A holistic approach to developing fluency of times tables in KS2 and number bonds in KS1
Fluency is a key element of the 5 big ideas (NCETM Mastery) and a core component of the National Curriculum. With the upcoming introduction of a Times Tables Test, this will become a focal point for schools. Focusing on a holistic approach to develop fluency will benefit all schools, and help to introduce or embed mastery principles. The project will focus on the development of fluency in both KS1 and lower KS2 concurrently – with a focus on number bonds and times tables respectively. Fluency demands more of students than memorization of a single procedure.
Fluency rests on a well-built mathematical foundation with three parts:
- An understanding of the meaning of the operations and their relationships to each other.
- The knowledge of a large repertoire of number relationships and structures.
- A thorough understanding of the base ten number system. (Russell, 2000)
The project aims to help develop best practice in order to create a cohesive whole-school approach incorporating key subject knowledge, conceptual understanding, structural understanding, models and images and subordinated practice. Whilst developing teacher subject knowledge, teachers and maths leads will be able to reflect on curriculum provision.
What does the project involve?
The project will one full day of training, followed by three twilights across the Autumn and Spring Term. Between sessions there will be gap tasks involving trialling and implementing the use of the approaches and strategies explored in the sessions. Whilst there will be direct input from the project leaders, the expectation is that attendees also seek out best practice in this area, trial it and feedback to the group.
The project’s aims involve supporting teachers to:
- Have a deeper understanding of the elements of effective fluency teaching
- Develop key subject knowledge in relation to number bonds or time tables, the associated models and images and key mathematical structures
- Learn key strategies of effective practice
- Develop an understanding of subordinated practice
- Develop a bank of fun games, chants and activities to develop children’s aptitude at learning key facts.
Schools can choose to send a member of staff for the KS1 sessions or the KS2 sessions or both, however all teachers must attend the first full day on Tuesday 16th October 2018 and the last Twilight on Thursday 21st March 2019.
Dates:
Tuesday 16th October 9:00am – 3:30pm
Gap Task
Tuesday 6th November KS1 (Twilight) 4:00pm-6:00pm
Thursday 8th November KS2 (Twilight) 4:00pm-6:00pm
Gap Task
Tuesday 15th January KS1 (Twilight) 4:00pm-6:00pm
Thursday 17th January KS2(Twilight) 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Gap Task
Thursday 21st March KS1 and KS2 (Twilight) 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Venue
Fox Primary School
Kensington Place
W8 7PP
In order to apply to be a part of this project, you will need to fill out an Expression of Interest Form. The deadline to fill this out is Friday 13th July 2018.
Contact michelle.foster@lcwmathshub.co.uk
*The London Central and West Maths Hub reserves the right to charge a £75 fee for non-attendance to the sessions or for cancellations to any of the sessions with less than 14 days’ notice.