Mathematics

Mathematics

Maths at Trinity

At Trinity, we follow a mathematics mastery approach to maths. Mathematics mastery is underpinned by three dimensions of depth; Conceptual understanding, language and communication and mathematical thinking with problem solving being at the heart of all maths learning. This is used alongside the CPA approach to teaching maths to make maths more real and accessible to the children.

We offer a cumulative curriculum based on the White Rose scheme of learning that builds upon learning, allowing pupils to make deep connections across topics. During lessons we use multiple representations throughout to strengthen their conceptual understanding. There is an emphasis on learning and confidently using language to communicate mathematical problems and we use careful questioning to encourage students to build mathematical habits of mind.

Concrete, Pictorial and Abstract maths teaching

The CPA method involves using actual objects for children to add, subtract, multiply or divide. They then progress to using pictorial representations of the object, and ultimately, abstract symbols.

Children often find maths difficult because it is abstract. The CPA approach helps children learn new ideas and build on their existing knowledge by introducing abstract concepts in a more familiar and tangible way.

Basic Skills

In Years 1-6, at the start of each lesson we have a short "Basic Skills" session. The purpose of Basic Skills is:

Retrieval and revision: Encouraging children to revisit concepts taught earlier in the year or in previous academic years provide learners the opportunity to remember how to solve calculations.
Fluency: Continuing to solve arithmetic problems improves fluency, speed and accuracy of calculation.
Selecting appropriate methods of calculation: When learners are presented with a range of problems, they are challenged to select an efficient method for finding the answer which could be a written or mental method.
Identifying misconceptions: If children find a question challenging or make a mistake, the following Basic Skills session they will be working collaboratively with their teacher. If they got all of the answers correct, they will be working independently the next day!
Problem solving: For learners in middle and higher attaining maths groups, we have included problem-solving questions within Basic Skills to allow children further opportunities to solve problems linked to current area of learning.