We introduced the Maths Passports to help our pupils develop an accurate, fluent recall of mental maths facts. Since then we have made several updates to make it more effective. A fluent recall is vital to a child’s mathematical development. Not only does it mean that children can recall simple facts when solving problems, it facilitates a much quicker grasp of larger calculations. A strong grasp of mental maths facts also leads to greater confidence in the subject.
We were very pleased with the feedback that we have received regarding Maths Passports and the high number of pupils and their families who feel that this has improved the children’s recall of number facts. Parents have often said how they feel it has helped them support their child’s learning as they are more aware of what their child is working on.
How does it work? There are currently 17 Passports, each with a set of targets. When a pupil receives a new passport a Passport Support Sheet is sent home. This outlines what the targets mean and the types of questions that the pupil’s understanding will be checked with. Pupils will practise the targets as part of their daily maths lessons and we ask that you also work on them at home with your child.
Pupils’ progress is checked by volunteers on a weekly basis. At the beginning of Year 1 progress will be checked using the same system but by one of the school staff. Two targets are checked each week and the results of these are sent home to you on a small coloured slip. The teacher receives a list of how the children have got on so that they are able to plan and teach accordingly. If a pupil reaches the required standard, the target is ‘signed off’ in their passport. A target has to be signed off twice (different weeks) to be counted as achieved. Pupils can choose which targets they are checked against.
Once all targets are signed off the pupil will take a ‘Mixed Check’ with the class teacher to ensure that they are ready to move on to the next Passport.
Frequently Asked Questions
How best can I support my child?
Spend time with your child - little and often - working on the targets from their passport. Use a range of activities to help keep their interest. Lots of advice can be found on our website.
Where can I do the passport activities with my child?
Anywhere! In the car, out and about, at the supermarket, at home... Most activities can be done by talking with your child.
How often?
Daily for the best results.
How long should we spend?
Around 10 minutes will do. Don't overdo it, as your child may 'switch off''.
My child is not being moved on at school. Why not?
Children will be tested weekly on two of their targets. These targets will not be tested again until two weeks later. If you are concerned please speak to your child's class teacher.
Why don't you test straight after a practice?
We need to know that the children will remember each target forever!
My child says he was tested and got them all right, but is still working on this target. Why?
We will test until they have passed the target twice. When all targets have been achieved the teacher will carry out a mixed test. The passport will then be 'signed off''. It may be that the teacher is reinforcing a concept with the whole class or a group.
How many targets should I work on at once?
This is your choice. You can work on one target or several from the same passport.
Why isn't my child writing much down during the activities?
Children need to learn these targets mentally. Writing them down may slow their progress. They will remember them better if this has been done through talk and playing games.
What does the test look like?
The children will be tested in a variety of ways. It may be that a child sits with an adult and demonstrates with objects or says the answers, it may be that a group or whole class will be tested at the same time.
It is important to remember that we are looking for instant recall. Most of the tests will be timed.
How does my child move to the next passport?
Once all their targets have been signed off, they will do a mixed test of all their passport targets.
Why?
This will ensure that they have REALLY learnt them by heart!