Contact: Mr R. O’Connor – Head of Maths
“Mathematics is the language in which God has written the universe”
Galileo
Curriculum Intent
In Mathematics, we aim to consolidate, build upon and expand on skills & knowledge taught at primary school. Pupils combine problem-solving skills with innovative thinking and subject knowledge to tackle a wide variety of mathematical tasks.
We aim to inspire our students to develop an appreciation for mathematics in the wider world.
The skills set we engender in our students is
- To be Inquisitive
- To be Resilient
- To be Confident
- To be Socially mobile
Key Stage 3
The mathematics curriculum aims to ensure that all pupils:
Become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, including through varied and frequent practice with increasingly complex problems over time, so that pupils develop conceptual understanding and the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately.
- Reason mathematically by following a line of enquiry, conjecturing relationships and generalisations, and developing an argument, justification or proof using mathematical language
- Can solve problems by applying their mathematics to a variety of routine and non-routine problems with increasing sophistication, including breaking down problems into a series of simpler steps and persevering in seeking solutions
The programme of study for KS3 is organised into the following domains:
- Number
- Algebra
- Ratio, proportion and rates of change
- Geometry & measures
- Probability
- Statistics
During KS3, pupils build on KS2 and connections across mathematical ideas to develop fluency, mathematical reasoning and competence in solving problems that are increasingly sophisticated. Pupils can then apply their mathematical knowledge to other connected subjects.
The Mathematics department follows the Pearson scheme of work. Each year group is subdivided to provide differentiation and suitable sequencing of topics. Classes are set on ability and then the class teacher in consultation in the department choose the most suitable sequence to follow.
Key Stage 4
Examination Boards:
- Higher Tier Edexcel: Syllabus 1MA1
- Foundation Tier OCR: Syllabus: J560
GCSE Mathematics is a two year course which will be assessed through 3 equally weighted written examination papers at either Foundation or Higher tier. Questions are targeted at grades 1 -5 at Foundation tier and grades 4-9 at Higher tier.
The GCSE specification enables pupils to:
- Develop fluent knowledge, skills and understanding of mathematical methods and concepts
- Acquire, select and apply mathematical techniques to solve problems
- Reason mathematically, make deductions and inferences and draw conclusions
- Comprehend interpret and communicate mathematical information in a variety of forms appropriate to the information and context
- Be aware that mathematics can be used to develop models of real situations
- Recall, select and apply mathematical formulae
In mathematics, topics are taught in progressively greater depth over the course of KS3 and KS4. GCSE outcomes reflect and build upon subject content which is taught at KS3 across the 6 domains:
- Number
- Algebra
- Ratio, proportion and rates of change
- Geometry and measures
- Probability
- Statistics
Progression Routes
GCSE Mathematics is a qualification that provides a strong foundation for further academic and vocational study and for employment. It gives pupils the appropriate mathematical skills, knowledge and understanding to help them progress to a full range of courses in further and higher education.
Future Careers
GCSE Maths is a requirement for all degree courses and many jobs. It teaches accuracy and precision in work. The analytical and problem-solving skills you learn are valuable in many different careers, for example Accountancy, Teaching, Business, Engineering, Medicine, Architecture and Computer Studies.