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Numeracy

Mathematics is a body of knowledge and experience, which provides a way of viewing and making sense of the world. It is used to analyze and communicate information and ideas and to tackle a range of practical tasks and real life problems. Mathematics also provides the means for creating new imaginative worlds to explore, and it is through this exploration that new Mathematics is created and current ideas are modified and extended. As a subject, Mathematics is a vehicle through which to develop the key skills and skills framework ideas. Our vision is to create a learning environment which aims to help children enjoy learning mathematical concepts whilst having fun.

It is important to us to ensure that Mathematics is delivered in such a way as to engage our learners, in order that:

  • Pupils are prepared for life outside school
  • Pupils develop skills to problem solve in their daily lives
  • Pupils develop cognitive skills and logical thinking
  • Pupils develop an awareness of patterns, relationships, structures and order in life
  • We promote enjoyment in learning and confidence in the use of mathematics which leads to independence
  • Pupils develop qualities such as perseverance, co-operation, and self-organisation
  • We help as many pupils as possible, leave school with a recognised qualification as part of their basic skills

Effective teaching of Mathematics includes:

  • Mathematics is taught via a wealth of first hand and sensory experiences. It is a subject that is practical and stimulates curiosity and a willingness to explore the environment
  • Differentiation which is applied to all pupils and they work to individually prepared targets which comprise of small, achievable steps to ensure success
  • Support staff playing a vital role to help all pupils, however challenged, to participate fully in the experience. They need to be fully conversant with recommendations from other professionals in the Multi-Disciplinary team
  • Pupils in the Secondary Department, where there is a greater emphasis on Life Skills, are taught Mathematics in an age appropriate way relevant to their personal development.
  • Key Stage 4 and 5 – Pupils will follow individual programmes linked to accredited modules and pupils work towards accreditation such as  OCR Life and Living Skills Personal Progress and Essential Skills Wales. Mathematics is largely presented in relation to real life situations such as the encounters that pupils have with handling money in the community
  • In Ysgol Ty Coch, we believe each pupil is an individual and this means we need to be flexible in our approach. Mathematics lessons will include:
  • Demonstration, explanation and instruction by the class teacher to groups,
  • individuals and the whole class
  • Practical/play activities to provide meaningful contexts
  • Whole class discussions
  • Problem solving and investigation skills
  • Sensory experiences in line with Les Staves training -
  • Commercially available schemes e.g. Numicon, Abacus Maths
  • Content to stretch the more able
  • Songs, rhymes and creative activity
  • Physical activity e.g. outdoor adventurous activity, PE, physiotherapy, swimming
  • ICT – use of interactive whiteboard and computer

Pupils in Ysgol Ty Coch are assessed in Mathematics under the following disciplines. In addition, the Numeracy framework is used as an essential planning tool to facilitate broader numeracy skills

  • Using and Applying
  • Number
  • Shape, Space and Measure 
  • Handing data