Maths
At Beckfoot Allerton, we use Ark Mathematics Mastery for our mathematics curriculum. It is a rich curriculum that enhances both knowledge and skills in order for all children to become successful mathematicians. The curriculum is academically ambitious for all; knowledge-rich; discipline-led and logically sequenced; designed to support memory, and supporting our commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Distinctive features include:
Dimensions of Depth
The Dimensions of Depth (language and communication, conceptual understanding and mathematical thinking) are central to problem solving. They are integrated into lesson resources to support students in becoming confident problem solvers.
Six-part lesson structure
A six-part lesson gives a structure in which to implement the pedagogic principles of the curriculum. The different parts of the lesson allow teachers to bring to the Dimensions of Depth to the foreground. Having a consistent structure for each lesson ensures that learners are exposed to the pedagogies associated with each dimension and assessment opportunities are embedded within each part.
To ensure one curriculum for all
In line with the National Curriculum, it is expected that pupils will move through the programmes of study at broadly the same pace, ensuring no ceiling is imposed on what learners can achieve. While there is only one curriculum, we recognise that not all learners come to each lesson at the same starting point. For this reason, we provide additional resources, such as Ready to Progress interventions and response signposts (i.e. re-teach concepts and booster units/lessons) for every diagnostic question which are designed to help learners access the main curriculum. Differentiated independent tasks are provided as a starting point for teachers to increase challenge and increase support, which exemplify a range of adapting techniques including scaffolding, constraints, Ideas for Depth, applying the Dimensions of Depth and applying learning within an unfamiliar context.
Maths Meetings
Maths meetings are a fun, exciting and daily burst of maths practice outside of the daily mathematics lesson. Maths Meetings are a vital part of our programme, used to consolidate key learning for 10-15 minutes every day outside of the maths lesson. Maths meetings are used to consolidate key areas of mathematics in each class. Maths Meetings provide an opportunity to teach and revise 'general knowledge maths' which may not explicitly be covered during the maths lesson, and also allows the daily integration of maths into the surrounding environment. This means that pupils are practising concepts and skills on a regular basis, meaning they are continually building on their mastery of these concepts.
Involving Families
We are running termly parent workshops for families to come along to so they can find out how we teach various mathematical concepts.
