Devon Hospitals Short Stay School

Mathematics

Mathematics is essential for everyday life and developing an understanding of the world. It is a fundamental part of using logic and reasoning. It also plays a crucial role in understanding the wider curriculum such as the sciences, art and even music.

At our school pupils are encouraged to make connections between concepts and develop fluency through problem solving, using reason, and expressing their thoughts and ideas through language.

Maths at key stages 1 and 2 are taught through the six strands of number and place value, number facts, addition and subtraction, multiplication and division, fractions, and geometry. Into key stages 3 and 4 algebra, ratio and proportion, geometry and measure, probability and statistics are taught explicitly.

Pupils are encouraged to use concrete resources to understand concepts and whenever possible are set in a meaningful context. Pupils are encouraged to verbally explain their reasoning and work to solve problems independently and collaboratively. They are encouraged to break problems down into simple steps and persevere when seeking solutions.

All work is set to fit the individual pupils’ needs. Some pupils work to receive certification from the AQA Unit Award Scheme, others may follow work set by their home schools while others will have work shaped to fill areas missed through school absence. Our school follows the White Rose Maths Scheme along with additional organisations such as Nrich and NCETM (National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics).

Maths can give pupils a true sense of satisfaction and success when solutions are found, and realisations made. Maths really can be exciting!