Head of Primary Message Week 7

This week, I’d like to share with you some insights into how we approach Maths at ISB.

One of the most fascinating journeys we see children take at ISB is through their Maths learning, from the very first steps in Early Years, all the way to becoming confident, capable problem solvers by the end of Year 6.

In the Early Years, the focus is on building deep, foundational understanding. The Early Learning Goals for Mathematics highlight the importance of children being able to:

• Recognise and understand numbers to 10 and how they are made up.

• Subitise: instantly recognise small quantities without needing to count them one by one.

• Recall number bonds (for example, knowing instantly that 3 and 7 make 10).

• Spot patterns in numbers, compare quantities, and begin to explore ideas such as doubles, odds and evens.

This approach, rooted in research into how young children develop mathematical thinking, places great importance on noticing, seeing relationships and patterns in the world around us. Subitising and noticing are not just early tricks of the trade; they are the bedrock for all later mathematical fluency.

As students move through Primary, our Maths curriculum is built on the Mastery approach. Adapted to suit our international context, it aims to ensure all children:

• Become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics.

• Reason mathematically, using precise mathematical language.

• Solve problems, from the routine to the complex, with persistence and creativity.

At ISB, mastery does not mean racing ahead. Instead, it means going deeper. Whole classes move through concepts at the same pace, but students are challenged through depth rather than acceleration. With regular formative assessment, we identify knowledge gaps and address them quickly so no child is left behind. Each new area of learning begins with an assessment of what students already know, before building carefully on that prior knowledge.

This approach is underpinned by educational research into how the brain learns. Knowledge like reading, writing, and mathematics is not something humans have evolved to acquire naturally, it must be explicitly taught. For knowledge to be stored in long-term memory, it must first be processed by the very limited working memory. By ensuring children master number facts such as bonds and times tables, we free up their working memory for solving more complex problems. In short, knowledge is power: the more mathematical knowledge children have mastered, the more they can think like experts when tackling new challenges.

This is why we use tools such as TT Rock Stars and NumBots, and why times tables and number bonds are celebrated so strongly. For a student who has mastered these, 7x7 is not a calculation, it’s instantly seen as 49. That instant retrieval is what allows the working memory to focus on the bigger picture of a problem.

Through worked models, carefully sequenced progression, and opportunities to represent ideas with objects and pictures as well as numbers and symbols, students are given the right tools at the right time. We know some parents feel that 'Maths isn’t taught the way it used to be.' To support you, we have created a mini-series of video resources that show exactly how these methods work in practice, with printable guides to use at home.

Above all, what do we want for our students in Maths?

• To enjoy Maths.

• To feel confident using a range of methods and resources.

• To apply their knowledge to the real world.

• To become successful, resilient mathematicians.

We know that motivation and achievement go hand in hand, and the research tells us that in Maths, achievement comes first. Experiencing success leads to greater motivation. By giving students the secure knowledge they need, we open the door to that success and, with it, to a genuine enjoyment of Maths.

Parents will see this journey in action through Seesaw: the noticing and subitising, the fluency and reasoning, and the mastery and problem-solving. Underpinning all of it is our belief that with the right teaching, the right tools, and the right support, every child can succeed in Maths, and enjoy doing so.

If you have any questions about any aspect of school life, please do not hesitate to message in Seesaw.

Mr Michael Everett | Head of Primary

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🗓️ Tuesday 7th & Wednesday 8th October - Parent Teacher Consultations

🗓️ Monday 13th - Friday 17th October - Half Term Break

🗓️ Friday 24th October - International Day 🌏

🗓️ Friday 7th November - Celebration of Learning (Open Morning for all)

🗓️ Friday 21st November - Reception, Yr1 & Yr2 Sports Day 🏃

🗓️ Tuesday 25th November - House Games

🗓️ Friday 28th November - Sports Day Yr3, Yr4, Yr5 & Yr6 🏃‍♀️

🗓️ Friday 5th December - Final Day of Term 1

ℹ️ In addition to the events listed above, individual Year Groups will share specific details about trips and activities relevant to their cohort. Please stay up to date by checking the Year Group Notices thread in Seesaw Messages.