Maths
The key aims of the Mathematics Faculty are to develop students’ mathematical thinking and problem solving skills and to motivate students to reach their potential whatever their age or prior attainment. We work with students to help them develop fluency with different skills, so that they can apply them confidently and accurately in different situations, including the many areas across the curriculum in which they might be needed.
Our team of enthusiastic mathematics specialists comprises eight full time and three part-time teachers. We have support from our Learning Support department with a Numeracy HLTA providing small group intervention for students who need that extra help to reach their potential. Lessons will typically include a variety of elements, from retrieval practice, modelling of worked examples, whole class discussion, to small group, paired or individual work. Developing students’ oracy skills is a feature of our lessons, and we want to encourage our students to talk about their work, share their ideas and together come to a deeper understanding of the concepts.
Our team of enthusiastic mathematics specialists comprises eight full time and three part-time teachers. We have support from our Learning Support department with a Numeracy HLTA providing small group intervention for students who need that extra help to reach their potential. Lessons will typically include a variety of elements, from retrieval practice, modelling of worked examples, whole class discussion, to small group, paired or individual work. Developing students’ oracy skills is a feature of our lessons, and we want to encourage our students to talk about their work, share their ideas and together come to a deeper understanding of the concepts.
Key Stage 3
The Key Stage 3 curriculum covers Number, Algebra, Ratio, Proportion and Rates of Change, Geometry and Measures, Probability and Statistics, with regular interleaving of topics and opportunities for students to revisit the concepts and skills within different topic areas. At Key Stage 3 we have adopted the White Rose Maths curriculum and a mastery approach to teaching and learning, in order to support our students to achieve their full potential in mathematics whatever their starting point and experience.
All students in KS3 regularly use Numeracy Ninjas in class to keep their basic numeracy skills alive.
Our Curriculum Overviews show the topics to be covered in more detail.
All students in KS3 regularly use Numeracy Ninjas in class to keep their basic numeracy skills alive.
Our Curriculum Overviews show the topics to be covered in more detail.
Key Stage 4
At Key Stage 4 all students work towards the Edexcel 9-1 GCSE, with students sitting exams at the end of the course at either Higher or Foundation Tier. Students will study a course focussed on the relevant tier from Year 10, although all groups follow broadly the same topic areas for much of the course, so there is the opportunity to change groups and/or tiers where this is appropriate.
We currently offer GCSE Statistics as an option for Year 10 students and depending on demand, this is either studied as a stand-alone course, or GCSE Statistics is coupled with Level 2 Further Maths for those who relish a challenge.
Key Stage 5
Mathematics A-level is a popular choice for our 6th Form students and some also choose to broaden their mathematics education with study for Further Mathematics A or AS-level – this is particularly useful for those considering higher level study of mathematics or engineering, for example. We follow the AQA specification for both of these courses.
Sparx guide for students
We are using the Sparx online platform for regular maths homework for all students – this is a system which actively learns about a student’s strengths and areas in need of development in order to set bespoke learning tasks for them each week. Students who regularly engage with their homework will be able to make further progress as a result.
