Mathematics

Maths Vision

Intent

We aim to give students the mathematical and problem solving skills with which they can thrive academically and function successfully in their home community and working environment. We feel particularly responsible to ensure that students have a good financial understanding to support their adult life responsibilities.

We aim to create the very best Mathematicians. It is our intention to challenge students to think, act and speak like those working in the field would. We do this by quality first teaching which ensures students understand underlying Mathematical principles and can apply them in a variety of familiar and unfamiliar contexts. (Self-awareness)

In KS3, we have created an ‘awe and wonder’ curriculum with the aim of students learning through Mathematics. The Department aims to provide all students with a rewarding and enjoyable experience through discovery and problem solving. Teaching supports this and ensures understanding and misconceptions are addressed.

Implementation

The mathematics department implements this through a carefully planned curriculum based on a five year progression model in Key Stages 3 and 4.

The curriculum builds year on year ensuring students have a secure understanding before moving to the next topic. It ensures a broad base of subjects are taught across 3 years. Year 7 is taught in mixed ability classes.

Teachers are then supported by each other to deliver high quality lessons where learning is embedded and sequential to facilitate long term retention

Regular assessments of knowledge, skills and application identifies priorities for intervention and future delivery, and encourages students to reflect on their progress.

Collaborative curriculum planning lies at the heart of what we do in the department. We are committed to a three-year plan of developing our schemes of work. Currently, we are working on KS3 schemes of work. These are focussed on embedding challenge, metacognition, memory techniques and literacy into our departmental curriculum

In Mathematics we also implement our curriculum through using a variety of teaching approaches such as treasure hunts, relay tasks, competitive activities and problem solving as well as more traditional skills practice and skill checkers. Key skills and knowledge are constantly revisited, and key terminology is regularly embedded within lessons and in the written work that our students produce. Students are challenged to build on fundamental concepts by structured extension activities.