At Trinity, we adopt a mastery approach to the teaching of Mathematics to ensure the best progress and outcomes for all our pupils. We believe this approach allows pupils to develop a depth of understanding and a positive relationship with Mathematics. Mastery supports pupils from all starting points in exploring and explaining mathematical ideas and developing their own connections before developing these connections into a working understanding of key mathematical concepts.  Pupils who develop this flexibility of thinking in KS3 are more readily equipped to meet the demands of the new GCSE curriculum. We seek to develop confident mathematicians and foster a love of Maths.

Procedural and conceptual variation underpin our pedagogy to unpick the intricacies of the required mathematical methodology and bring out mathematical themes common to different topics. We interleave key learning to maximise retention and help students decide when to apply one strategy or another.

For pupils who are below expected standard at the end of KS2 and need some intensive catch up we use a program called Corrective maths.  Corrective Maths provides intensive support for students who have difficulty with mathematics. The series is organized into seven strategic modules that provide teacher-directed instruction on critical skills and concepts which struggling students often fail to grasp. The modules are addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals and percentages, ratio and algebra.

 

For talented mathematicians who are on track to achieve a grade 9 in Mathematics at the end of year 11, we offer them an additional qualification in Maths, FSMQ Additional mathematics which they study throughout year 11.  These pupils are also invited to be part of our maths scholars club in year 7 -10 and part of our Axiom after school maths circles programme in year 7 and 8 which explore mathematical topics beyond the usual curriculum.

 

 

Assessment in Maths

At both KS3 and KS4 we assess continually in lessons through detailed questioning and carefully designed tasks that allow our teachers to know the depth of understanding pupils have of the current topic. This allows teachers to adapt their teaching to students needs and quickly spot, discuss, and correct misconceptions when they arise.

Pupils in Year 7 and 8 Maths are assessed using a pre-test before each new unit and a post-test when the unit is completed. The pre-test allows teachers to adapt the unit to the class’s prior knowledge and the post-test allows teachers to re-visit areas where gaps are identified. In addition, they will also get an end of term assessment at the end of M2 , L2 and T2.

Pupils in year 9-11 are assessed using a test at the end of each unit and a past paper at the end of each term. Teachers use data from these and from SparxMaths to modify their lesson planning adaptively.

 

KS3 Overview  

For pupils who are below expected standard at the end of KS2 and need some intensive catch up we use a program called Corrective maths.  Corrective Maths provides intensive support for students who have difficulty with mathematics. The series is organized into seven strategic modules that provide teacher-directed instruction on critical skills and concepts which struggling students often fail to grasp. The modules are addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals and percentages, ratio and algebra.

KS4 Mathematics Foundation Overview

KS4 Mathematics Higher Overview

For talented mathematicians who are on track to achieve a grade 9 in Mathematics at the end of year 11, we offer them an additional qualification in Maths, FSMQ Additional mathematics which they study throughout year 11.

KS4 Statistics Overview

 

Assessment in Maths and Statistics

At both KS3 and KS4 we assess continually in lessons through detailed questioning and carefully designed tasks that allow our teachers to know the depth of understanding pupils have of the current topic.

Pupils in Year 7 and 8 Maths are assessed using a pre-test before each new unit and a post-test when the unit is completed. In addition, they will also get an end of term assessment at the end of M2 , L2 and T2.

Pupils in year 9-11 maths and Statistics are assessed using a test at the end of each unit and a past paper at the end of each term.

Getting the Best out of your Maths Lessons

To make sure you are getting the most out of your Maths lessons at Trinity will require hard work and thinking from you. In lessons, make sure you’re asking yourself “how does this new idea fit with what we’ve already learnt?” When the teacher is explaining, try to predict for yourself what will happen next.

You will also need to study on your own by completing homework every week. The school pays for you to have access to https://vle.mathswatch.co.uk – make sure you look at this each week. Also you can access both https://corbettmaths.com/ and https://www.drfrostmaths.com/ for free. The best way to get stronger at Maths is by paying close attention in class, getting as much practice as possible and linking your learning to other parts of Maths.