Underpinning any mathematical work is a strong recall of number facts.  The aim of maths is to be able to solve problems.  Students who have a strong knowledge of number facts, such as times tables, in their long-term memories have the ability and confidence to tackle problems with less demands on their working memory.  To help our students with this we devote time every day to learning number facts and revisiting them constantly to put that knowledge our long-term memories.  We use a combination of fun class-based games, apps such as Times Tables Rock Stars and weekly timed quizzes. 

Fluency in a variety of mathematical concepts and procedures enables students to think faster and more clearly, giving them the energy, attention and concentration to tackle complex problem-solving and reasoning questions.  It is an essential building block in being a confident mathematician.  Students who have fluency are able to think about mathematics on a strategic level. Our daily maths lessons are structured in such a way as to develop fluency and allow children appropriate time to practise these skills.  We prioritise time in our day to ensure we revisit key skills to ensure our fluency is strong. 

When core knowledge and fluency is strong, our pupils develop reasoning and problem-solving skills.  Reasoning in maths is the process of applying logical thinking to a situation to derive the correct problem-solving strategy for a given question, and using this method to develop and describe a solution.   

Problem solving in maths is finding a way to apply knowledge and skills you have to answer unfamiliar types of problems. 

All our pupils are given the opportunity to reason and problem solve at a level appropriate to their ability and so get the chance to apply all the hard work they have done developing their fluency.