Planning
We plan our learning with a mastery approach to the curriculum which means children spend far longer on fewer key mathematical concepts whilst working at greater depth. Problem solving is central and opportunities are given to calculate with confidence. It is important that children understand what they are doing rather than repeating routines. The mastery curriculum for primary schools places problem solving at the heart of mathematics with the main aim that every child can learn to solve sophisticated problems in an unfamiliar context. To enable them to achieve this, children must develop their conceptual understanding, mathematical thinking and use of mathematical language. This is where fluency and reasoning join together. We currently use Mathematics Mastery planning from Reception to Year 2, and Inspire Maths for Years 3-6. However, we do adapt these plans to suit the needs of our children. Children in EYFS are exposed to a wide range of mathematical experiences which form the basis of our approach to mastery teaching and learning.
Meeting Children’s Needs
At Kingsway, we aim to ensure that all children move together through the learning in order to avoid gaps in understanding from forming. Long term gaps in learning are prevented through speedy teacher intervention and those children who grasp concepts more quickly are given opportunities to deepen their knowledge and improve their reasoning skills rather than accelerating on to new curriculum content. The National Curriculum states that children should become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics through varied and frequent practice. Fluency in maths works through intelligent practice. Fluency gives children the ability to delve deeper into maths; to develop number sense and choose the most appropriate method for the task at hand; to be able to apply a skill to multiple contexts. Maths Meetings support this and are a vital part of our maths curriculum, used to consolidate key learning for 10-15 minutes every day outside of the maths lesson.
Before the game:
When children first log in, they are welcomed by Rusty, the main character, who asks for their help in collecting parts to transform into a sparkling Diamond Robot. Children then choose a robot name and customise their own robot character before beginning their adventure.
Story mode:
Children begin their NumBots journey in Story Mode, starting at Stage 1: Rust – Level 1. There are 18 stages to complete, ending with the final Diamond Stage.
To progress to the next level, children must earn at least 2 out of 3 stars by answering questions both accurately and quickly. If they earn 0 or 1 star, they simply need to improve their speed before trying again. This ensures they have mastered each skill before moving on.
The game starts with simple number recognition and gradually introduces more challenging mathematical concepts. Each level has been carefully designed so that new skills build on previous learning, helping children develop confidence and fluency.
The Custom Shack
Every correct answer earns coins, which can be spent in the Custom Shack to personalise and upgrade their robot. Along the way, children can also collect badges and trophies to celebrate their progress and achievements, making learning both rewarding and enjoyable.
Tracking Progress
Parents, teachers and tutors can monitor children's progress through the Stats section. This highlights any levels where a child may need extra support, making it easy to identify areas for improvement. Certificates can also be downloaded to recognise and celebrate children's hard work and success.
Times Table Rock Stars is a fun and motivating programme that helps children build confidence and fluency with their times tables.
To become a Times Table Rock Star, children should aim to answer any multiplication fact up to 12 × 12 in under 3 seconds!
Logging On:
1. Type play.ttrockstars.com into your browser’s address bar.
2. Click Login! > School > Student
3. Enter the School Name.
4. Enter your child’s username and password.
Game Modes
Single Player
Garage - the questions will only come from the times tables the teacher has set for the week. It will include multiplication and division questions.
As pupils start to answer questions, TT Rock Stars works out which facts they take longer on and will give them more of these questions to answer. The Garage is best for getting quicker at a few facts. Players get 10 coins per question.
Studio - the questions in the Studio can be anything from 1×1 up to 12×12. TT Rock Stars calculates the mean response time from their last 10 games in the Studio and translates that time into a Rock Status.
If you don’t play in the Studio you don’t get a Rock Status.
Players earn 1 coin per question and the Studio is the place for them to set their best time across all the tables.
Soundcheck – When you play Soundcheck, you get 20 questions each with a 5-second time limit. The questions are multiplication only and evenly weighted in terms of difficulty each time you play. Players earn 5 coins per correct answer.
Multiplayer
Rock Arena - The Arena allows players to compete against all other members of their Band (their Bandmates would need to join the same game in order to compete together). A new Arena game starts every 15 seconds and once the clock starts they race to answer more questions than the others. In the Arena, questions will only come from the times tables the teacher has set for the week, similar to the Garage. They earn 1 coin per correct answer.
Rock Festival - The Rock Festival games are open to players from around the world. Like the Arena, there is no limit to the number of players who can join a game; however, unlike the Arena, questions are selected at random from 1×1 to 12×12. Pupils might choose the Rock Festival if they were playing at home (and therefore couldn't easily synchronise playing against a classmate) or wanted to compete against others not in their Band. They earn 1 coin per correct answer.