Mathematics

Mathematics, a universal language that enables understanding of the world, is an integral part of the curriculum. Beyond the study of numbers, shapes, and patterns, it also provides important tools for work in fields such as engineering, physics, architecture, medicine, and business. It nurtures the development of a logical and methodical mindset, as well helping to inculcate focus and the ability to solve all manner of problems. Attainment in the subject is also the key to opening new doors to further study and employment. Our maths curriculum is designed to help pupils to gain increasing mathematical proficiency, build confidence in their ability and prepare students for KS5 study and potentially beyond. 

Our teachers engineer the best possible start for all pupils by closing the school entry gap in knowledge of basic mathematical facts, concepts, vocabulary, and symbols. Teaching is systematic and clear. Content is carefully sequenced to encourage long-term learning. The teaching of maths facts and methods is sequenced to take advantage of the way that knowing those facts helps pupils to learn methods, and vice versa. Useful facts and efficient and accurate methods are paired within a topic sequence. Strategies for solving problem types are taught and learned once pupils can recall and deploy facts and methods with speed and accuracy. Our aim is for pupils to attain proficiency. This helps pupils to develop motivation in the subject. 

Pupils are provided regular opportunities to rehearse and apply the important mathematical facts, concepts, methods, and strategies they have learned by completing fluency quizzes each lesson. We regularly assess the core knowledge that pupils have learned though short consolidation tasks and multiple-choice quizzes. This aids pupils’ confidence and makes it easier to analyse and respond to gaps in learning. Our teachers support pupils’ progression by ensuring written work is of a high quality. This is important because when pupils’ calculations are systematic and orderly, they are better able to see the connections of number and to spot errors. 

In KS3 students develop their understanding of number, place value, rounding, operations, factors, multiples, and proportion. They learn to communicate using algebra, manipulate expressions, to model situations, and interpret relationships both algebraically and graphically. They also develop their skills in elementary geometry, probability, and statistics. An emphasis is placed on developing fluency and understanding key mathematical concepts and relationships.

 

In KS4 students develop a deeper understanding of the five main areas of Mathematics studied, namely number, proportion, geometry, probability, and statistics. Pupils consolidate connections across mathematical ideas. They develop their skills in mathematical reasoning and competence in solving increasingly sophisticated problems. 

 

Please click the 'Page Downloads' below to download the Long term plans for 2021-22