Curriculum

Mathematics

Why study Mathematics?

Mathematics is the universal language that helps pupils to understand the beautiful world around them. Being an integral part of a holistic education, it goes beyond the study of numbers, shapes, and patterns, it provides important tools for work in fields such as engineering, physics, architecture, medicine, and business. It nurtures the development of a logical and methodical mind-set and helps instil focus and the ability to solve problems. Attainment in mathematics is the key to opening new doors to employment and further education. A mathematics GCSE is an essential qualification to pursue further studies in many fields.

How will I study mathematics?

In mathematics, pupils study a variety of topics such as:

number work
algebra, shapes
ratio
data-handling

As well as investigate mathematically advanced concepts such as trigonometry, circle theorems, vectors, and proof. Pupils are taught declarative knowledge components for each topic, practice the classical mathematical procedures. They then have opportunities to extend this to conditional knowledge and a variety of ‘what if’ / varying situations. Pupils have the opportunity to continually develop reasoning, written and oral communication skills in conjunction to problem solving strategies.

Each and every lesson provides multiple opportunities for pupils to:

retrieve their learning that focuses on retention in the long-term memory
discuss their learning and explore concepts
show their understanding during the lesson so that misconceptions can be quickly addressed.
Use exit tickets to check the learning outcomes have been successfully achieved.

Our new and improved inclusive curriculum welcomes students with ‘special educational needs’ by using adaptive strategies for every student.

Success is celebrated with ‘Student of the week’, postcards posted home as well as ‘positive phone calls home’ to celebrate the amazing mathematical progress displayed by students.

What will I study at key stage 3?

Our Key Stage 3 curriculum begins in Year 7 by focusing on finding and filling any gaps from Key Stage 2 and establishing a strong grasp of the number line, fractions, and decimals. Introductions to Key Stage 3 algebra and shape are incremental, with the intention of building confidence sequentially and gradually.

In Year 8 we continue to building on the shape and algebra introduced in Year 7. Sequences, graph and probability are also explored at higher levels with connections between different topics made. Students are given time to build on declarative knowledge across the many areas of mathematics.

Our Key Stage 3 continues into Year 9 and focuses on developing strong procedural knowledge on the parts of the curriculum covered so far. Accuracy and confidence in calculations and manipulations are emphasised as well as articulating reasons and linking different methods. Advanced ideas involving ratios and proportions, inequalities and data handling are also explored. Reinforcing and using mathematical concepts and notation help build a strong foundation for the higher-level maths to come.

What will I study at key stage 4?

Our Key Stage 4 focuses on investigating some of the most advanced parts of the curriculum. Higher level trigonometry, surds, quadratic equations, and data handling techniques are studied, and intentional time is given to explore concepts in detail. Students begin to articulate ideas mathematically by ‘talking like a mathematician’ and make links to previous learning.

Toward the end of Key stage 4, there is an explicit focus on making and building connections between the different branches of mathematics to help solve high level problems. All topics covered are multi-layered and draw on a strong understanding of many areas of the curriculum. Students are required to communicate mathematically using established notation and ideas as they will in any further study of the subject. Students’ knowledge and understanding is strengthened and there is also a clear focus on the use of mathematics in the real world.

Assessment at key stage 4

Edexcel GCSE MATHS PAPER 1: 1MA1/1F or 1MA1/1H Non-Calculator

Overview	Focus
Written exam (1 hour 30 minutes) 80 marks 33.3 of GCSE	Number and Algebra Ratio, proportion and rates of change. Geometry and Measures Probability and Statistics

Edexcel GCSE MATHS PAPER 2: 1MA1/2F or 1MA1/2H Calculator

Overview	Focus
Written exam (1 hour 30 minutes) 80 marks 33.3 of GCSE	Number and Algebra Ratio, proportion and rates of change. Geometry and Measures Probability and Statistics

Edexcel GCSE MATHS PAPER 3: 1MA1/3F or 1MA1/3H Calculator

Overview	Focus
Written exam (1 hour 30 minutes) 80 marks 33.3 of GCSE	Number and Algebra Ratio, proportion and rates of change. Geometry and Measures Probability and Statistics

Enrichment

Pupils have an abundance of opportunities for enrichment in both mathematics and mathematic related skills. The faculty offer free ‘after school lessons’ for Year elevens, where students can develop their logical and strategic thinking skills.

With our online homework platform ‘Sparx maths’, students can have access to the latest revision material whenever they wish as it is incredibly interactive and every question is unique to each student. Sparx maths uses videos, homework questions, and an overall data-driven approach to provide a personalised classroom learning and homework experience for pupils and insights into their learning for teachers and parents.

Lessons are full of enrichment opportunities, such as lessons on origami and mathematical games.

Students partake in the annual UK Mathematics Trust competitions and challenges. Competitions are held within school and visit The University of Manchester to compete with school from the North West.
With our ‘Read, write and think like a mathematician’ initiate, we capitalise on mathematical keywords and expressions so they are able to articulate their findings as would be expected at GCSE.

Careers

A good GCSE grade in Mathematics will allow you to choose A Levels and a degree in a variety of fields including Mathematics, Statistics, and Physics. These include careers in:

Accountancy
Engineering
Economics
Teaching
Computing

Most colleges will require at least a grade ‘5’ in GCSE Maths to be able to apply for A levels, and at least a grade ‘6’ or ‘7’ to be able to apply for A levels in Science and Mathematics.