In the Maths department we aim to embed the whole school curriculum intent, through and beyond our curriculum. We do these in line with the three principles across the school.
| Globally Diverse | Ambitious for the Future | Inquisitive Learners |
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In Maths we aim to raise awareness around the following financial topics through the mathematics students learn:
In Maths we also aim to raise awareness of how mathematics can be used to mislead, Teachers identify this through:
Students are introduced to famous mathematicians around the world and their contributions to the mathematics we study today. |
In Maths we strive to ensure that all students are numerate by the end of Key Stage 3. We aim to end the phrase ‘I can’t do maths’ by developing confidence and instilling a growth mindset in all our students. We regularly raise awareness of different professions relating to maths and identifying possible ways where students will require maths in future careers. We regularly set homework to promote self study and organisation. We hold regular revision sessions to support independent study. Pupils also have the opportunity to purchase revision resources to help support them in their independent studies. The mathematics department provides opportunities for students to explore their knowledge and face challenges. Previous opportunities provided include UKMT team challenges, the British Museum, Faraday Challenge and Thorpe Park. At KS5 pupils are taught the applications and interpretations IB mathematics course; this encourages students to further develop their understanding through investigations and applying these to real life. Students currently have the opportunity to study this at both standard and higher level There is a large focus in the mathematics curriculum towards problem solving. Staff work with students to develop the resilience and critical thinking skills to break down larger problems into smaller more manageable ones. These are often also taught through real life applications In all Key Stages students are introduced to different careers in mathematics in lessons and as part of careers week within the school. |
The mathematics department are passionate about the subject they teach and want all pupils to share this passion. Our curriculum develops problem solving skills and provides students with the opportunity to make connections. They will develop their mathematical communication both verbally and in written work. Students will develop resilience, independence and take ownership of their learning through rich open tasks and research based learning. We want to ensure that students take pride in their work. Presentation is key to showing good mathematics with logic and organised thought. Students will critically evaluate their own work and develop their previous learning through encouragement of reflections, reviewing and correcting. We want pupils to leave KS4 with the skills to continue studying maths at KS5 and beyond. Our schemes of learning in all Key Stages develops mastery of skills and will develop links to other subjects. Students will develop a greater depth to their knowledge and be able to apply this to various contexts. They will also better develop their vocabulary with subject specific words. The mathematics curriculum is a spiralling curriculum allowing students to revisit and build on their knowledge developing the idea that we can always further our knowledge and understanding of different topics. Especially as they mature and their prioritise for studies change depending on their choices for their future. |
In key stage 3, we have a mastery curriculum, allowing students to develop both fluency and understanding. They build on their knowledge, developing the idea that we can always further our knowledge and understanding of different topics. We use rich open tasks, developing resilience, independence and ownership of learning. Clear written communication and presentation is promoted which students can use in all aspects of their learning. During ‘Maths Week’, students have the opportunity for self-discovery, particularly in Year 8 when they investigate Pythagoras’ Theorem.
We use rich and open ended tasks which allow students to discover their own insights and apply to the real world. This helps with resilience and problem solving too. We regularly set homework to promote self study and organisation.
The Mathematics department provides opportunities for students to explore their knowledge and face challenges. Previous opportunities provided include UKMT team challenges, the Maths Feast, the British Museum, Bletchley Park, Faraday Challenge and Thorpe Park.
We have an annual ‘Maths Week’ which presents maths in real life and problem solving situations to help students make links between the subject and their everyday life. In addition, Year 7 considers estimating as it is a vital skill in budgeting and financial mathematical fluency.
We teach about best buys through ratio in Year 8, so students can understand value for money. Class discussions give students the opportunity to build listening skills and mutual respect. Investigations ask students to share responsibility with others and work collaboratively. Students are asked to reflect upon their own learning, to further understand and develop their learning journey.
In key stage 4 students study the GCSE Mathematics course, we have designed our curriculum so topics are interwoven and further develop mastery, problem solving and resilience, leading to independent learners who take ownership of their own learning. Students also have the opportunity to make greater connections between subjects and develop their own learning. Statistics GCSE for our most able students gives the opportunity for critical thinking and real life applications for their learning by forcing justification behind answers, spotting misleading information and understanding/arguing different points of view. We teach financial maths such as compound interest, depreciation, loans and mortgages. Through work on representing and analysing data, students begin to think critically about information that is presented to them as well as being exposed to situations where data may be misleading.
Some students also pursue GCSE Statistics which allows students to become better critical learners, looking further than the initial data or information to understand the situation. We continue setting regular homework to promote self study and organisation.
In key stage 5 students can study IB Mathematics Applications and Interpretation, through this course we continue to develop students' independence of study. The introduction of IB mathematics gives more opportunities for application of mathematics and real life scenarios. The Internal Assessment stretches students beyond the outlined curriculum, giving opportunities for personal investigation. The course also encourages students to further develop their understanding through investigations and applying these to real life.
We continue to develop students’ independence with the introduction of the internal assessment. Firm deadlines are introduced which compel students to manage their time. Students are given the opportunity to teach each other, becoming responsible for others' learning as well as their own. In this scenario, students use their presentation and pupil speaking skills as well as ensuring they are prepared in a timely manner.