Mathematics
Maths Curriculum Vision
Overall Intent:
Our Maths curriculum is designed to build a solid foundation in mathematics while fostering essential life skills, such as managing money and cooking. In Key Stage 3, students develop their understanding of core concepts in a supportive, mixed-ability environment, based on research showing the benefits of collaboration and resilience. This approach allows all students to access a broad curriculum, deepening their mathematical understanding.
In Key Stage 4, we focus on preparing students for the Edexcel 9-1 GCSE Mathematics exams, covering number, algebra, ratio and proportion, geometry, probability, and statistics. In Year 10 and Year 11, we emphasise exam practice and interleaving of topics, with extended days in Year 11 to consolidate learning and refine exam skills. Our mastery model ensures students fully understand key concepts before progressing, giving them the confidence to succeed.
For those progressing to A-levels, we offer A Level Mathematics and A Level Further Mathematics, aiming to deepen understanding and promote a genuine appreciation of mathematics. Our curriculum encourages confidence, resilience, and a deeper connection to mathematical processes, preparing students for further study or careers in mathematics-related fields.
For detailed checklists for each topic covered at KS3 & KS4, please follow this link. PowerPoint Presentation
How we encourage our students to ROAR:
Resilient: We create a classroom environment where students are encouraged to approach maths with confidence and persistence. They are supported in discussing, reflecting on, and researching problems, helping them build resilience through problem-solving tasks and peer discussions.
Open Minded: We help students overcome preconceptions about maths by making all topics engaging and relevant. By connecting maths to real-life situations, we encourage students to embrace all areas of the subject and foster a love of learning.
Aspirational: Our curriculum challenges all students, offering both foundation and higher-tier options. We provide consistent encouragement through extracurricular activities like the UKMT Maths Challenge, Axiom Maths and Further Maths for high achievers, ensuring every student is motivated to reach their full potential.
Reflective: After each assessment, students receive personalised feedback with links to improvement tasks. This helps them reflect on their progress, identify areas for growth, and actively engage in improving their skills through targeted activities.
Year 7:
In Year 7, our intent is to ensure students transition smoothly from primary school, building secure foundations in mathematical fluency, reasoning, and problem-solving. Students will explore concepts using a concrete-pictorial-abstract approach, reinforcing their prior knowledge while developing resilience and determination. The curriculum covers a broad range of topics, including:
- Algebraic Thinking: Developing understanding of sequences, algebraic notation, and equality.
- Place Value and Proportion: Mastering place value, ordering integers and decimals, and understanding fraction, decimal, and percentage equivalence.
- Applications of Number: Solving problems involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and working with fractions and percentages.
- Directed Number and Fractional Thinking: Operating with directed numbers and performing addition and subtraction of fractions.
- Lines and Angles: Constructing, measuring, and using geometric notation, and developing geometric reasoning.
- Reasoning with Number: Enhancing number sense, understanding sets and probability, and exploring prime numbers and proof.
Through well-structured lessons and targeted support, we aim to cultivate positive attitudes toward maths and a deep understanding of its applications in the real world.
Implementation:
Year 8:
Intent:
Year 8 Maths Intent Statement
In Year 8, our intent is to deepen students’ understanding of mathematical concepts by building on the secure foundations established in Year 7. Students will be challenged to expand their reasoning and problem-solving abilities through progressively complex topics and mastery approaches. The curriculum includes:
- Proportional Reasoning: Exploring ratio, scale, and multiplicative change.
- Representations: Understanding and using representations, including graphs and equations.
- Algebraic Techniques: Developing skills in expanding and factorising, working with expressions and equations.
- Developing Number: Enhancing understanding of fractions, decimals, percentages, and standard form.
- Developing Geometry: Studying angles, similarity, congruence, and the properties of shapes.
- Reasoning with Data: Interpreting and representing data, and understanding probability.
By promoting resilience and a “can-do” attitude, we aim to empower all students to meet and exceed their National Curriculum objectives. Lessons will encourage connections across mathematical concepts and their relevance to real-world contexts, fostering enthusiasm and a lifelong appreciation for mathematics.
Implementation:
Year 9:
Year 9 Maths Intent Statement
In Year 9, our intent is to prepare students for the rigors of Key Stage 4 by consolidating and extending their mathematical fluency, reasoning, and problem-solving skills. Students will tackle advanced concepts with confidence, supported by the concrete-pictorial-abstract approach and rigorous assessment practices. The curriculum encompasses:
- Reasoning with Algebra: Solving equations and inequalities, and exploring sequences.
- Constructing in 2 and 3 Dimensions: Understanding constructions, loci, and the properties of 3D shapes.
- Reasoning with Number: Delving into number properties, including indices and standard form.
- Reasoning with Geometry: Studying similarity, congruence, and trigonometry.
- Reasoning with Proportion: Exploring direct and inverse proportion, and graphical representations.
- Representations and Revision: Consolidating knowledge through various representations and preparing for Key Stage 4.
Implementation:
Year 10:
Year 10 Maths Intent Statement
In Year 10, our intent is to build on the mathematical foundations established in Key Stage 3, ensuring students are well-prepared for the Edexcel GCSE. We will continue to develop students' mathematical fluency, reasoning, and problem-solving abilities, while introducing more advanced topics that are crucial for success in the GCSE exam. Our approach will be underpinned by the mastery principles, helping students tackle problems in a variety of ways and build a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts.
The curriculum includes:
- Number and Algebra: Expanding students' understanding of number properties, algebraic manipulation, solving equations, and inequalities, including quadratic equations.
- Fractions, Decimals, and Percentages: Developing fluency in working with fractions, percentages, and ratios in various real-world and abstract contexts.
- Sequences and Graphs: Strengthening skills in handling sequences, linear and non-linear graphs, and transformations of functions.
- Geometry and Measures: Focusing on geometric reasoning, including angles, properties of shapes, and 3D solids. Students will also explore the relationship between areas, volumes, and surface areas.
- Data Handling and Probability: Introducing statistical measures, probability theory, and data interpretation, which are essential skills for analyzing real-life situations.
We will continue to use formative and summative assessments to guide student progress, ensuring that we identify gaps early and provide targeted support to close them. By using high-quality resources and lessons that cater to all learning styles, we will ensure that all students make the best possible progress in preparation for their GCSE exams.
Our curriculum aims to foster a positive attitude towards mathematics, helping students understand how the subject is relevant to everyday life and their future career aspirations. The mastery approach ensures that all students, regardless of their starting point, feel confident and motivated to achieve their best possible outcomes.
Implementation:
Year 11:
Year 11 Maths Intent Statement
In Year 11, our intent is to ensure that students are fully prepared for their Edexcel GCSE Mathematics exams. The focus will be on consolidating and deepening the knowledge and skills acquired in Year 10, with an emphasis on revision, application, and exam preparation.
The curriculum includes:
- Advanced Algebra and Functions: Mastering more complex algebraic topics, including simultaneous equations, quadratic functions, and algebraic fractions.
- Geometry and Trigonometry: Building on geometric concepts with a focus on trigonometry, including the sine, cosine, and tangent ratios, as well as working with circles and 3D geometry.
- Probability and Statistics: Deepening understanding of probability models and statistical analysis, helping students interpret and present data effectively.
- Measurement and Ratio: Revisiting and consolidating skills in using ratios, scales, and rates, while applying them to problem-solving scenarios.
- GCSE Exam Preparation: Students will engage in targeted revision and mock exams to ensure they are fully prepared for the demands of the GCSE. Time will be spent on exam technique, problem-solving under time pressure, and addressing individual areas of difficulty through focused revision sessions.
We will continue to use targeted interventions and small group support to address the specific needs of all students. Through rigorous formative assessments and mock exams, students will receive clear feedback on their progress and be provided with the tools to succeed.
Our overarching goal is for all students to feel confident and capable when they sit their GCSE exams, with a clear understanding of the real-world applications of mathematics and how it can shape their future opportunities. By the end of Year 11, students will be prepared to move on to the next stage of their academic or vocational journey, equipped with the mathematical skills necessary to succeed in further education or the workplace.
Implementation:
Year 12:
In Year 12, our intent is to provide a strong foundation in advanced mathematics, preparing students for success in their Edexcel A Level Mathematics course. Building on the knowledge and skills acquired at GCSE, Year 12 will focus on deepening students' understanding of core mathematical concepts, while introducing more abstract and sophisticated mathematical ideas. Our curriculum will support students in developing the necessary problem-solving skills, reasoning abilities, and mathematical fluency required for the challenges of A Level Mathematics and beyond.
The curriculum includes:
- Pure Mathematics:
- Algebra and Functions: Expanding on previous algebraic knowledge, students will explore polynomial equations, rational functions, and the concepts of modulus and inequalities.
- Coordinate Geometry: Investigating the properties of straight lines and curves, as well as parametric equations, conic sections, and their applications.
- Calculus: Introducing differential calculus, including differentiation techniques, rates of change, and applications such as finding tangents and gradients. This will also involve integration techniques and understanding areas under curves.
- Trigonometry: Reinforcing trigonometric identities and equations, as well as applying them to solve real-world problems involving circular motion and oscillations.
- Applied Mathematics:
- Mechanics: Introducing key concepts in mechanics, including forces, motion, and Newton’s Laws, and applying these to solve problems involving kinematics and dynamics.
- Statistics: Exploring probability distributions, data analysis, hypothesis testing, and regression analysis, which will have practical applications in various fields, including economics, biology, and social sciences.
Throughout Year 12, we will place a strong emphasis on problem-solving and independent thinking. Students will regularly tackle complex, multi-step problems and apply their knowledge to a wide range of contexts. Formative assessments will help us monitor progress and provide timely feedback, while targeted interventions will be used to support students who need additional help. By the end of Year 12, students will have a solid understanding of the key topics in A Level Mathematics and will be well-prepared for the more advanced material covered in Year 13.
Year 13:
Intent:
Year 13 Maths Intent Statement
In Year 13, our intent is to build on the foundations established in Year 12, ensuring that students deepen their understanding of A Level Mathematics concepts and refine their problem-solving abilities. The focus will be on mastering more advanced topics, preparing for the final A Level exams, and applying mathematical reasoning to increasingly complex problems.
The curriculum includes:
- Pure Mathematics:
- Further Calculus: Extending knowledge of differentiation and integration to more advanced topics such as integration by parts, differential equations, and their applications in modelling real-world problems.
- Series and Sequences: Investigating convergence and divergence of series, including geometric and arithmetic progressions, and understanding binomial expansions.
- Vectors: Exploring vector geometry, vector products, and the application of vectors in 2D and 3D spaces, especially in physics and engineering contexts.
- Applied Mathematics:
- Mechanics: Building on the Year 12 mechanics topics, students will explore advanced concepts such as moments, work, energy, and power, and apply these to real-world contexts, particularly in physics and engineering.
- Statistics: Extending statistical analysis to include more advanced probability distributions, hypothesis testing, and confidence intervals, with an emphasis on their use in interpreting data in scientific and social contexts.
In Year 13, we will place a strong focus on exam preparation, ensuring that students are confident in applying their knowledge under exam conditions. Regular practice with past papers, timed assessments, and revision sessions will help students become familiar with the exam format and improve their exam technique. Formative assessments will continue to guide our teaching, providing opportunities for personalized feedback and interventions where needed.
Our overarching goal is for all students to feel confident in their ability to succeed in the Edexcel A Level Mathematics exams. We aim to instill a deep appreciation for the power of mathematics and its applicability in various fields, from engineering and physics to economics and data science. By the end of Year 13, students will be well-equipped to either progress to further study in mathematics or related disciplines at university or enter the workforce with a strong set of transferable mathematical skills.
