Mathematics
Our approach to Mathematics at Courthouse Green
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Emphasizing understanding over rote, through CPA progression.
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Fostering inclusive learning via mixed-ability engagement.
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Building fluency and reasoning through number-rich curriculum and explanation.
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Reinforcing knowledge through structured, deliberate practice.
Our curriculum vision is always to ensure both breadth and depth in mathematical learning and empowering our pupils to become confident, resilient mathematicians.
Our approach and guiding principles to teaching maths follows a problem-solving approach where pupils engage using real equipment to build deep understanding. Pupils begin with concrete materials, progress to representations (jottings, pictures, diagrams), and then move into abstract reasoning.
This mirrors the core CPA progression: starting with physical manipulatives, shifting to visual representations, and eventually reaching symbolic, abstract thinking.
Strong Number Sense & Number-Rich Curriculum
A “good sense of number” is emphasised at Courthouse Green through a number-rich curriculum with heavy focus on number, place value, and calculation, enabling pupils to build connections. We place great importance on building procedural fluency and conceptual understanding through rich, structured progression of number and calculation skills.
Mixed-Ability, Inclusive Learning
At Courthouse Green, children work in mixed-ability pairs, following the same content and pacing, while learning to value different problem-solving strategies and the reasoning process as much as the outcome. This reflects a key mastery belief: the whole class moves on together, with differentiation achieved through depth (rich tasks for rapid graspers) and support for those needing consolidation—not by segregating by ability.
Focus on Deep Understanding and Pupils Explaining Their Thinking
Courthouse Green encourages pupils to record their understanding through various representations and to explain their thinking in different ways—highlighting that understanding, not just getting the correct answer, matters. This ensures that pupils focus on deep conceptual understanding, where they articulate, reason, and make sense of underlying structures—not just follow procedures.
Deliberate Practice & Mastery Through Repetition
We emphasise repeated assessment for learning and deliberate practice, ensuring progression and depth through careful curriculum planning by subject leaders This encourages deliberate, varied practice and consolidation—breaking learning into small steps and building mastery through sustained engagement with core concepts.
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Conceptual Understanding: Both approaches advocate building from firm, concrete foundations to ensure pupils truly grasp mathematical ideas.
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Equitable Access: Mixed-ability pacing ensures all pupils experience the core curriculum, with challenge embedded—not tracked by presumed ability.
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Fluency and Flexibility: Emphasis on number sense and calculation equips learners to apply maths fluently across contexts.
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Metacognition Encouraged: Explaining thinking strengthens understanding and supports learning transfer.
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Curricular Coherence: Structured, deliberate practice helps to consolidate learning and support mastery over time.
Our Learning Journey
Enrichment of Mathematics
- Numbers day annually
- TTRS competitions with other school in Triumph Trust
- England Rocks week dress up as rock stars to promote TTRS
- Year 5 maths competition at Coventry Building Society
- Year 6 Maths In Action with Coventry Building Society – visit to Belgrade theatre
- Year 5 Maths in Action with Coventry Building Society – visit CBS head office and visitor in school
- Year 4 Maths in Action with Coventry Building Society – two visits in school and a competition
- Year 3 Maths in Action with Coventry Building Society – maths games and money problem solving
- Learning Support Assistants run after school maths clubs – using fun games to promote fluency
