Big Maths
What is Big Maths?
Big Maths is an approach to teaching number that aims to ensure that children are confidently numerate as they progress through school. It provides a rigorous and progressive structure and enables children to fully embed key skills and numeracy facts through fun and engaging lessons. It is based on 4 key elements which make up each Big Maths lesson: CLIC.
Counting – Counting is done in many ways including counting forwards and backwards in various increments; work on place value and reading and ordering numbers.
Learn Its – There are 72 number facts which are learned throughout the years from Reception to Year 4. They are split across the different terms so that each class works on a few 'Learn Its' at a time to ensure they are fully embedded. 36 are addition facts and 36 are multiplication facts; these are learned in class and are tested each week.
It’s Nothing New – Children use a bank of facts and methods that they already have to solve problems and that each step of progress is very small; children will use and apply their skills and methods to a range of different situations and problems.
Calculation – This is often the main part of the Big Maths lesson which focuses on teaching solid written and mental methods for addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. The children move through progress drives which introduce small, focused steps of progress throughout the year.
How does Big Maths work?
The children all have a 20 minute daily CLIC session based on the four elements of big maths. Each group works on a set list of 'Learn Its' each term and these are tested each week in a timed test made up of several 'Learn Its' from the appropriate maths level.
In addition to this, each class will complete a 'Beat That' test which is an untimed challenge made up of questions on several areas of maths. Each time the children enjoy trying to beat their own previous score.
How can you support Big Maths at home?
Children should be practising the appropriate Learn Its for their class/group at home to support what is happening in lessons.
Find out which CLIC stage your child is working on and you ca.n learn how to help them at home by downloading the relevant pack below.
Big Maths Learn Its
There are three sets of learn its for each year group.
YR - Learn its 1, 2 and 3
Y1 - Learn its 4, 5 and 6
Y2 - Learn its 7, 8 and 9
Y3 - Learn its 10,11 and 12
Y4 - Learn its 13, 14, and 15