Maths
Mathematics at St Thomas's helps children flourish by making mathematical concepts relevant and applicable to real-life situations, enabling them to develop problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and a deeper appreciation for the practical value of mathematics in their daily lives.
Maths at St Thomas's
The National Curriculum for mathematics aims to ensure that all pupils become fluent, reason mathematically and can solve problems. We believe that a high quality Mathematics education provides a foundation for understanding the world, the ability to reason mathematically, an appreciation of the beauty and power of mathematics and a sense of enjoyment and curiosity about the subject. At St Thomas’ we use Maths No Problem resources as we are committed to ensuring that every child develops an understanding and love of maths.
With the right kind of teaching and support we can ensure this happens. Our Maths curriculum uses a problem- solving approach. We prioritise the mastery of conceptual Maths understanding through the use of real life/ everyday problems. Children explore and investigate. Communication is key as they work alongside peers to reason, explain and justify their thinking using mathematical vocabulary. Teachers carefully plan open ended, challenging questions which enable our children to make connections, identify patterns and draw conclusions about Mathematical concepts and problem solving. Misconceptions are addressed as they arise and teachers actively engage children in proving their ideas. During each lesson all children use apparatus as visual aids. As they make progress in the lesson, they move towards using pictorial and abstract representations for Mathematical concepts. We are confident that this mastery-based approach and spiral curriculum enthuses children about Maths. It ensures they can master Mathematical skills and concepts which enable them to continue learning as they progress through school.
Times Tables Rockstars at St Thomas's
What is Times Tables Rockstars?
Times Tables Rock Stars is a carefully sequenced programme of daily times tables practice with a rock star theme. Each week concentrates on a different times table, with a recommended consolidation week for rehearsing the tables that have recently been practiced every third week or so.
The programme, available as paper worksheets, webgames and as an app, has very successfully boosted times tables recall speed for hundreds of thousands of pupils over the last 9 years in over 15,000 schools - both primary and secondary - worldwide.
A majority of maths topics require multiplication knowledge and without quick recall children can fall behind. This can also affect learners’ confidence in maths or cause them to become anxious about their abilities. Teaching higher level maths can become difficult if students lack fundamental skills, such as times tables recall and so it is a crucial aspect of maths lessons.
Times Tables Rockstars is a gamified, child friendly approach that takes the boredom out of learning times tables. Children are inspired to become ‘rockstars’ through fun yet structured daily practice. The programme is gradual and sustainable, covering a different times table each week and blending division with multiplication to strengthen mathematical understanding.
Practice and consolidation is carefully integrated into the programme to strengthen confidence and recall. Children can use the Times Tables Rockstars worksheets, webgames or mobile/tablet apps (or a combination) can also be used by families to consolidate learning at home.
The rockstar theme makes learning times tables something inspiring, rather than boring. The programme also encourages celebration and excitement around times tables. Classes can track their rankings using leadership boards and attend red carpet events and regional competitions.