“Education is not the learning of facts but the training of the mind to think.” - Albert Einstein
Intention
- To provide students with access to a subject, which gives a means of communication that is powerful, concise and unambiguous.
- To encourage systematic thought and logical patterns of work.
- To provide a mathematical environment in which a student may reach his or her maximum levels of achievement and understanding.
- To help each student develop to his or her optimum, an appreciation and enjoyment of mathematics as a subject in its own right, so enabling future progression in the subject.
- To develop independent thinking, pride in own work and co-operation between students.
- To develop problem solving strategies that provides enjoyment, engagement and challenge.
Implementation
Students experience mathematics through a mixture of formal whole class instruction as well as individual and small group learning experiences. Homework is set once a week. A variety of tasks are set using varied resources such as internet-based learning on Kerboodle, worksheets, exercises from books and research tasks. We ask parents/carers to support us in ensuring that homework is completed to a high standard.
Students are grouped in sets according to their ability in Mathematics from Year 9. In years 7 and 8 students are in mixed-ability groups based on their form groups. Set changes occur in response to student progress in class, feedback from completed homework, and data generated from internal assessments.
Students then embark on their maths GCSE with its emphasis on application and problem-solving skills
Key Stage 3
Students follow the National Curriculum and finish Key Stage 3 at the end of Year 8. and have 8 one-hour lessons per fortnight. The Key Stage 3 Mathematics course follows the National Curriculum requirements, covering topics on number, algebra, ratio, proportion and rates of change, geometry and measures, probability and statistics. The course has two key objectives. Firstly, we want to build and foster our students' interest in, and enjoyment of, learning the subject of Mathematics. We achieve this by providing engaging lessons, which include a variety of tasks from group work to learning games to opportunities for independent inquiry. Secondly, we want our students to be able to excel at Key Stages 4 and 5
On-line textbooks and Homework books are provided to match the curriculum needs. Extensive use is made of the tiered Kerboodle package to deliver the curriculum.
Key Stage 4
Students in years 9, 10 and 11 have 8 one-hour lessons per fortnight. The Key Stage 4 Mathematics course (Edexcel syllabus) is now more substantial and challenging with greater emphasis on problem-solving. In lessons, students will work on developing fluency and improving their skills of applying their knowledge in a variety of contexts. Students will sit three equally weighted papers at either Foundation or Higher Tier. Students will study the new topics in greater depth and will also have the opportunity of studying more advanced techniques, which will prepare students for further study at A level.
COURSE DETAILS
The new GCSE Mathematics Specification is designed for two ability levels: Foundation and Higher.
Foundation Tier covers grades 1 to 5 and focuses on the key skills: algebra, ratio, proportion and rates of change, geometry and measures, probability and statistics
Higher Tier prepares pupils for AS/A Level mathematics and covers grades 4 to 9. This covers topics to a greater depth and includes more advanced techniques.
Key Stage 5
In Year 12 and 13, students follow a rigorous Key Stage 5 Mathematics course (Edexcel syllabus), comprising 8 one-hour lessons per fortnight. This course emphasizes a deep understanding of mathematical concepts and processes, aiming to build confidence, foster enjoyment, and lay a solid foundation for further study. It extends students' mathematical skills and techniques while enhancing their grasp of coherence and progression in mathematics. By exploring the interconnectedness of different mathematical areas, students learn to make logical and reasoned decisions in problem-solving across pure mathematics and various contexts. Assessment consists of three equally weighted papers in Pure Mathematics, Statistics, and Mechanics.
Impact
The aims and objectives of the course are to enable students to:
- Develop fluent knowledge, skills and understanding of mathematical methods and concepts.
- Acquire, select and apply mathematical techniques to solve problems.
- Reason mathematically, make deductions and inferences and draw conclusions.
- Comprehend, interpret and communicate mathematical information in a variety of forms appropriate to the information and concepts.
- To support further study in sixth form that draws on key mathematical skill. (Psychology, Design and Technology, Physics etc.)
Finally
We have a maths team consisting of 5 teachers. All students are closely monitored, and an individualised intervention programme ensures that every student knows what is needed in order to be mathematically successful.
How can parents help?
· Encourage students to do their homework on the night it is, all homework tasks are essential to support learning in lessons
· Videos of all topics studied can be found on Kerboodle, Corbett Maths, DrFrostMaths and Physics & Maths tutor which are great if students need some extra support
· Remind students to see their teacher before the lesson if they have any questions
