Mathematics

Ethos & Values

The aim of the Mathematics Curriculum Area is that students will develop:

• fluency in the fundamentals of mathematics, so that pupils develop conceptual understanding;
• problem solving skills by applying their mathematics to a variety of situations;
• an appreciation of the place of mathematics in society, including historical and cultural influences;
• an ability to think mathematically - precisely, logically and creatively;
• a willingness and ability to work independently and co-operatively;
• an ability to understand mathematical ideas and to communicate them in a variety of modes;
• an appreciation of the interdependence of different branches of mathematics;
• an appreciation of the ways mathematics is used;
• the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to apply a range of mathematical concepts to situations which may arise in their own lives;
• the skill to investigate mathematical ideas and to test and prove their own hypotheses;
• an ability to use mathematics across the curriculum;
• a firm foundation for appropriate further study.

In addition:

• All members of the department uphold high expectations of their students and deliver high quality lessons, through differentiated teaching and learning strategies.
• Every child will be given the opportunity to maximise their mathematical development, by providing educational experiences appropriate to the age, ability and needs of our students.
• A focus is held within the department to enhance children's quality of learning, by raising attainment through effective targeting and regular assessment.

Knowledge & Skills

Students need to deepen and broaden their knowledge, skills and understanding by developing competence, creativity, applications and implications, critical understanding, representation and analysis.

• They will develop mathematical communication by solving problems using mathematical methods, including use of a scientific calculator.
• They will have the opportunity to do investigations thus developing creative thinking by solving unfamiliar problems, posing questions and producing reasoned arguments.
• They will learn about the historical and cultural development of mathematics.
• They will represent problems using appropriate variables, symbols, diagrams and models.
• They will also learn how to make and justify conjectures and generalisations.
• They will experience a wide range of learning styles from enthusiastic specialist teachers that incorporate both individual and group activities.

Resources & Facilities

Every classroom in the mathematics department contains an interactive whiteboard and a selection of educational textbooks. Lessons will primarily be delivered using interactive whiteboard resources.

Pupils in Years 7 to 9 may make use of the CPG textbooks to help build fluency in skills. Alternatively, students in Year 10 and 11 will focus on the completion of their GCSE qualification. They may also reference their work from the Higher and Foundation Tier CGP textbook series.

All pupils can gain access to support using several online resources including Sparx Maths. Sparx Maths is a fantastic website the Academy has subscribed to which sets bespoke weekly homework for students, as well as providing an enormous selection of independent learning material to help students develop mathematical understanding and fluency. Alternatively, the Corbettmaths and MathsGenie websites also contain a large number of videos and practice questions for students to access. These sites are free of charge.

Courses & Qualifications

The Mathematics curriculum promotes mastery of the subject, studying topics for longer and in greater depth. Lessons will establish a starting point, which will enable teachers to ensure all students are stretched and challenged appropriately. Students will complete a variety of fluency and probing questions to extend their understanding within a lesson.

Year 7 - 9 Curriculum

The Year 7 - 9 Curriculum develops a solid foundation which is then built upon in Year 10 - 11 Curriculum. Lessons are designed so all students have the opportunities to work towards mastery.

Areas covered in year 7, 8 and 9 include:

• Working with numbers
• Sequences
• Angles
• Averages
• Using number
• Simplifying expressions
• 3D shapes
• Probability
• Fractions
• Equations
• Geometry – Perimeter and Area
• Statistics – Tables and charts
• Decimals
• Formulae
• Units of measure
• Statistical diagrams
• Fractions, Decimals and Percentages
• Straight line graphs
• Transformations
• Pie charts
• Ratio
• Real life graphs
• Volume
• Statistical surveys
• Expanding and factorising brackets
• Changing the subject of a formula

Year 10 - 11 Curriculum

Students follow the Edexcel GCSE course.

Pupils take a tier of entry appropriate to their ability. Foundation tier covers GCSE grades 1-5 and Higher tier covers GCSE grades 3-9.

The areas covered in year 7 and 8 are extended on. In addition, students will cover the following:

• Pythagoras theorem
• Trigonometry
• Simultaneous equations
• Powers and standard form
• Algebraic identities and quadratics
• Solving equations graphically
• Cumulative frequency
• Circle Theorems
• Constructions
• Iteration
• Vectors
• Proof
• Surds

Learning Outside The Classroom

Independent learning is encouraged with all year groups. Regular homework is set on Sparx Maths which aims to develop learning within the classroom, as well as ensuring students recap previous knowledge. Sparx Maths catch up sessions are available at upper and lower sites to provide additional support to all students. Sparx Maths can also be used for students to carry out independent learning and additional optional homework tasks, which help students develop their learning further. Students can also access the Corbettmaths and MathsGenie websites for additional free revision resources. In Year 11, Maths staff run lunchtime and after school revision sessions which help students to develop their exam technique.

Where Does This Take Me In The Future?

• Mathematics provides skills for life, which is important for all members of a modern society.
• It provides the tools for students to develop skills in science, engineering, technology, and economics.
• It prepares students to move into the workplace. The skills developed within the study of Mathematics are amongst some of the most highly rated by employers, such as the ability to collect, represent and interpret data.
• The study of Mathematics enhances students' skills needed to undertake a wide range of qualifications and careers such as access to apprenticeships, enrolment into the forces, engineering, computer game designing, meteorology, medical statistics and teaching.
• Mathematics helps students to think and function independently and to become financially capable.
• It also provides progression into Higher and Further Education.