a more excellent way
0121 693 7742
Digbeth, Birmingham
The school has an explicit and aspirational vision which permeates and drives forward its Christian and inclusive service to its pupils and their families. As one pupil said, “it doesn’t matter what race or religion you are, all are welcome at Harper Bell”. At its heart the vision and associated values celebrate a biblical understanding of the value of the individual as a gift from, and created by, God.
Section 48 Inspection: Grade Excellent, July 2022
MATHEMATICS
Curriculum Intention
At Harper Bell, we recognise that mathematics is essential to everyday life. Our mission in mathematics is for ALL children to become confident, and fluent mathematicians who have a deep and positive understanding of the universal language of Maths. We aspire for our children to be logical thinkers, applying their mathematical learning to reasoning and solving problems; skills vital for everyday life opportunities, alongside being fluent in their understanding of the number system.
Curriculum Implementation
At Harper Bell, we use the White Rose documentation to support the delivery of our mathematics curriculum. This scheme breaks mathematical knowledge down into small steps, allowing children time to develop and internalise key concepts. Within White Rose, learning is sequenced in a way that allows children to build their mental models and make links to prior learning. The blocked units give learners the opportunity to access key mathematical principles in a variety of ways, expanding their conceptual understanding, and allowing time to revisit and practice these skills. This falls in line with our curriculum approach of retrieval and spaced practice.
Curriculum Impact
Our pupils at Harper Bell will have a positive attitude and learning disposition in mathematics, understanding that it is a skill that is used to solve everyday problems. Children will speak enthusiastically about mathematics lessons and show pride in their presentation and understanding of mathematics concepts. Teachers, parents and pupils will continue to have high expectations of what learning can be achieved in mathematics and value this subject as a building block for everyday life.
Curriculum Summary
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The White Rose document breaks learning down into small steps and supports the deepening of mathematical concepts.
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The CPA Approach will allow children to see the structure behind a problem and to contextualise mathematical learning.
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Key mathematical language and vocabulary is embedded within lessons.
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The five-part lesson model is in place for revision and retrieval of prior knowledge, explicit teaching and deliberate practice.
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The whole-class teaching approach sets high expectations that ALL children will experience success within a mathematical lesson, with scaffolds in place to support ALL children in achieving this.
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In KS1, children will access the Mastering Number program to develop proficiently, fluency and confidence in calculations and the number system.
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All children will explore the National Curriculum aims of fluency, problem solving and reasoning in the mathematics curriculum.
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Children build their confidence and develop positive attitudes and learning dispositions in mathematics by experiencing success in every lesson.
