Mathematics
Mr J Dunning - Director of Maths
Mrs J V Smith - Years 7/8/9
Mr T Cox - Years 10/11
Mr N Chamberlain - A Level (Years 12/13)
Mrs S Halls Barker - Core Maths (Years 12/13)
Mr W Scheilling - Support Groups (for children with low prior attainment)
Mrs S Gardner - Maths Curriculum Assistant
Our aim is to make mathematics an enjoyable and empowering experience for all pupils. In their lessons students will
- develop deep conceptual understanding of ideas in number, algebra, geometry and data handling
- gain fluency with key facts and skills
- learn to apply their understanding and become confident problem solvers, and
- understand how mathematics is embedded in society and the physical world.
Online support
We give all students access to a DrFrostMaths account. We will sometimes use this for homework and revision tasks.
Students can use the explanatory videos for a reminder when stuck. They can use the interactive elements for focussed ‘key skill’ practice, exam-question practice or enrichment through UK Mathematics Trust and university-entrance-exam questions.
They are always welcome to message their teacher on Teams if they need further support with homework or revision.
Calculators
It is important that your child has access to one of the standard Casio Classwizz models of calculator from Year 7: either the fx-83GT CW, fx-85GT CW or fx-991 CW.
If your child has a different calculator, they will not be able to follow the class demonstrations of how to use various functions.
The fx-991 CW is substantially more expensive than the other models. However, it has the advantage that it can solve some types of equation, and students are allowed to use this function to check their working in the GCSE exams and in the GCSE Further Maths exams.
Students taking A-level Maths must have an fx-991 CW, so some parents prefer to also purchase this for their child’s GCSE calculator to save buying twice.
Key Stage 3
Curriculum
In Year 7, we check and widen understanding of concepts from Key Stage 2, apply them to a range of new scenarios – for example, some students are invited to investigate the sum of an infinite series of fractions – and introduce a handful of new concepts, such as multi-base arithmetic.
In Year 8, we continue to develop understanding of basic concepts (especially proportional reasoning) and their application to problems, while introducing a growing number of new concepts, such as using algebra to describe patterns of coordinates.
In Year 9, we use students’ now-deepened knowledge as a platform to work on more challenging problem solving and to place emphasis on the importance of conjecture in mathematics. We also start to build understanding of some of the major ideas that will be at the heart of GCSE mathematics, such as trigonometry and Pythagoras’ theorem.
Opportunities for enrichment in Key Stage 3 include ‘maths at work’ lessons which focus on uses of maths such as the analysis of environmental issues, opportunities to enter the UK Mathematics Trust competitions, and offers to join a ‘maths circle’ for small-group tutoring in advanced skills.
Assessment
At the end of each topic, students complete a topic assessment. We will set students a ‘close the gap’ task based on any weaknesses in their assessments, or an extension task where they have scored full marks.
Year 7 sit a baseline test during the first term, for which there is no revision required. They also have a formal assessment at the end of the year. Years 8 and 9 sit two formal assessments during the year. For all formal assessments, we will provide students with a structured set of revision activities.
Grouping
At the start of Year 7, we teach most students in tutor groups, with a handful of students working in small support groups from early in the term. In the second half term, the remaining students are placed into a maths class in one of three bands: standard or advanced.
Support, standard and advanced bands all study the same broad topics, with differing levels of complexity in their application.
We will move students between bands at any point in the year if we feel it will aid their learning.
Key Stage 4
GCSE Curriculum
Students continue to develop their problem-solving skills, as well as meeting a variety of new concepts as they work towards their GCSE.
Opportunities for enrichment continue through ‘maths at work’ lessons and the UK Mathematics Trust competitions, as well as the Further Maths qualification (see below).
We also offer students in the support groups opportunities to sit an entry-level qualifications throughout Years 10 and 11 to ensure that their hard-work is awarded with clear success.
Level 2 Certificate in Further Maths
Towards the end of Year 10, students are invited to apply for a place on the Further Mathematics course and each year we accept around 80 students. This is useful as support for top grades at GCSE and also gives a taster of some core concepts studied in A-level maths. Students commit to a one-hour session after school and a short homework each week.
The course Level 2 Certificate in Further Mathematics and the exam board is AQA. It is examined at the end of Year 11.
Assessment
We continue to check students’ learning with topic assessments, which are followed by ‘close the gap’ or extension tasks.
In Year 10, students sit a formal in-class assessment midway through the year and a mock exam in the hall towards the end of the year.
In Year 11, there are mock exams in November and January. At the end of the year, they take GCSE Mathematics through the EdExcel exam board.
There are two GCSE tiers, Foundation and Higher.
The Foundation tier can lead to grades 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
The Higher tier can lead to grades 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9.
Grouping
Students continue to study in a advanced, standard or support band, looking at the same topics but with different levels of complexity in their application.
No firm decision is made about which tier of exam the students will take until Year 11. However, students in the advanced band are broadly on a path to the Higher tier examination and students on the standard and support bands are broadly on a path to the Foundation tier.
We will move students between tiers at any point in the year if we feel it will aid their learning.
Revision materials
For GCSE, we recommend the White Rose Maths revision guides for all grades, as well as the Just Maths ‘Ready Steady Go: GCSE Maths Revision Crossover’ for students aiming for a grade 5.
For Further Maths, we recommend the AQA Level 2 Further Mathematics revision guide by CGP.