At Bridge & Patrixbourne CEP School, we recognise the vital role mathematics plays in our pupils’ lives. As a maintained school guided by Christian values, we are committed to nurturing a love of learning and equipping every pupil with the mathematical skills they need to understand and engage confidently with the world around them.
Our Approach to Mathematics
Mathematics is much more than numbers and calculations; it is a powerful language that helps pupils make sense of the world. We strive to foster a healthy and enthusiastic attitude towards maths through teaching that is both enjoyable and relevant to everyday life.
Our teaching approach:
- Encourages interactive learning, where pupils experiment with ideas, test the reasonableness of their answers, and ask questions to deepen understanding.
- Develops problem-solving skills, logical reasoning, and accuracy.
- Enables pupils to apply maths concepts to real-life situations, making learning meaningful and purposeful.
- Provides opportunities for pupils to work both collaboratively and independently, helping them build confidence and resilience.
What We Want for Every Pupil
Reflecting our school vision, inspired by Jesus’ words, “I am the vine, you are the branches” (John 15:5), we aim to help every pupil flourish and grow in their mathematical journey. Our core values of Service, Forgiveness, Trust, Generosity, and Compassion underpin how we teach and learn mathematics together.
We believe all pupils should:
- Develop a deep understanding of maths and number concepts.
- Build a positive and resilient attitude towards mathematics, appreciating its fascination.
- Gain competence and confidence in mathematical knowledge, concepts, and skills.
- Be able to solve problems, reason logically, and work systematically.
- Express their ideas fluently using mathematical language.
- Understand the importance of maths in everyday life.
- Take ownership of their learning, becoming independent and reflective learners.
How This Looks in Practice
Our teachers work tirelessly to create lessons that balance new learning with the reinforcement of previously learned skills. For example, pupils might explore measurement through hands-on activities in our Forest School, linking maths to the natural world - living out our value of generosity by caring for our environment.
We also use regular problem-solving challenges and reasoning tasks to build perseverance and trust in one’s own abilities, fostering a growth mindset that aligns with our vision of helping pupils become the best versions of themselves.
Parental Support
We encourage parents to engage with their child’s learning by:
- Celebrating their successes and resilience when tackling challenging problems.
- Discussing how maths is used in everyday activities, from shopping to cooking.
- Supporting home-learning and school projects that encourage curiosity and enquiry.
