Maths
The Mathematics department aims to create independent learners who are able to apply their skills to everyday life and their future in line with the whole school mission. Mathematics is a core subject that all pupils must take at KS3 and KS4.
It is our intention to provide opportunities for pupils to learn through a variety of different teaching techniques and by having high expectations of all pupils. We strive to develop students’ resilience to whatever challenges they may face, giving them opportunities to develop confidence and strategies which they can apply to other areas of learning.
Numeracy is a cross curricular skill, essential for life-long learning, and we believe that the Mathematics department has a key role to play in developing numeracy. (A separate numeracy policy is available for consultation).
Thinking skills and Personal capabilities are also incorporated into the teaching in the Mathematics department through the use of appropriate mental maths tasks used at the teachers discretion.
The Mathematics Department is a dynamic, passionate team with the drive and ambition to stimulate, motivate and inspire our students on the road to success.
KS3
In Years 7 and 8 the students follow the Pearson Edexcel scheme of work which is supported by Active-Learn and Hegarty Maths. Each unit is around 3-4 weeks in duration with an assessment at the end of each unit.
Our Year 7s and 8s are set according to ability based upon their KS2 Standard Score or GL Assessment equivalent. Pupils depth and understanding is developed throughout the year in all key mathematical skills. They are encouraged to look beyond skill learning to develop ways of explaining and approaching problems even if they look unfamiliar.
In Year 9 students begin preparation for GCSE with students following the Edexcel GCSE scheme of work. Students aim for mastery in each unit, being able to understand, explain and apply each set of skills. They will be developing links to prior knowledge and understanding of where the skills lead to in both the mathematical and wider world. To facilitate this the students are set according to ability to enable staff to approach more challenging topics at a pace suitable to each class.
KS4
All our students are entered for the linear GCSE mathematics course and are taught to an appropriate grade level with the final decision over paper entries made only in year 11 to allow for students to have to opportunity to access papers that they feel comfortable with.
Our year 10 and 11 classes are set in order to build on knowledge from KS3 at an appropriate starting point. Students aim for mastery in each unit, being able to understand, explain and apply each set of skills. They will be developing links to prior knowledge and understanding of where the skills lead to in both the mathematical and wider world. This is supported with Hegarty maths to develop skills independently and Method Maths to allow students to practice with real exam questions.
GCSE Mathematics
Exam Board and course reference number: Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) in Mathematics (1MA1)
Each GCSE examination consists of three exam papers - one non-calculator and two calculator – each paper is out of 80 marks. The grade boundaries will vary from year to year.
Higher – Grades (4 – 9)
Foundation (1 – 5)
GCSE Statistics
Our year 10 are given to opportunity to study GCSE statistics as option subject.
All students (KS3-KS4) are encouraged to use “drop-in” sessions with class teachers, after school each day.
Year 11 have more formal after-school revision sessions on a Thursday.
Curriculum Maps
Learning Journey
Staff
Mr A. Panday - Head of Department
Mr S. Robinson – Lead Practitioner
Mr M. Harvey
Mrs S. Zafar
Mr S. Qadri
Mr D. Peck
