"Our students will become numerate individuals who are able to reason mathematically, make deductions and apply mathematical techniques to solve problems in the wider world."
In Key Stage 3, students are banded and then broadly set according to ability with the middle sets being mixed ability. Students complete a course which covers programmes of study identified in the National Curriculum, tailored to their level of ability. The key foci are Mathematical fluency, reasoning and problem solving.
Links to the White Rose Schemes of learning are below with more detailed information available here:
Year 7: Year 7 Maths
Year 8: Year 8 Maths
In Key Stage 4, students are set based on the two tiers – higher and foundation for GCSE. The sets are banded and the students complete the Pearson Edexcel GCSE course which covers programmes of study identified in the National Curriculum, tailored to their level of ability. The key foci are Mathematical fluency, reasoning and problem solving.
A link to the Pearson Edexcel Course Specification can be found here:
GCSE Specification in Mathematics
The programmes of study cover the National Curriculum areas of number and algebra, shape, space and measures and handling data. Opportunities for using and applying mathematics are included in each of these areas. The content taught within each ability band does overlap somewhat; however, the main focus is to ensure that the foundation of knowledge and skills is there to allow further progression in a student’s mathematical understanding.
We aim to inspire and enthuse pupils through the use of real-life examples and mathematical skills which are relevant to their lives while, at the same time, putting in place sound practice and logical approaches to be used throughout their education. Students are encouraged to develop their mathematical and thinking skills through a variety of activities and learning approaches.
The White Rose Mathematics scheme of learning provides a basis for study in Key Stage 4 but many other resources such as Variation Theory, Dr Frost, Maths Genie, Examination Board Materials and Oak National Academy are used to support students’ learning.
Links to the White Rose Schemes of Learning in Years 9, 10 and 11 can be found here:
Year 9:
Year 9 Maths
Year 10:
Year 10 Maths (foundation)
Year 11:
Year 11 Maths (foundation)
Each student is set regular written homework according to the academy’s policy. They also have access to Dr Frost www.drfrost.org where they can access this with their school account using the Login with Microsoft link on the login page.
If students have not set up the Microsoft option, they can login with their school email address and use the password of “password”. They should then change their password.
At the end of each unit of work in the scheme of learning, students are required to complete a low stakes assessment which is then reviewed. If a student needs extra support following this, they are either given extra in-class support or given extra help in a small group with our learning mentor for mathematics or with the Achievement Director for Mathematics. Students in year 7 also have the opportunity to take part in the National Centre for Excellence in Teaching Mathematics Securing Foundations at Year 7 Programme. In Key Stage 3, students are able to take part in trips to Maths City in Leeds.
For students in years 10 and 11, there is the opportunity to study the AQA level 2 Certificate in Further Mathematics and in Key Stage 3 students can take part in the United Kingdom Mathematics Trust Junior Mathematical Challenge.
Students who are considering the study of A level mathematics are given the opportunity to take part in the Higher Level Achievement Programme run by the Advanced Mathematics Support Programme.
Extra support is given to students in the form of Level 2 Functional Skills and in the Entry Level Certificate in Mathematics.
The GCSE course is taught and examined in two tiers, Foundation and Higher. There will be a significant proportion of non-structured and problem-solving questions in the exam which, for most students, represents an increase in difficulty from Key Stage 3.
The Mathematics GCSE will be assessed by three written papers at the end of Year 11. Each paper is one and a half hours and one of them is non-calculator. There is no coursework in GCSE Mathematics.
The Entry Level Certificate qualification is assessed by an exam and timed tasks in Year 11.
Most courses after GCSE require a grade 5 in Maths or above at GCSE.
The new GCSE exam will provide a good platform to study AS or A Level Mathematics or Core Maths AS level. The very brightest students can study Further Mathematics A/AS Level.
A good grade in GCSE Mathematics is widely valued by all employers as it tells them you are good at problem solving.
Examination Board: Pearson Edexcel
