'If you want to be part of tomorrow's world, you'll need mathematics and statistics just as much as grammar and syntax.'

(Dr Colin Sparrow, Lecturer in Mathematics, University of Cambridge

The importance of Mathematics is well recognised in making sense of the world around us. At Our Lady's we encourage practical investigation and place emphasis on children's ability to calculate mentally. This involves children knowing their number bonds and the their tables, so that they can use these to aid their mental strategies. There is a great deal of emphasis on mathematical language and the explanation of the various strategies used for calculations. In School, children use the format of the Numeracy Hour to undertake their daily maths sessions. The lessons encourage and reinforce number concepts and formation, using a variety of practical activities.

The first part of this session always involves oral activities. Here children are encouraged to improve and practice their mental capabilities. The second part of the lesson will have a particular focus selected from number work, shape and space or data handling. Over the year children will experience the full range of Mathematics at their level; Careful planning and assessment also ensures that aspects are revisited, so that the children are well grounded before they move to a higher level. The plenary forms the final part of the Numeracy session. Here the teacher may emphasise the main objectives of the lesson, evaluate how for the children have progressed, take the learning forward with a related activity or give the children their differentiated homework.

During the Numeracy Session, children will experience whole class interactive teaching, as well as working in groups, with partners and carrying out tasks independently. Real life problems will be used, where possible, for investigations and to put the topic into a real context.

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