Maths at Thriplow
How do we teach maths at Thriplow?
At Thriplow we aim to teach our students to master mathematics. By following the Maths Mastery approach we encourage children to make connections and build a deep understanding of mathematical concepts. At Thriplow we use Can Do Maths, so that every child has the potential to become a confident and capable mathematician. Our approach is built on the idea that a positive mindset, high-quality teaching, and engaging resources can unlock mathematical success for all learners. Maths isn’t just about numbers—it’s about thinking, problem-solving, and confidence. With Can Do Maths, your child will develop skills that go far beyond the classroom.
What does maths mastery look like?
Mastery at Thriplow is taught through the use of concrete, pictorial and abstract representations which build around talk, mathematical conversation and questioning. Children are encouraged to explore and play with mathematics in order to manipulate mathematics and numbers in a way which solves a problem or proves an assertion. Children are encouraged to use technical language in order to articulate their methods and reasoning. In Maths Mastery children are constantly challenged to prove their answers, merely knowing the calculation is not enough, we aim for children to understand the ‘why’ in mathematics not just the how.
Our teaching builds upon previous learning and aims to build connections between other mathematical concepts, for example to relationships between fractions and multiplication, division, decimals and percentages. Throughout a topic children will be encouraged to build, draw, say and write their mathematics to develop and demonstrate their understanding.
At Thriplow we follow this approach as it encourages problem solving and reasoning skills across all students, whilst also allowing for challenge and stretch for even the most able pupils through justification and proving their mathematical assertions. This form of challenge ensures that children are not ‘pushed on’ to the next thing before they are ready, or where they only have a ‘surface’ understanding of a concept.
Key Features of a Can Do Maths Classroom:
- Positive Learning Culture Pupils are encouraged to say “I can’t do it… yet!” Mistakes are celebrated as learning opportunities, and perseverance is praised just as much as correct answers.
- Structured, Purposeful Activities Lessons are built around carefully designed tasks that explore mathematical structure and relationships. These activities help children develop fluency, reasoning, and problem-solving skills.
- Visual and Practical Resources Teachers use concrete manipulatives (like counters and number lines) and visual models to make abstract concepts tangible. This supports all learners, especially those who need extra scaffolding.
- Colin the CanDo Caribou Yes, there’s a mascot! Colin and his friends help reinforce key messages about resilience, effort, and belief. They’re a fun and friendly way to keep children motivated.
- Collaborative Learning Pupils often work in pairs or small groups, discussing strategies and explaining their thinking. This builds mathematical language and confidence.
- Teacher as Facilitator Rather than simply delivering content, teachers guide exploration, ask probing questions, and help pupils make connections across topics.
- Assessment for Learning Teachers use ongoing assessment to identify gaps and adapt instruction. The focus is on understanding, not just ticking off curriculum boxes.
