Mathematics
At Berger we believe that mastery of mathematics is achievable for all, and aim to create confident, capable and enthusiastic mathematicians through the use of the Teaching for Mastery approach.
In Reception and Key Stage One, children benefit from high quality daily ‘Mastering Number’ sessions, which help to equip them with essential mathematical knowledge and understanding that they can draw upon throughout their primary education and beyond.
Our maths lessons are based upon the mastery approach, which means all children achieve a deep, flexible and sustainable understanding of core concepts, and develop efficient calculation strategies. Fluency and reasoning practise is woven throughout lessons, and the progression through small steps that expose the structure of the maths helps children to develop effective problem solving strategies which they can apply in a range of contexts. Central to this approach is providing opportunities for children to ‘see’ the maths, to reason about different contexts, identify patterns and make connections.
Children at Berger benefit from a concrete, pictorial, abstract (CPA) approach, and classes move through the curriculum at broadly the same pace. The curriculum at Berger aims to build each year on concepts that have already been mastered, by guiding children on a carefully sequenced journey through the learning. Guided by the DfE ‘Ready to Progress’ materials, the curriculum at Berger covers: Number and Place Value, Number facts, Addition and Subtraction, Multiplication and Division, Fractions and Geometry. Teachers at Berger plan and teach for mastery with the support of the NCETM Professional Development materials. This ensures lessons provide children with stimulating and challenging learning experiences which build on, and expand, their knowledge and skills.
