Aim / Intent
Our aim is to support pupils to develop a positive attitude towards Mathematics and have the confidence to try and learn from their mistakes. We teach them the underlying Mathematical principles of Number, Shape, Algebra and Statistics and provide them with opportunities to apply these ideas to different contexts. We aim to build on pupils’ numeracy skills and to develop their problem-solving abilities, encouraging them to provide mathematical reasoning throughout. We want to ensure that pupils have the tools they need to communicate their thoughts and ideas. We encourage them to use a variety of models and representations. The content delivered is taken from the national curriculum at Key Stage 3 and then directed by the examination syllabus at Key Stage 4.
Mastery
We have recently adapted our KS3 curriculum to enable us to teach for Mastery in Maths; meaning that pupils acquire a deep, long-term, secure and adaptable understanding of the subject. Underpinning this approach is the belief that all children, given the right support and encouragement, can succeed. Teaching for Mastery in Maths aims to ensure that children have all the necessary foundational knowledge to grasp more advanced concepts.
We have carefully planned a sequenced journey for all pupils, which allows pupils to see the connections between the different topics within the curriculum. At each stage of the journey, we have identified the new concepts and key points that all pupils need to understand and have designed lessons and resources to best support our pupils to grasp these concepts. In a typical lesson, the teacher facilitates learning through questioning, short tasks, explanation, demonstration, and discussion. Where appropriate, pupils are provided with concrete resources and carefully designed tasks to help develop their fluency and conceptual understanding.
Extra-Curricular opportunities
The UK Maths Challenge (year 8)
The National Cipher Challenge (year 9)
The Exon Maths Challenge (year 10)
Frequently Asked Questions
What courses do you offer?
All pupils study towards the Mathematics GCSE. This examination consists of two calculator components and one non-calculator one. Our most able Mathematicians will be given the opportunity to study towards a Statistics GCSE in year 11, alongside their main Maths GCSE.
When does the GCSE preparation begin?
During Key Stage 3 we support pupils to develop the necessary skills for the Maths GCSE. Then, in year 10, pupils are supported to apply these skills in greater depth. The pace at which pupils study the content is dependent on the level of mastery and confidence of the pupil.
Synopsis of Study
Year 7 – Mathematics
Autumn
In the first term of Year 7, students are supported to build on their learning from Key Stage 2 through a range of topics, which include: Sequences, Fractions, Negative Numbers, Order of Operations, and Area and Perimeter. Early in the term, students are introduced to the conventions of Algebra in Maths and some of its many applications such as the Graphing of linear functions.
Spring
In the second term of Year 7, students are supported to build on their learning from Key Stage 2 through a range of topics, including: Ratio and Proportion, FDP Conversions and Probability. Students also build on their understanding of Algebra through the topic of Brackets and Solving Linear Equations.
Summer
In the final term of Year 7 students are supported to build on their learning from Key Stage 2 through a range of topics, including: Percentages, Angles, Volume, Surface Area, Number Theory and 3D Shape. They will also be given the opportunity to apply some of the skills and knowledge that they have acquired throughout the year in a functional skills project.
Year 8 – Mathematics
Autumn
In Year 8 during the first term, students will deepen their knowledge of Approximation, Percentages, Statistical Graphs, Ratio, Inequalities and Averages. Students will also be introduced to the Standard Form notation and the use of pi in calculations involving circles.
Spring
In the second term of Year 8, students will develop their knowledge in a variety of key areas, including: Graphs of Polynomial Functions, Angles, Fractions, Brackets, and Probability.
Summer
In the final term of Mathematics in Year 8, students will deepen their knowledge in the following key areas: Linear Equations, Scatter Graphs, Reflections and Rotations, Time, 3D Shape and Directed Numbers.
Year 9 – Mathematics
Autumn
In Year 9, students will build on the knowledge learnt over the previous two years, including: Linear Inequalities, Rounding and Approximation, Linear Graphs, Area, Fractions and Statistical Charts and Averages. Our most able Mathematicians will also be introduced to the main Angle Theorems within Circles.
Spring
In the Spring term of Year 9 students will deepen their knowledge and understanding in: Similarity and Congruence, Fractions, Decimals and Percentages, Indices and Standard Form and Brackets. All students will discover Pythagoras’ Theorem and study Travel Graphs, with some students studying the Solutions of Simultaneous Equations.
Summer
In the Summer term of Year 9 students will deepen their knowledge and understanding in: Calculations involving Decimals, Position-to-Term Rules of Sequences, Ratio and Proportion, Probability and Volume. All students will have the opportunity to learn about accurate construction with a pair of compasses, and some students will study the Trigonometry of Right-Angled Triangles.
Year 10 – Mathematics
Autumn
In Year 10 students will continue to build on their knowledge of the key Mathematical principles, looking specifically at the following in their first term: Approximation, Calculations with Decimals, Algebraic Expressions, Angles, Equivalence of Numbers, Brackets, Percentages, Directed Number and Substitution.
Spring
In Year 10 students will continue to build on their knowledge of key Mathematical principles, looking specifically at the following in their second term: Angles, Fractions, Statistical Graphs, Area, Linear Equations, Formulae, Circle Theorems, Probability and Graphs of Functions.
Summer
In Year 10 Mathematics students will continue to build on their knowledge of key Mathematical principles, looking specifically at the following in their final 10 term of year 10: Ratio, Number Theory, Pythagoras’ Theorem, Sequences, Inequalities, Averages and Cumulative Frequency, Quadratic Equations, Proportion and Similarity and Congruence.
Year 11 – Mathematics
Autumn
In the first term of Year 11 Mathematics, students will bring together all their previous knowledge, including the reinforcement of the following key concepts: Trigonometry, Venn Diagrams, Indices and Standard Form, Volume, Iteration, Transformations, Simultaneous Equations, Arcs and Sectors and Surds.
Spring
In the Spring term of Year 11, students will study the topics of Linear Graphs, Vectors, Time, 3D Shape, Algebraic Fractions, Transformations of Graphs, Construction and Loci and Algebraic Proof. Students will also spend some of this term actively preparing for their mock examinations.