The Mathematics Department here at The Downs Malvern aims to support all children in becoming confident learners and to prepare them for their senior schools. Mathematics is a vital subject that children need to be familiar with and use confidently both in school and later in their adult lives. We believe lessons at TDM enable children to do this and to develop an enthusiasm for the subject that will stay with them for life.
In Pre-prep, children learn about fundamental mathematical concepts through lessons that incorporate hands-on activities, fostering their confidence in working with numbers, shapes, space, and measures. The use of appropriate language enables the development of their mathematical vocabulary, and children are supported when applying their knowledge of calculations while recording their ideas.
In Years 3 & 4, children are equipped with tools to ease the transition from the practical activities enjoyed in Pre-Prep to the more formal and abstract elements of mathematics encountered in later years. We strive to maintain a sense of enjoyment and fun, aiming to build confident and independent mathematicians who can make connections between their existing knowledge and skills. This ability allows them to access new learning opportunities and apply their mathematical understanding in problem-solving contexts.
We follow the White Rose Mastery Scheme of Work from Year 1 up to Year 6. This is aligned with the National Curriculum. White Rose is designed to nurture confidence in Maths by discussing mathematical ideas, as well as these ideas being represented in a variety of ways, to enable a deeper understanding of them, while also developing curiosity.
Children in Year 7 & 8 follow the ISEB CE 13+ syllabus in their lessons. So whatever leavers’ destination school is planned for the children will be prepared appropriately. As part of the TDM Baccalaureate, pupils understanding is assessed against this syllabus on an ongoing basis via end of term assessments over the two year period.
Children are given opportunities to develop their knowledge and interest further through weekly activities such as Japanese Puzzles and Problem-Solving Maths. Children are also entered for national competitions, such as The Primary Maths Challenge and the UKMT Junior Maths Challenge, as well as other local school competitions. There is also a Maths Adventure Day for children in Year 6 and a Spring Maths Quest for children in Year 5-7.
Robin Cleaver, Head of Maths