At The Thinking Schools Federation, we believe that Mathematics is a very important part of everyday life. With this in mind, we want children to develop their fluency in the fundamentals of mathematics with increased complexity so as to recall and apply knowledge accurately and with increased pace. Arithmetic and basic math skills are practised daily to ensure key mathematical concepts are embedded and children can recall this information to see the links between topics.
Mathematics should allow children to develop their reasoning and problem solving by following a logical line of enquiry, systematically with justification and proof. At our schools, we also feel Mathematics should promote challenge and push children to excel. New mathematical concepts are introduced using a ‘Concrete, Pictorial and Abstract’ approach; enabling all children to experience hands-on learning when discovering new mathematical topics, and allowing them to have clear models and images to aid their understanding. It is important that children understand the nature of persevering when things do not go right the first time round so they can then re-evaluate and reflect to get it right the next time round.
At The Thinking Schools Federation, we are adopting a mastery approach in order to achieve a deeper understanding of Mathematics through fluency, reasoning and problem solving. Our approach aims to make our learners independent mathematicians who are equipped to apply their learning to the wider world.
