Mathematics is a creative and interconnected discipline. It is essential to everyday life, critical to science, technology and engineering, and necessary for financial literacy and most forms of employment. A high-quality mathematics education provides a foundation for understanding the world, the ability to reason mathematically, an appreciation of the aesthetics and power of mathematics, and a sense of enjoyment and curiosity about the subject. Mathematics at Codnor Primary School reflects the purposeful journey for the whole child. Maths is a journey and long-term goal, achieved through exploration, clarification, practice and application over time.

Mathematics is a subject in which pupils need to be able to move fluently between representations of mathematical ideas. The programmes of study are organised into apparently distinct areas, but pupils should make connections across mathematical ideas and in different contexts to develop fluency, mathematical reasoning and competence in problem solving. Children are frequently given opportunities to revisit previous learning to help them to retain. We encourage pupils to make links between subjects, supporting their understanding of how skills learnt in other areas of the curriculum can be revisited and further developed.

Aims:

• An understanding of the important concepts and an ability to make connections within mathematics.
• A broad range of skills in using and applying mathematics.
• Fluent knowledge and recall of number facts and the number system.
• The ability to show initiative in solving problems in a wide range of contexts, including the new or unusual.
• The ability to think independently and to persevere when faced with challenges, showing a confidence of success.
• The ability to embrace the value of learning from mistakes.
• The ability to reason, generalise and make sense of solutions.
• Fluency in performing written and mental calculations and mathematical techniques.
• A wide range of mathematical vocabulary.
• A commitment to and passion for the subject.

Through sequences of lessons, pupils’ mathematical skills and concepts are built, reinforced, and transferred into other contexts, allowing children to deepen their understanding and remember what they learn. 

These key mathematical skills and concepts are:

• Know and use numbers
• Add and subtract
• Multiply and divide
• Use fractions
• Understand the properties of shapes
• Describe position, direction and movement
• Use measures
• Use statistics
• Use algebra

Our pupils leave Codnor Primary School with the knowledge to think, act, and speak like a mathematician, and they value the transference of these skills into their everyday life, in education and beyond.

What is Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check (MTC)?

The Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check (MTC) is a short online test designed to check how quickly and accurately children can recall their times tables facts up to 12×12.

• Format: 25 questions with 6 seconds to answer each.

• Purpose: Helps ensure your child is fluent in multiplication before moving on to more complex maths in Key Stage 2.

• When: Usually taken in June, in school.

Information for Parents

We use this current website to track pupils progress - Mock MTC. 

Times tables are the foundation of maths. Mastery helps with:

• Fractions, division and problem solving.

• Real-life tasks like calculating money and measurements.

• Building confidence for future learning.

Tips & Tricks for Parents

1. Keep Practice Short and Fun 

Aim for 5-10 minutes a day instead of long sessions. Use timers to make it playful.

2. Make it a game 

• Try online games like  TTRockstars or Hit the Button. These are both available as apps. Miss Laven will have your child's login details for TTRockstars. 

• Use flashcards for quick-fire challenges.

• Turn car journeys or walks into “quickfire times tables” sessions.

3. Use Real-Life Maths Moments 

Cooking? Ask: “If we double this recipe, how many eggs do we need?”

Shopping? “If one apple costs 30p, what do 4 cost?”

4. Celebrate Progress 

Praise effort as well as results. Consider a sticker chart, certificates or small rewards.

5. Stay Positive About Speed 

If your child struggles with quick recall, focus on accuracy first. The speed will come naturally with practice.

FAQs

Q: How often should my child practise?
A: Little and often - 5-10 minutes every day works best.

Q: Do they need to know all tables up to 12×12?
A: Yes, all tables from 1 to 12.

Q: My child is anxious about tests, what should I do?
A: Focus on small successes, avoid high-pressure talk and remind them the check is just one way to see their progress.

Q: My child can already do their times tables - is there a way to give them more challenge?

• First, make sure that the child has instant recall - that is, they just know the answer to a fact like 6×8 without having to count: "8, 16, 24, 32, 40, 48".
• Challenge them with division. "The times table we are working on is 8. The answer is 48. What was the question?", or "What's 48 divided by 8?", "What's 48 divided by 6?"
• If they get all that, include multiples of 10/100/1000. "What's 60×8?", "What's 6×80?", "What's 60×80?", etc.
• If they're thirsty for more and you want to really push it, include multiples of 10/100/1000 with division. "What's 480 divided by 8?", "What's 480 divided by 60?", etc

The better that children can manipulate numbers like this, the easier they will find their maths in later years, and the more they'll love it!

Tips and Tricks from Year 5