Maths

Intent

Why love Mathematics?

Regardless of personal learning strengths and interests, if you are prepared to be an inquisitive learner, Mathematics truly has something to capture your enthusiasm. Mathematics is not just a list of formulae and algorithms, it is a subject where you need to use creativity and intuition in order to learn more about the world we live in.

Big Ideas in Mathematics

Mathematics covers a huge range of topics and Big Ideas that are explored in detail throughout the key stages. For example, you will develop methods to evaluate and even prove some questions such as:

How tiny is the earth in comparison with the universe?

How can solutions to difficult engineering problems can be found by using graphs and calculus?

How do people predict what is going to happen in the economy?

How does a SAT NAV know the quickest/shortest route?

Why study Mathematics?

The study of any field of Mathematics will encourage you to think deeply and help you to problem solve more effectively. Mathematics lessons will utilise your skills of discussion, questioning, proving and explaining. These are essential skills that you will use to make decisions and become successful in every day of your life.

Curriculum Map
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Implementation

Challenge

Students are taught to explore new ideas and are encouraged to also consider abstract problems alongside those that can be modelled by real-life situations.  Students will need to use the key learning skills of independence and resilience in order to become analytical thinkers.

Students are encouraged to demonstrate these skills not only in lesson but through extended learning opportunities such as:

  • ‘UKMT Junior, Intermediate, Senior and Team Maths Challenges’
  • ‘TT Rockstars’ Competitions
  • Level 2 Further Maths GCSE
  • Young Enterprise Competitions
  • BP Enterprise activities

Vocabulary (Tier 2 & 3)

Frayer models are used for introducing and reinforcing important key words and ideas in Mathematics.  Subject specific vocabulary is referenced in lesson notes and students are guided to use the PIXL Unlock app. These allow an easy way to begin to learn and reference the required vocabulary and knowledge to be a successful Mathematician.

Additionally, maths command words are taught so that students can access and demonstrate their mathematical knowledge such as estimate, explain, calculate, describe fully, construct, solve, factorise, justify.

Numeracy

Numeracy is an essential aspect of Mathematics needed to develop mathematical fluency. Numeracy skills are explicitly taught in all years with a particular focus on times tables.

Links with other subjects

Mathematics links to all subjects on a numeracy level but it is also much broader than that.

These links are obvious in subjects such as Science and Geography where there is a regular need to analyse data and use formulae.  Food technology, PE and Technology also use many aspects of geometry and measures on a day to day basis. Subjects such as ICT use algorithms, computer programming and databases.

The link with the arts such as History and English can be less explicit but there is a need to use mathematical skills to evaluate periods of time, use diagrammatic representations and evaluate the reliability of sources.

Assessment in Mathematics

At Key Stage Three (Years, 7, 8 and 9) assessments are built into the curriculum with regular formative assessments taking place. Summative termly assessments take place at the end of each term for all years.  Students are regularly provided with therapy opportunities, which arise from analysis of assessments. For example, this could be delivered through Building block tasks on Hegarty or via small group tuition.  All Key Stage Three students complete an exam during the summer term in order to acclimatise them to an exam hall and to prepare them for the experiences of external exams at Key Stages Four and Five.

At Key Stage Four (Years 10 &11), termly assessments are completed which cover the subject skills for that term but also assess the key themes of fluency, reasoning and problem solving.  Year 11 students also have two mock exams during the year in order to prepare them for the upcoming GCSE exams. Students are provided with detailed question level analysis from these to support their progression in this subject.

At Key Stage Five (Years 12 & 13) students are assessed regularly throughout their relevant course of study. Level 3 Core Maths students undertake two mock exams during year 12 and they sit the terminal exam in the summer series.

Year Twelve A-level students complete regular half termly assessments which culminate in an end of year exam in the summer term. Year Thirteen students have two sets of formal mock exams. Students are provided with detailed question level analysis from these to support their areas for revision.

Useful links

Key Stage 3: TT Rockstars – for times table fluency practise

Student login: https://play.ttrockstars.com/auth/school/student

 

Hegarty Maths – for homework, topic tutorials and practise

Student login: https://hegartymaths.com/login/learner


 

Key Stage 4: Hegarty Maths – for homework, topic tutorials and practise

Student login: https://hegartymaths.com/login/learner

 

Dr Frost Maths – for topic quizzes and exam practise

Student login: https://www.drfrostmaths.com/login.php?url=%2F

 

Seneca – for GCSE Maths practise

Student login: https://app.senecalearning.com/login


 

Key Stage 5: Dr Frost Maths – for homeworks, topic quizzes and exam practise

Student login: https://www.drfrostmaths.com/login.php?url=%2F

 

Integral Maths – for tutorials, worksheets and topic assessments

Student login: https://my.integralmaths.org/login/

Extra curricular opportunities

We relish the opportunity for our students to take part in the study of Maths beyond the standard curriculum. Here are some examples of the activities you can get involved with. Ask your teachers for more details.

UKMT Maths Challenges – individual and team challenges

Click here to practise some questions from previous years http://www.mathster.com/challenge/


Maths miniatures – a competition to produce your own video on a given topic

Click here to find out more

https://www.ukmt.org.uk/competitions/team/maths-miniatures


Maths Week England – a place to celebrate everything Maths!

Click here to see challenges from the previous Maths week

https://mathsweekengland.co.uk/


AMSP Maths inspiration webinars

Click here to see the support available and the work of the AMSP

https://amsp.org.uk/

Who to contact if you want further information

Mrs N Sutcliffe