BIRMINGHAMTHEBLUECOATSCHOOL1722

Maths vision statement

An Infinite Exploration

A teacher sat at a desk with a pupil who is writing and asking the teacher a question.

Vision

The Blue Coat School’s vision for the Maths curriculum in Prep is built on the following principles which underpin our teaching and learning:

  • The wonder of number and awe of discovery
  • A quest for knowledge
  • Fastening firm foundations; linking logic
  • Fuelling tomorrow’s problem solvers

In The Classroom

Our teachers have a real passion for Mathematics and aim to promote enjoyment and enthusiasm through engaging mental activities, practical tasks, enquiry, exploration and discussion. Our vision is for the children to leave The Blue Coat School as confident and highly-competent mathematicians with a depth of understanding of the subject and the ability to apply their learning.

We cover all aspects of the National Curriculum for Mathematics and extend and enrich our curriculum with a variety of challenges and events, utilising links with other subject areas. In Prep, the children are set for Mathematics lessons to ensure appropriate challenge for each and every child.

A teacher sat at a desk with a pupil who is writing and asking the teacher a question.

29

pupils from BCS progressed through to the bonus round of the Primary Maths Challenge in 2022 putting them in the top 4% nationally.

A teacher sat at a desk with a pupil who is writing and asking the teacher a question.

82%

of Year 6 pupils scored above the national average in INCAS Mental Arithmetic tests in 2022

A teacher sat at a desk with a pupil who is writing and asking the teacher a question.

92%

of Year 6 pupils scored above the national average in INCAS General Maths tests in 2022

A girl is sat at the desk writing and asking her teacher a question.

Small MATHS Classes

In Year 5 and Year 6, Maths is taught in sets. There are typically five sets per year group, enabling smaller class sizes. This also enables pupils to learn amongst like-minded pupils, who are similar in ability and learning styles. Our senior school results show that this approach to teaching Maths is highly effective in stimulating excellent subject knowledge and thus securing entry to senior schools of choice.

An Extraordinary Lesson

There are dedicated days throughout the year which celebrate Maths with a special holistic timetable. For example, Pi Day is celebrated annually in March. Pupils across Prep will learn all about Pi from the value to the Pi song. These enrichment days offer an immersive learning experience to consolidate pupils’ understanding in a fun and hands-on way.

Blue Coat students happily study sat at their desk in their classroom
A girl smiles at the camera with an iPad in front of her on the desk.
Two boys look at an iPad screen during a Computing lesson.

1:1 iPads:
Maths

Using the iPads in Maths provides pupils with a range of opportunities to apply their understanding in different ways, to show their reasoning and to problem solve.

The pupils are able to access apps such as Times Tables Rockstars, on a daily basis, helping to improve their mental recall of important number facts.

Pupils can represent numbers in different ways using place value counters and base 10. Or they can record voice notes to explain their understanding of a particular topic.

The opportunities for innovative and meaningful learning experiences using iPads are limitless. 

LIFELONG LOVE OF LEARNING

Pupils have the opportunity to represent the School in several Mathematics competitions throughout the year. We are multiple winners of the King Edwards School Borcherds Maths Challenge Trophy. In addition to previously winning the Malvern St James Year 4 Team Maths Challenge. Year 6 pupils have reached the semi-finals of the Quiz Club’s National Mathematics Inter-School Quiz Championship numerous times in the past.

Many pupils also take part in the National Primary Maths Challenge which is aimed at the top 60% of pupils in Years 5 and 6 across England and Wales.Â