Maths
Mathematics is a creative and highly interconnected discipline that has been developed over centuries, providing the solution to some of history’s most intriguing problems. It is essential to everyday life, critical to science, technology and engineering, and necessary for financial literacy and most forms of employment. Indeed, the Smith Review, 2017, cites the link between mathematical competence and higher future earnings.
A high-quality mathematics education therefore provides a foundation for understanding the world, the ability to reason mathematically, an appreciation of the beauty, power and a sense of enjoyment and curiosity about the subject.
The OECD Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development suggests that by age 15, students from South East Asian countries are on average up to three years ahead in maths compared to 15 year old students in England. Trinity have therefore been involved in learning from their education systems by adopting a ‘mastery approach’ to teaching, commonly followed in these countries. Following extensive NCETM (National Centre for Excellent Teaching in Maths) training and participating in a 2 way exchange visit to Shanghai, we adopted the only nationally commissioned scheme to help us teach maths - Maths No Problem, which is at the cornerstone of our teaching.
Through our carefully tailored, stimulating maths lessons, our aim is that all pupils:
- Become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics that underpin conceptual understanding; that they can confidently recall and apply facts rapidly and accurately.
- Can solve problems by applying their knowledge and understanding of mathematics, with increasing degrees of sophistication, in a variety of contexts, including real life situations, demonstrating resilience to find a solution.
- Can make reasoned responses by following lines of enquiry to show their understanding with justification, argument, generalisation and evidence using mathematical language.
- Achieve mastery in mathematics, that is “deep, long-term, secure and adaptable” understanding of mathematics.
We believe that:
- Ability in mathematics is not fixed.
- Developing a positive mind set - a “Can Do” attitude - to mathematics is essential for success.
- Timely intervention addressing misconceptions is crucial.
- The opportunity to “go deeper” must be offered to all children to broaden their understanding.
Our maths lead is a Primary Mastery Specialist and accredited PD Lead for NCETM and is employed by Abacus Maths Hub one day per week.
For further information regarding our policies and pedagogies, please see other documentation links
