Mathematics

Intent

Mathematics will deliver a Rigorous Academic Curriculum: Which will give students a life-long love for problem solving and numbers. It will provide the skills to find solutions in a wide range of situations; give them an understanding of a broad range of Mathematics disciplines in preparation for the world of work; demonstrate how Mathematics is an integral part of every-day life and instrumental across a range of other subjects; and prepare students for their futures by ensuring they have mastered the knowledge they require and have the skill set to apply it. Every student is challenged to be the best mathematician they can be. Teachers are expected to explain concepts in context, using real-world examples where possible. Mistakes are celebrated routinely as an opportunity for everyone to learn. Students make progress in Number, Algebra, Geometry, Statistics, Probability, Ratio and Proportion by; embedding essential knowledge and skills through their knowledge organisers; reinforcing their understanding through the use of targeted homework; revisiting key ideas before building on them in lessons; exploring the links between different branches of Mathematics and experiencing topics in different contexts. Teachers and students have a transparent set of success criteria for every Unit of Work and can articulate how these are to be met.

Key Stage 3

Key Stage 3 Maths builds on the fluency developed in Key Stage 2. By studying units of work for 6 weeks, we are able to delve deeply into different topic areas ensuring that we have plenty of time for problem solving and to practice our Mathematical reasoning. Each unit is concluded with a low stakes test that checks students have understood the concepts being taught, learned the key vocabulary involved and gives them the opportunity to apply their Maths in both familiar and unfamiliar contexts. We cover a wide range of topics within each year group, although they all fall under the six broad themes: Algebra; Number; Geometry; Shape, Space and Measures; Ratio and Proportional Thinking; Statistics.

Year	Unit 1	Unit 2	Unit 3	Unit 4	Unit 5	Unit 6
7	Week 0: Negative Numbers Algebra 1: Functions - substituting, rearranging; expressions; expanding and factorising	Geometry 1: Angles - measuring, facts, in polygons; Symmetry, similar, congruent; enlargement	Statistics 1: data presentation: pie charts and scatter graphs, bar charts, pictograms, frequency diagrams including polygons	Number 1: factors; multiples; lcm&hcf (including venn diagrams and basic set notation); primes; powers and power rules,	Probability 1: probability scale; from frequency trees and tables; experimental & theoretical, venn diagrams (for probability)	Algebra 2: sequences; coordinates; y=mx+c; gradient and interpretations
8	Number 2: rounding, estimating, rounding errors, standard form, truncation	Geometry 2: perimeter & area	Algebra 3: equations and inequalities	Ratio 1: ratio, direct and inverse proportion; exchange rates	Statistics 2: sampling, data collection, averages, (including grouped)	Geometry 3: constructions, loci, bearings, scale drawings maps. Transformations: rotations, reflections, translation.
9	Ratio 2: compound measure, growth and decay, unit conversions, time, speed, density, pressure	Algebra 4: quadratic graphs, other graphs, solving equations with graphs, d/t graphs, real-life graphs	Geometry 4: pythagoras & trig	Number 3: recurring decimals, bounds, surds [recap number 1/2/3]	Probability 2: sample space, conditional probability including on tree diagrams [recap probability 1]	Statistics 2: IQR, box plots, cumulative frequencies [recap statistics 1]

Key Stage 4

The Mathematics of Key Stage 4 builds on the skills and knowledge learned in Key Stage 3. There remains a focus on developing fluency of mathematical concepts, thinking and problem solving and an exploration of the six key themes (Algebra; Number; Geometry; Shape, Space and Measures; Ratio and Proportional Thinking; Statistics) in even greater depth. Like KS3, we continue to work in 6 weekly units throughout Year 10 with low stakes assessments in the final week, again checking the knowledge, key concepts, vocabulary and application of ideas. Additionally in Year 11, we run a series of fortnightly assessments based on previous GCSE exam papers. These allow our students the chance to experience the language of exam papers; the thinking skills needed to switch quickly from one topic to another; an opportunity to develop resilience when faced with unfamiliar questions. We use these as a Team to support students in closing gaps in their knowledge on an individual or whole class basis.

Year

Unit 1

Unit 2

Unit 3

Unit 4

Unit 5

Unit 6

Algebra 5: quadratic equations (factorising, difference of two squares, formula, completing the square) linear simultaneous equations.

Geometry 5: 3D shapes, volume, surface area and elevations. Area and volume conversions.

Ratio 3: reivew of direct and inverse proportion, proportional thinking

Geometry 6: vectors and geometric proof

Statistics 3: histograms, time series, capture/recapture

Algebra 6: functions & iterations

Triple brackets

Quadratic sequences

Graphing inequalities

Proof - algebraic

Perpendicular lines

Circle theorems

sine/cosine rule

Revision

Extra Curricular

Extra-curricular provision in the Maths team focusses on a broader and deeper approach to the subject. We love students to think outside the box and we are regular participants in the UKMT Maths Challenges organised by the University of Leeds (the link to their website is here: Home page | UK Mathematics Trust (ukmt.org.uk) ) We have also been lucky enough to take part in the county-wide Team Challenge at Taunton School and we hope that will return this year after a brief hiatus due to the pandemic. In previous years we have also entered STEM challenges, the Cipher Challenge (National Cipher Challenge 2021) and various other competitions – we are happy to be led by our students and their love of learning.

Useful Links

Stuck on your homework? Looking for a video to explain a concept in a different way? Need some more practice on a particular topic? Want to know what an exam question might look like?

There are two incredibly useful links for you:

Corbett Maths

Corbettmaths – Videos, worksheets, 5-a-day and much more

This features video explanations of every Maths topic you will be studying. Mr Corbett has also got practice questions and exam style questions for you to try along with the answers so you can check how you are getting on.

BBC Bitesize

KS3 is here KS3 Maths - BBC Bitesize

KS4 is here GCSE Maths - Edexcel - BBC Bitesize

This is a little more interactive with online quizzes and opportunities to test yourself.

Support Available

How can we help you to know more Maths facts? Remember more information? Answer more questions when it comes to lessons or tests? Firstly, make sure you are completing your Knowledge Organiser homework for your tutor. Secondly, make sure you are answering the questions in your homework booklet that your Maths teacher asks you to – if you get a bit stuck, look at our useful links. On top of this, there are additional sessions after school that you are welcome to attend (Period 6). These usually attract KS4 students as they tend to be geared towards supporting students with exam style questions or they are helping them to apply Maths in different contexts, but they are open to all, please talk to your teacher.