Maths

A Structured Approach to Mathematics:

At Bayfield, we follow a clear and structured approach to teaching maths. We teach mathematics through explicit, structured instruction that supports all learners in building a deep understanding, fluency, and confidence.

Each day, children take part in at least one hour of carefully planned lessons where teachers explain new ideas step by step, guide them through practice, and then support them to try independently. Each lesson includes activities to help students build confidence, strengthen memory, and develop quick recall of important facts. This approach is based on the New Zealand Curriculum and research about how children learn best.

We believe that with effective instruction, consistent practice, and the right support, every child can achieve success in mathematics.

Grounded in the Science of Learning:

The Science of Learning guides our approach – a body of research from cognitive science, psychology, and education that helps us understand how students learn best. This evidence highlights the importance of:

Building knowledge over time
Practising with purpose
Managing cognitive load
Using retrieval and spaced practice
Providing immediate, clear feedback
Ensuring all students experience success

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In Bayfield Classrooms from years 0-6 you will see

Resources

Timestables Rockstars

Assessment - Supporting Success in Mathematics

At Bayfield, assessment plays a vital role - helping us understand each student’s progress, inform teaching decisions, and guide future learning. We see assessment as a powerful, ongoing process that supports every learner on their journey to mathematical confidence and success.

A Purposeful Approach to Assessment

Our assessment strategy includes both formative and summative components, each designed to give meaningful insights into student learning.

Formative Assessment – Informing Daily Teaching

Formative assessment is used throughout every maths lesson. It includes:

Teacher observations
Student work samples and notebooks
Quizzes and quick checks
Class discussions and targeted questioning

This continuous feedback loop allows teachers to adjust instruction in real time, respond to gaps in understanding, and ensure all students are supported to move forward.

Summative Assessment – Evaluating Progress Over Time

We use a range of summative tools to measure student achievement and track growth:

PAT Mathematics Tests – Twice Yearly standardised tests used to identify long-term progress and areas for development.
Curriculum Snapshots – Mid-year and end-of-year assessments that align with the refreshed New Zealand Curriculum. These snapshots show how students are progressing through key knowledge and skill areas.
End of Unit Tests - Used regularly to assess student understanding of recently taught concepts and to inform any necessary reteaching.

Aims for our learnerS

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Be confident and knowledgeable mathematicians who are able to take risks and rework mathematical problems, troubleshoot issues and work with others to build on existing concepts and knowledge.
Know how to use this knowledge and how it can be applied in practical and contextual settings.
Be able to identify what they have learnt, what they are learning and why and know their next steps in maths.
Have a voice, desire, curiosity and passion for learning. To see that maths is in everything they do.
Develop a positive mathematical identity by promoting a growth mindset approach to mathematics that shows students they can enjoy and succeed in maths.

Our daily maths lessons are designed to build secure knowledge and confidence, using consistent and research-based teaching routines. Key features include:

Daily Review and Retrieval Practice – Strengthening long-term memory by revisiting key facts, strategies, and concepts.
Explicit Teaching – Breaking down concepts into small steps with clear teacher modelling and guided practice.
Worked Examples and Scaffolding – Supporting learners to see how problems are solved before gradually building independence.
Fluency Practice – Developing quick and accurate recall of number facts and efficient use of strategies.
Mathematical Language and Vocabulary – Teaching the precise terms and sentence structures needed to explain thinking.
Structured Problem Solving – Applying knowledge to new situations using a clear, step-by-step approach.
Talk Moves and Partner Discussion – Encouraging students to reason aloud, compare strategies, and justify their thinking.
Formative Assessment and Feedback – Checking for understanding and addressing misconceptions in real time.

This approach ensures every child has a strong foundation in mathematics and the ability to think logically, solve problems, and approach challenges with confidence.

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