Mathematics provides a way of viewing and making sense of the world. It is a powerful, universal language used to analyse and communicate information and ideas and to tackle a range of practical tasks and real life problems. Mathematics also provides the material and means for creating new imaginative worlds to explore. Through exploration within mathematics itself, new mathematics is created and current ideas are modified and extended.
Both in tackling problems and in exploring within the subject itself, mathematics has the capacity not just to describe and explain but also to predict. This gives mathematics the power and persuasiveness that accounts for its importance in the school curriculum.
At Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic First School, we aim not only to prepare our children for the next stage of their education, but also to lay the foundations for successful lives after school. Our aim is to prepare our children for the jobs of tomorrow, which will require greater mathematical skills than in the past, including thinking mathematically in order to use technology that does not yet exist.
The aims of our Mathematics teaching at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic First School are aligned with the aims of the National Curriculum: fluency, reasoning and problem solving. We recognise that pupils need to learn basic number facts and acquire fluency in procedures, alongside developing conceptual understanding if they are to be able to solve increasingly complex problems in life and later in the workplace.
A mastery approach to the teaching of mathematics has been adopted, so we have high expectations of all our pupils. We endeavour to make the mathematics curriculum accessible to all pupils; moving them through the programme of study at broadly the same pace. All children need a deep understanding of the mathematics they are learning in order that future learning is built upon firm foundations. Part of this approach includes adopting a ‘growth mindset’. Children are encouraged to believe they are all capable of learning and doing mathematics, given sufficient time, good teaching, appropriate resources and effort.
Why We Are Using KIRFs Across Our School
At OLMC, we are committed to helping every child build strong foundations in mathematics. One of the ways we are doing this is by replacing Rapid Recall and introducing KIRFs (Key Instant Recall Facts) as a whole-school strategy.
What are KIRFs?
KIRFs are carefully selected number facts that children are expected to learn and recall instantly. These include facts such as number bonds, times tables, doubles and halves, and place value knowledge. They are designed to support children’s mental maths and fluency.
Why are KIRFs important?
How will it work?
Each half term, children will focus on a specific set of KIRFs appropriate to their year group. These will be practised in school and shared with families to support learning at home. Regular practice helps embed these facts into long-term memory.
How can you help at home?
We’ll provide simple activities and games to make practising KIRFs fun and engaging. Just a few minutes a day can make a big difference!