Mathematics
At Leatherhead Trinity, we aim to develop mathematicians of the future, where maths is enjoyed by all, challenges are accepted and solved, where mistakes are accepted as part of the learning journey and where a deep and rich mastery understanding of maths is an opportunity for all. We aim to provide a high-quality mathematics education so that all children:
- become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics
- reason mathematically
- can solve problems by applying their mathematics
We have adopted a mastery approach throughout the school using White Rose Maths as our main resource for maths lessons. Our mastery approach means that once a topic is covered it is met many times again in other contexts. Children are encouraged to apply their Mathematical understanding to real life situations. They are given opportunities to explore maths in a practical way such as measuring or investigating shapes. The children are encouraged to talk about their learning; explaining to others how they have solved a problem or worked out an answer.
A concrete, pictorial, abstract (CPA) approach is used to enable the children to develop a deeper understanding of maths. Concrete apparatus such as Numicon, dienes, bead strings, place value counters are used in all classes to support and develop children’s understanding before moving onto the pictorial and then abstract concepts.
Arithmetic
As well as the hour maths lesson, 15 minutes a day of the timetable will be dedicated to arithmetic and supporting children to develop mental methods and quick recall of number facts including times tables and number bonds.
Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 deliver the Mastering Number at KS1 programme
Year 3 follows the Number Sense programme to teach times tables
Years 4 and 5 deliver Mastering Number at KS2.
Year 6 recaps and practises arithmetic skills to prepare them for Secondary.
Times Tables Rock Stars and Numbots
NumBots is an online programme used from reception to Year 2. It adopts the best teaching practises to take children from counting on their fingers, to adding and subtracting two digit numbers. The programme compliments what your child is learning in school and focusses on securing any gaps in their knowledge, before moving them onto the next challenge.
When it comes to times tables, speed and accuracy are important – the more facts your child remembers, the easier it is for them to do harder calculations. Times Table Rock Stars is a fun and challenging programme designed to help pupils master the times tables!
We advise that your child does a little bit of times table practice at least four times a week. In our experience, short bursts of daily practise are more effective than spending hours once a week.
The children will all receive a login and the programme can be accessed online via the web address https://beta.ttrockstars.com/ You may also download an App for tablets, this is available on the apple store as well as on android systems. The children need to login and choose a rockstar name. They will be given an Avatar and the virtual coins they win can be used to make their Avatar more unique.