The Maths Learning School

We strive to ensure all students are confident in their mathematics and have a positive attitude towards the subject, enabling them to become numerate citizens who are able to recognise the importance of mathematics in their own lives and to society.

Our schemes of work are carefully designed to allow students to make connections across mathematical ideas to develop fluency, mathematical reasoning, and competence in solving increasingly complex problems.

The mathematics curriculum is carefully planned and sequenced to ensure that all students:

  • Become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics and can solve problems with increasing sophistication, including breaking down problems into a series of simpler steps and persevering in seeking solutions.

  • Are resilient learners who can reason mathematically following a line of enquiry, conjecturing relationships, and generalisations, and developing an argument, justification or proof using mathematical language.

At Key stage 3 our intent is to build on prior knowledge from Key stage 2 continuing to develop strong foundations and problem-solving skills. Students are provided with opportunities to rehearse and retrieve previously learned concepts with increasing levels of challenge. This approach allows students to confidently tackle new and challenging concepts which scaffolds their transition to Key Stage 4 and 5.  The curriculum at Key Stage 3 is underpinned by small numeracy groups that provide a more  personalised approach for students who may lack confidence or require further support to master the basic foundations on which all other mathematics builds on. 

At Key stage 4 the curriculum is designed for students to consolidate their numerical capability and extend their understanding. Year 10 and Year 11 have designated time to revisit previous topics to aid their long-term retention of key mathematical concepts. This enables students to move freely between different numerical, algebraic, graphical, and diagrammatic representations, using mathematical language and properties precisely.  

The work at Key Stage 5 aims to support those who then study higher level mathematics.  This is achieved by providing opportunities for students to make and test conjectures about the generalisations that underlie patterns and relationships, to look for proofs or counterexamples and begin to use algebra to support and construct arguments.

Staff in the department have excellent subject knowledge and are passionate about teaching mathematics. We work collaboratively to share our love of the subject with all students and are continuously looking at ways to develop our own practice.

 

Enrichment Activities

  • Out-of-lesson support and mentoring

  • STEM Club

  • UKMT Team Maths Challenge

  • University links including Oxford University

For more information on the Maths Curriculum contact:

Mrs J Burton - Head of Maths jburton@hswv.co.uk