The National Curriculum for Maths aims to ensure that all children:
Become fluent in the fundamentals of Mathematics
Are able to reason mathematically
Can solve problems by applying their Mathematics to a variety of routine and non-routine problems, with increasing sophistication.
At Almond Hill, we want our pupils to understand that maths is an interconnected subject and to give them the skills to be able to solve problems they may face in the real world. They should also apply their mathematical knowledge to science and other subjects.
Across the school, we identify and address gaps in pupils’ understanding through regular, short fluency sessions, which take place at least three times a week. These sessions are carefully planned using information from ongoing assessments and are designed to revisit key concepts, strengthen number fluency and address any problems promptly. This approach helps ensure that pupils build confidence and secure foundations in maths before moving on to new learning.
In Year 6, assessment information is analysed in greater depth using data analysis tracking sheets. These help teachers to identify common areas of difficulty or misunderstanding across the cohort. Learning is then tailored to target these specific areas, allowing pupils to revisit and practise key skills in a focused way. This ensures that teaching is responsive to pupils’ needs and supports them in developing the knowledge and confidence required in preparation for the end-of-key-stage SATs.
Multiplication Tables (times tables)
Secure knowledge of times tables is essential for success in maths. When children can quickly recall multiplication facts, they are able to focus on problem-solving and reasoning rather than basic calculations.
Times tables support many areas of maths, including division, fractions and percentages. Regular practice helps build fluency, confidence and accuracy, preparing children to access more challenging mathematical concepts as they progress through school.
TT Rockstars
Children are expected to practise their times tables regularly using the TTRockstars website at home – this may be given as part of a child’s homework. Tournaments and battles are set by class teachers to encourage use of this tool including year group or Key stage phase battles as well as battles against the teachers!
Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check (MTC)
The Multiplication Tables Check (MTC) is a statutory assessment for all Year 4 pupils in state-funded schools in England.
The check assesses pupils’ ability to quickly recall multiplication facts up to 12×12 through a set of 25 timed questions. Secure times table knowledge is essential for success in mathematics and the MTC helps schools identify pupils who may need additional support to develop this important skill.
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Supporting at Home
Maths in the Wider World
Maths isn’t just something we do in school. It’s all around us! Helping children see maths in everyday life can make it fun and meaningful and supports their confidence and understanding.
You can support your child at home in simple ways, such as:
Cooking and baking: Measuring ingredients, doubling recipes or dividing portions.
Shopping: Calculating totals, working out change or comparing prices.
Time and schedules: Reading clocks, planning journeys or timing activities.
Games and puzzles: Board games, card games or logic puzzles that involve counting, strategy, or patterns.
Practical problem solving: Estimating quantities, measuring furniture or helping with DIY projects.
Even short, everyday activities can help children practise skills like addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions and reasoning. The more children see maths as part of their world, the more confident and curious they become learners.
At our school, we believe every child can succeed in maths. We are committed to ensuring that all pupils, regardless of ability or background, can access the curriculum and develop confidence in maths.
We recognise that some children may face barriers to learning, whether due to specific learning needs, gaps in prior knowledge or other challenges. Teachers provide tailored support, small group interventions and practical resources to help every child engage with maths and reach their potential.
Our goal is to create an inclusive learning environment where every pupil feels supported, valued and able to enjoy and succeed in maths.
Year 6 SATs Preparation
SATs Support Resources
Key stage 2 Tests
The statutory key stage 2 tests are timetabled from Monday 11 May to Thursday 14 May 2026:
Date
Activity
Monday 11 May 2026
English grammar, punctuation and spelling Papers 1 and 2
Tuesday 12 May 2026
English reading
Wednesday 13 May…
Children are assessed formatively through ongoing teacher assessment during lessons, including the use of questioning and observation to check understanding and identify next steps. This allows teachers to adapt learning and provide support or challenge where needed.
Summative assessments take place regularly to monitor progress over time. These are carried out termly in the lower school and half-termly in the upper school, helping teachers to identify strengths and areas for development.
Children are encouraged to challenge themselves and to focus on improving their own understanding, particularly in more challenging areas. Progress and effort are celebrated, both individually and as part of teams, to promote a positive and motivating approach to learning.
Whole school assessment data is collected and analysed to track progress term on term and year on year. This ensures that every child’s development is monitored carefully and that teaching and support can be adapted to meet pupils’ needs.
Last week Year 6 had a visit from staff at Barclays Bank. They arrived in their 'Big Blue Barclays Bank Bus' and spoke to the children about money, budgeting and how banking can be accessible to all.
Children thought about ensuring they do not go 'over-budget' by paying for things they did not realise they were, like subscriptions and service charges. Children considered how to prioritise spending and learnt about how to make good financial decisions. Then they got to have a 'tour' of the bus and saw what mobile banking might look like through the eyes of a customer. We feel very lucky to have had the visit and would especially like to thank Almond Hill parent Mrs Coates for organising this visit for us.
A team of four enthusiastic Year 4 students recently represented our school in an inter-school Maths Challenge. Competing against other schools, our team tackled tough problems and scored an impressive 105 out of 199. Although we didn’t make it to the final round, the team demonstrated excellent communication and teamwork throughout. We’re proud of their hard work and positive attitude!
On 1st April, we welcomed parents into school to take part in a fun, interactive maths lesson alongside their children. The morning began with a short introduction from Miss Simmons in the hall, where she shared how maths is taught at Almond Hill. Parents then joined their children in classrooms for a series of short, engaging activities designed to use a wide range of maths skills.
The session gave children a wonderful opportunity to learn with their families and to share their classroom experiences, while parents were able to see first-hand how maths is taught and how they can support learning at home. These events are always very popular and it was lovely to see how much the children enjoyed having their parents involved in their learning.
Parents with children in different year groups were able to move between classes, ensuring everyone could take part. It was a successful and enjoyable morning for all and we thank everyone who joined us.
On Monday the 3rd of March 2025, 6 year 5 children took part in a maths competition. There were 4 heats, and we were in the third one. In our heat, there were 4 rounds with lots of difficult questions. There were different kinds of questions such as estimating or just general maths questions. We had to enter our answers into a sheet of paper to then put them into answer boxes online. We will get our results on Thursday the 6th of March and we’re excited. Everyone that took part tried hard while helping others. We were a great team and I’ve never seen anybody work so well together. I just want to say a huge thank you to Miss Porter and anyone else involved in the challenge.
Written by Pollie.
Miss Porter's update: All the children worked so hard but unfortunately we didn't make it to the final. We scored 150 points which was amazing! Teams that made it through to the final scored 158 and over so we were quite close! Well done Pollie, Emelia, Emmanuel, Nilashini, Kayal and Adam!
From 16th to 22nd January, Year 5 took part in a TTRockstars Battle of the Bands! The tournament was girls vs boys. Initially, the boys gained a massive lead over the girls and it seemed almost impossible that they would catch up. However, the girls fought hard and had an amazing comeback! The final scores were 1434 for the boys and 1433 for the girls. A massive well done to the children who took part- I'm sure they will enjoy their reward of an extra play time!
An extra special shout out to Barnaby, Jack and Nabhan who were the top contributors for the boy's team and to Pollie, Millie R and Scarlett who were the top contributors for the girl's team!
