Maths

What we believe

A core subject and of central importance to modern society, Mathematics equips students with necessary skills of logical reasoning, spatial awareness and problem-solving strategies that are required in everyday life. As a global language that is both creative as well as functional, Mathematics provides a means of communication that is powerful, concise and unambiguous. Mathematics is an exciting and challenging subject which continues to develop at a rapid rate across many research areas. It has a natural elegance and beauty. Taking a real-world problem and creating and applying mathematical models to aid understanding is often hugely satisfying and rewarding. Mathematical concepts and techniques are key within many aspects of employment, the economy, ICT and scientific and industrial research. Competency in Mathematics can lead to careers that are exciting, challenging and diverse in nature including careers in Engineering, Accountancy, Medicine, Banking and Architecture.

Curriculum Intent

Foster a love of Maths at all levels: students of all abilities should feed off the passion of their Maths teacher. They must have opportunities to see the beauty of Maths and share in ‘wow’ moments.
Develop confident problem solvers and students to have the confidence in their own ability: we must ensure that students have the confidence to apply their knowledge in new and unexpected scenarios. We will ensure they see the links between different areas of Mathematics and develop an appreciation that problem solving is a transferable skill that will serve them well in other areas of life.
Highlight the bigger picture: our curriculum must include practical applications of Mathematics. Students need to see where Maths fits in the world including the links with their other subjects.
That students form good relationships with staff and students both in their Mathematics lessons and generally around college.
Lead to academic success: our curriculum design must lead to significant progress for students of all abilities and inspire students to continue their study of Maths beyond Key Stage 5

Curriculum Implementation

Years 9, 10 and 11

The Maths department have worked hard to develop a 3-year scheme of work that allows all students to become fluent with their skills and have strong reasoning and problem-solving strategies. Whilst developing this we have collaborated with other departments across the school to ensure that students see ‘the bigger picture’. We believe that this approach, combined with passionate Maths teaching, will foster a love of learning for Maths that will lead to all students reaching their potential.

From Year 9 students are grouped on ability and follow the same scheme of work which ensures the smooth transition from middle school. Our top set with students highlighted and gifted and talented from middle school, will start the GCSE course with a view to them sitting the AQA Level 2 Further Qualification in Year 11 alongside their GCSE Mathematics.

Year 10 and 11 will follow either the Foundation or Higher-Level OCR GCSE Mathematics scheme of work. Some of our weaker student will sit Entry level Mathematics in Year 10 to support the progression on to GCSE.

Each year group takes three longer holistic examinations which require students to recall prior learning.

Throughout the year homework is set weekly using a combination of written tasks and the MyMaths website. In Year 11 the students prepare for their final examinations by using examination paper booklets.

Links to the Maths Curriculum Roadmaps:

Year 9

GCSE Foundation Tier

GCSE Higher Tier

Links to overview of schemes of work:

Year 9

GCSE Foundation

GCSE Higher

Years 12 and 13

At Key Stage 5 we offer A level Mathematics, A level Further Mathematics, Core Mathematics and resit GCSE Mathematics.

We follow the Pearson A level Mathematics course. This consists of units in Pure Mathematics, Mechanics and Statistics. The Further Mathematics A level is also with Pearson and includes Pure Mathematics, Further Statistics and Decision Mathematics. More information, including specifications and course materials, can be found here:

https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-a-levels/mathematics-2017.html

We also offer a 2-year course in Level 3 Mathematical Studies (Core Maths). This is appropriate for a wider ability range and is made up of real-world applications of mathematics. The course supports the study of full A levels in areas such as social sciences, business, psychology, sciences, and health sciences. More information can be found here:

https://allaboutmaths.aqa.org.uk/coremaths

Links to overview of schemes of work:

A Level Maths Year 12

A Level Maths Year 13

A Level Further Maths

Core Maths

Extra Curricular:

The Mathematics department provides a range of enrichment activities, including weekly after school clinics to support revision and homework, activities to celebrate numeracy week and Pi day, ‘wider world’ lessons including mathematical careers talks and we regularly hold a local interschool Maths competition. Where possible we find opportunities to support students and currently hold intervention sessions for KS4 students during Enrichment time. There are also opportunities for older students to support younger mathematicians including Year 11 as well as transition activities with the middle schools. The department is proud of its success within National competitions and regularly participates in the UKMT Maths challenge, Liverpool Mathematical society Open and Senior Maths challenges and other mathematical competitions and events organised by several universities.

Support for Parents

5 ways to help your child at home:

Help develop a curiosity for Maths and problem solving; try to find the maths in everyday situations, encourage to explore mathematical careers and courses
Support them in becoming independent and organised; ensuring they have the correct equipment for all lessons and they complete homework by the deadline
Encourage Year 9, 10 and 11 students to use CorbettMaths and Mymaths websites; these are aimed at securing their core skills
Encourage Year 12 and 13 students to use the Integral Maths websites; these are aimed securing their skills and include; videos, walkthroughs, worksheets and section tests
Encourage all students to use our VLE area; this has a wide range of revision links, videos and past papers.
In Years 12 and 13 ensure students are completing Independent Study; the most successful students get into good habits with this as soon as they embark on their A levels