Mathematics

Maths lessons at Marden Bridge Middle School are designed to foster a love of learning and a deep understanding of mathematical concepts. This allows us to set high expectations for everyone and provide tailored support to those who may need it. Our lessons are structured around small, carefully thought-out steps to build fluency and confidence. We emphasise reasoning and problem-solving skills, encouraging students to think critically and explain their thought processes. To enhance learning, we incorporate the use of manipulatives and technology, providing students with concrete and visual representations of mathematical ideas. By creating a supportive and engaging learning environment, we aim to equip our students with the mathematical skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the future.

 

In every lesson there is a sharp focus on communicating, using the correct mathematical vocabulary, explaining why a statement or calculation may be incorrect and sharing an approach to problem solving.  Mistakes (misconceptions) are celebrated and shared so all pupils can benefit from errors made and learn from them. Answers are not always the focus and often it is the exploration of strategies that is important and honing them to find an efficient method. Differentiation is through depth rather than acceleration or different content. Staff use hashtags to promote reasoning and deepening the pupil’s understanding. 

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Stem Sentences:
Stem sentences are used throughout lessons to expose key mathematical concepts. We expect the children to answer in full sentences ‘I think the answer is ____ because.’This moves the emphasis away from a performance culture, where we are merely looking for the answer, to a culture that allows for exploration and deep mathematical understanding of the process to get to an answer.

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Feedback Marking
During the lesson adults will often mark with the children to allow instant feedback. This is often through whole group feedback, group discussions or individual ‘over the shoulder’ marking.
We use:
Teacher marks/ reviews exit tickets.
Green men to identify pupils who will work with the teacher in the following lesson.

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We celebrate mistakes and use these as a vehicle to enhance learning. Children use purple pens to make corrections in their work.

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