In Maths, we aim to enable our pupils to develop skills and knowledge to help them make sense of the world around them. At Priory Woods, Maths is about exploring, mastering skills in counting and developing an understanding of number. It involves exploring shape and pattern, and measurement through activities which contextualise the skills and knowledge. Mathematics is about developing a curiosity in the world around us, and offering solutions to problems. It is also functional, aiming to develop skills which will enable greater independence as our learners grow.

This Mathematics Curriculum has been written with a number of principles in mind:

• The importance of ‘stage not age’. In order to personalise learning and maximise opportunities for progress, it is not the age of the student that is significant but the stage at which they are currently working. Whilst the learning opportunities will change and progress throughout the school, the principle of delivering at a level appropriate to the student’s level of development is of paramount importance. To ensure progression of content, it would be expected that the content of the lessons would reflect this difference. For example, sorting teddies in lower school could be replaced by sorting pop stars in upper school.
• The understanding that Maths is not confined to a Maths lesson on the timetable but is regarded as a subject with many cross curricular opportunities.
• The understanding that the teaching of Maths is enhanced by advancements and developments in ICT and augmentative communication aids.

Here are some photographs of our students engaged in different maths activities.

Students in Lower School sort and count the teddy bears.

Archie is really enjoying exploring colour in this Elmer activity!

Thomas is using dice to count and find the numbers.

Arabella is using the Forest Schools area to explore the properties of shape.