At Ravenscourt Park Preparatory School (RPPS)m we are passionate about Maths and our pupils thrive. In the Lower School, they are immersed in real life examples where the language of Maths is fundamental in developing an understanding of key concepts. To us, Maths is more than just learning about number, shape and measures. It is a voyage of discovery and investigation which encourages children to explore and solve problems of increasing complexity as their understanding and skills levels deepen. They are encouraged to ask questions, learn to think strategically, make decisions and explain their reasoning. This leads to them applying their knowledge, spotting patterns, making predictions and progressing towards solutions – of which there may be more than one.
Developing early Maths skills is crucial for laying a strong foundation for future learning, and the use of concrete apparatus and models plays a vital role in this process. By engaging with tangible objects such as blocks, counters, shapes, sorting equipment and number lines, children can explore mathematical concepts in a hands-on manner, making the move towards more abstract ideas and procedures much more accessible. For instance, when learning addition and subtraction, children can physically combine and separate counters to represent objects and visualise the process, thereby fostering a deeper understanding. As pupils become more comfortable with these concrete representations, teachers can gradually introduce more abstract concepts, models, symbols and equations. This bridging from concrete to abstract working not only enhances comprehension but also builds confidence, enabling children to tackle more complex mathematical challenges as they progress.
We believe that collaboration is a vital part of learning Maths. In the Lower School, our pupils can often be found engaged in paired or group activities. They are encouraged to work together to solve problems, share ideas and explore mathematical concepts. They are encouraged to work together to solve problems, share ideas and explore Maths in a supportive environment. Through engagement in collaborative projects and interactive games, children learn to communicate their thought processes, listen to each other and further develop their critical thinking skills. By promoting collaboration in Maths, we prepare our pupils to become confident problem solvers, effective communicators and children learn to communicate their thought processes, listen to each other and further develop their critical thinking skills. By promoting collaboration in Maths, we prepare our students to become confident problem solvers and effective communicators, ready to tackle challenges in and out of the classroom.
One child’s challenge is not another’s. Bearing this in mind, one of our primary tasks is to balance progression with the diverse needs of each pupil. Our teaching staff get to know their children and their needs very quickly, appreciating that pupils are individuals with varied paces and styles of learning, and this is reflected in the tasks they are given. Differentiation is key and as such, teaching staff must employ a range of instructional strategies, such as hands on activities, visual aids and technology, to engage each learner effectively. By fostering a supportive environment that encourages exploration and problem solving, teachers can help pupils build self-confidence and ensure that each child progresses at their own pace whilst mastering essential skills. This tailored approach not only enhances understanding but also nurtures a lifelong passion for Maths. Lessons are progressive, each next step a little more complex than the previous. There is a general misconception that challenge means bigger numbers. We challenge children by embedding their skills, knowledge and understanding in rich reasoning tasks where they can apply what they know in a range of scenarios and expect them to explain their reasoning using concise mathematical vocabulary.
We prioritise the development of mathematical fluency through engaging and interactive methods. We focus on essential skills such as number bonds, which are foundational to understanding addition and subtraction. Pupils will explore bonds to 10 and beyond using visual aids, games and hands on activities and in doing so, will foster a strong grasp of how numbers relate to one another. Speed and accuracy are key, but we go beyond mere rote memorisation. Pupils develop a deep understanding of underlying concepts and relationships that them allow them to explain their reasoning and delve into more complex problems and tasks and more complex concepts in the future.
In our Lower School, technology is an important part of how we learn and have fun with the various aspects of Maths. We use iPads and digital tools to make Maths concepts come alive and stimulate the senses. For instance, pupils can explore shapes and patterns using interactive apps and games which help them understand these ideas better. We use online resources to support learning number bonds, and which allow the children to challenge themselves to beat the clock. By combining traditional method of learning with technology, we not only make Maths exciting but also help pupils feel comfortable using digital tools as they progress through their education with us.
