At Langley Fitzurse, we use ‘Maths – No Problem!’ resources to support our children in becoming the best mathematicians they can be. We aim for children to leave primary school with a solid foundation of the mathematical tools and ideas that they will need to grow further. Mathematics is seen as an important subject across the school, which we approach in a positive way, showing appreciation that it is useful and that anyone can achieve in mathematics.

‘Maths – No Problem!’ is a research-driven approach to teaching mathematics, which encourages children to learn to think mathematically rather than reciting formulas or ‘tricks’ they don’t truly understand. The focus is on discussion and exploration rather than simply working out an answer: we encourage the children to explain their thoughts and challenge them to think of multiple ways that they could solve the same problem. This helps to build number sense and fluency in maths, rather than a reliance on using the same method every time.

We use a concrete, pictorial, abstract approach. This means that children are introduced to new concepts through using concrete resources and materials such as counters, Unifix or Dienes blocks (base ten). They are also shown a range of pictorial representations such as part-whole models and bar models to help them to picture their learning. This helps children to understand mathematical concepts when they are given more abstract problems to work on.

Collaboration and discussion are hugely important aspects of our maths lessons – you will rarely find a silent maths lesson at Langley Fitzurse! Discussion is seen as essential to learning and children are encouraged to discuss their thoughts, ideas and methods with a partner, group or the teacher. Children work both collaboratively and independently when solving problems which require them to persevere and develop resilience.