Maths
Curriculum Spotlight
Year 3
We have been getting practical in our maths lessons as we expand our understanding of measure, exploring the topic of capacity.
We came up with some simple steps to help us interpret a range of scales, applying our knowledge of place value and the number system. Here are the simple steps that helped us in the lessons.
- Look at the first number on the scale. E.g. 1000
- Count the increments between zero and the first number on the scale. (We found out we need to be careful with this and count the spaces and not the lines). E.g. 5
- Divide the number of the increments by the first number on the scale. E.g. 1000 ÷ 5 = 200
- Check and count to see if the scale works. E.g. 200, 400, 600, 800, 1000.
During our lessons we estimated how many glasses could fill a selection of containers. We measured how much water would fill a glass first, to help us make reasonable estimations. We also estimated the capacity of different bottles and products and then we used measuring cylinders to check how close we were to our estimates. We found out that some of our estimations were too low! It was really interesting to see the results for ordering a selection of cups as we did not expect some of the results we got! The different shapes of the cups made it slightly trickier.
We have also been comparing and ordering capacity measurements, converting between millilitres, litres and mixed units, and finally applying our understanding to solve in-context problems involving all four operations.
Mathematics is important in everyday life and, with this is mind, the purpose of Mathematics at Earley St Peter's CE Primary School is to develop an ability to solve problems, to reason, to think logically and to work systematically and accurately. All children are challenged and encouraged to excel in Maths.
Arithmetic and basic maths skills are practised daily to ensure key mathematical concepts are embedded and children can recall this information to see the links between units in Maths.
Pupils make rich connections across mathematical ideas to develop fluency, mathematical reasoning and competence in solving increasingly sophisticated problems. Our curriculum ensures children apply mastery skills through the Power Maths, White Rose Scheme which is also supplemented with a range of other resources.