are vital for the life opportunities of our children; and mathematics develops the mind and those highly valued cognitive skills.

 

HFS uses the Primary & Secondary Framework.

A key aim of teaching and learning of mathematics is that all our children succeed in mathematics. We want our children to be excited by mathematics and to continue to study the subject well beyond their primary education. We want them to see how mathematics can help them become better equipped for future life. Therefore we set high expectations and work towards all children achieving excellence at their pace. 

 

The mathematics areas of the Primary Framework has a range of resources and materials to support the development, planning and teaching of all aspects of mathematics The seven strands of learning give a broad overview of the mathematics curriculum in the primary phase. These seven strands consist of Using and applying mathematics; Counting and understanding number; Knowing and using number facts; Calculating; Understanding shapes; Measuring and Handling data. Objectives are aligned to the seven strands to demonstrate progression in each strand. Covering the objectives in the seven strands will support children in their progression towards the Early Learning Goals and the appropriate National Curriculum levels at Key Stages 1 and 2.


The Secondary Framework is designed to increase pupils' access to excellent teaching and engaging, purposeful learning that will enable them to make good progress through Key Stages 3 and 4. The Framework learning objectives in Mathematics are well organised in detail the knowledge, skills and understanding which need to be acquired across years 7 to 11. The objectives will ensure full coverage of the programme of study at both Key Stages 3 and 4 and establish a minimum expectation for the progression of most pupils. The objectives are organised in the five strands of progression: Mathematical processes and applications; Number; Algebra; Geometry and measures; and Statistics.  


Both, the primary and secondary Framework of mathematics have a clearer structure for teaching mathematics and are regularly updated for new materials or resources.

 

Summary of what mathematics teaching should achieve