The event provided valuable insights into the modern approaches to teaching Mathematics in the early years and demonstrated how St Gabriel’s fosters a deep understanding of numerical concepts from a young age.

Mathematics education has evolved significantly in recent years, moving away from rote memorisation towards a more interactive and conceptual approach. At St Gabriel’s, we prioritise meaningful engagement with numbers, ensuring that pupils develop a solid foundation in mathematical reasoning. A key component of this approach is the White Rose Education scheme, which introduces young learners to essential concepts such as subitising.

Subitising, the ability to instantly recognise the number of objects in a group without counting, plays a crucial role in developing number sense. This skill is introduced through a variety of engaging activities, including number patterns and interactive games. By strengthening their ability to visualise numbers and manipulate them mentally, children gain a deeper understanding of fundamental mathematical principles.

During the workshop, parents explored the two types of subitising: perceptual and conceptual. Perceptual subitising allows children to immediately recognise small quantities, such as two ducks swimming in a pond. Conceptual subitising, a more advanced skill, enables children to identify and break down larger groups into smaller, more manageable sets using mental maths strategies. For example, when presented with six objects, a child might recognise them as two groups of three or three pairs of two. This technique supports essential mathematical skills, including number bonds and the understanding of odd and even numbers.

Parents were introduced to the ways in which subitising is seamlessly integrated into daily learning experiences at St Gabriel’s. From using ten frames to discuss portion sizes at lunch to recording after-school activity participation, pupils regularly encounter opportunities to apply their mathematical understanding in real-world contexts. The workshop also equipped parents with practical strategies to reinforce these concepts at home, such as using everyday objects to create number patterns and engaging in hands-on counting activities.

To enhance their understanding further, parents participated in a hands-on subitising activity, mirroring the methods used in their children's lessons. This interactive experience underscored the importance of play-based learning in early mathematics education.

This workshop follows a series of initiatives designed to enrich mathematical learning at St Gabriel’s. Last term, Mrs Ryder led a subitising activity day for all Early Years pupils, from Nursery through to Year 2. Children explored numbers using five and ten frames, arranging ‘treasures’—including washers, screws, nuts, and bolts—to identify numerical patterns. These open-ended activities foster curiosity, problem-solving skills, and confidence in working with numbers.

The success of the Maths workshop highlights St Gabriel’s commitment to equipping both pupils and parents with the tools to develop strong mathematical foundations. We are grateful to all parents who attended and look forward to hosting future workshops that continue to bridge the gap between classroom learning and home support.