Maths at Offley
Overview
In maths lessons your child will learn a variety of skills which are linked as closely as possible to real life situations. Children learn best when they are enjoying themselves; we aim for children to learn maths in a fun and engaging manner through practical activities, games, ICT and written work.
Maths is an abstract concept which children need lots of practical and hands on experiences to fully understand it, these experiences are often scaffolded in ways that you may not have learned at school. Many parents can be confused by how we 'do' maths these days, but we are following the mastery route which focuses on a small steps approach which eventually leads to a fuller and broader understanding of maths. We use a range of schemes, including Maths No Problem and White Rose mastery materials. We aim for children to be engaged and challenged in all maths lessons while still building their skills and confidence.
Tables Tests
Multiplication is so important in so many aspects of maths that we have awards to encourage children to learn their tables at home.
BRONZE = 10, 5 and 2 times-tables.
SILVER = 3, 4, and 8 times-tables.
GOLD = 6, 9, 7, 11 and 12 times-tables.
Is your child pestering you to earn a tables award badge? To achieve a badge they need to know by heart (including missing numbers) the tables facts. This is not counting in 2s but knowing 5x2 = 10 etc. They also need to know _x6=18 etc The test involves 30 questions which they have to answer in 3mins in KS2 and 4mins in KS1. To pass they have to get 29 out of 30 correct or 58 out of 60 on the mixed tables sheet. We build up to the award by testing each multiplication table over separate weeks and once they have passed them indivdually they have to pass a test which mixes up the multiplication facts involved for the award. That way we are sure they really do know them.
At the beginning of each year group children need to prove they are at the stage shown by their badges before moving on to the next stage - often children need a refresher after the summer break and this also ensures that if they are transitioning into KS2 they get used to a quicker speed.
Each child from year 2 up to year 6 has a login for Times Table Rockstars and we encourage the children to use this to practise their tables. Most children will be working on the automatic training programme and this
Finally if they lose their badge it will cost the child £1 for a new one. Children are asked to swap their badges when they achieve the next award or alternatively pay £1 to keep them. Children are not asked to pay for their new award only their older ones if they wish to keep them. Therefore Gold awards should not ever be paid for, unless they lose it!
Recommended websites
Here you will find a range of games for your children to help practice mental arithmetic.
Below are links to fun multiplication games that we recommend.
Times Table Rockstars - https://play.ttrockstars.com/auth/school/student
Interactive resources pupil login: offley password: offley
There is 'times tables' folder here with a variety of games, some of which are very challenging! This also uses Flash Player so you would need an app like Puffin Free if using an ipad
Multiplication.com A firm favourite for all age groups!
