Durlston Court Maths Department

The department bases its work up until year 6 within the framework set out in the National Numeracy Strategy. From year 6 onwards, the curriculum is tailored to ensure that the needs of the Common Entrance Syllabus are catered for.

For those pupils aiming to gain entrance to selective schools at 11 or 13, there is a support programme available should parents wish their children to be prepared specifically for the tests. In recent years, pupils have achieved considerable success in these tests.

The overall approach to the teaching of Mathematics in the school can be summarised as follows.

The approach is based upon four key principles:

• Dedicated mathematics lessons every day in years 3 to 6
Each pupil receives an hour of mathematics teaching each day - not mixed in with other subjects, but dedicated to mathematics. That is not to say that links with other subjects are not emphasised and explored, but rather that for an hour a day the focus is purely on mathematics.
In years 7 and 8, each pupil receives four hours teaching in the subject per week, supported by an hour of homework.

• Direct teaching and interactive oral work with the whole class and groups of pupils
An emphasis on direct teaching, based upon clear and well-structured explanation of teaching points by the teacher - and pupils answering questions, contributing to discussions and explaining their methods.
The small class sizes ensure that work is closely monitored, with individual help given to all pupils.

• An emphasis on mental calculation
An ability to calculate mentally lies at the heart of numeracy. Mental methods are emphasised from the early years onwards with regular opportunities for pupils to develop the different skills involved. The approach to teaching mental arithmetic is carefully structured, as is the progression from mental calculations to written ones.

• Controlled differentiation, with all pupils engaged in mathematics relating to a common theme
Work is carefully differentiated to suit levels of individual ability. From year 4 onwards, pupils are set for mathematics. Additional support is available to pupils who need it, either with an additional teacher in the classroom or from the Learning Support Unit.

Challenge materials are provided to extend the work of very able pupils. The National Primary Maths Challenge provides an opportunity for pupils in years 5 and 6 to measure themselves against the highest standards around the country, with results in recent years are most encouraging. In years 7 and 8, preparations for scholarship begin - with work available to test the best!