Mathematics

The Mathematics Department     

In the Mathematics department we believe that everyone can learn and enjoy mathematics. Our curriculum is driven by Mathematics Teaching for Mastery. Students are taught through whole-class interactive teaching, enabling pupils to think, reason and apply their knowledge to solve problems. Procedural fluency and conceptual understanding are developed together to support and underpin future learning.

Curriculum Overview

Overall Intent

To inspire students to become life-long learners and achieve mastery across core numerical processes. We want to enable curious minds with problems of desirable difficulty, whilst supporting those who need more scaffolding in their learning, in order for all students to achieve their maximum potential. Our goal is to instil a passion for mathematics in our students and to develop skills for life, confidence and ultimately enjoyment of the subject. 

Embedding Literacy 

It is vitally important that students can present a mathematical argument clearly, showing clear logical steps and by using appropriate mathematical vocabulary. Within our curriculum, we will model how to form a logical proof, such as forming an angle proof, using systematic steps, giving a reason using key words at every stage. Students also have the opportunity to form a written argument by making comparisons and explaining the limitations behind a mathematical model, with staff modelling good practice. By embedding problem solving into our lessons we create opportunities for students to read and extract key information and then encourage fluent mathematical literacy, within clear logical steps for presenting their working out and solutions. 

Encouraging Independence 

Our aim is to create learners that are motivated to further their learning beyond the classroom. Students will be encouraged to complete pieces of work that focus on retrieval of key skills that have been modelled in lessons, to embed knowledge to long-term memory. Our aim is to also get students using multiple areas of maths needed to tackle problem solving questions, where students will create their own independent solutions.  

Enrichment  

Students across the school are encouraged to take part in the UKMT maths challenge which we enter every year, allowing students to work independently on problem solving activities or as part of a group in the team challenge. We also take part in the Big Maths Feast every year and have had external speakers visit the school to inspire students with where maths can take them beyond the classroom. 

Curriculum 

Students in KS3 follow the same National Curriculum, with teachers adapting the complexity or support for the students in their groups.

Key Stage 3 Curriculum

Students in year 10 will be aiming towards either the higher (grades 4-9) or foundation (grades 1-5) exams for the end of year 11.  The scheme of learning is designed to allow students to move between classes and/or tiers following assessments and trial exams.

Key Stage 4 Curriculum

Staff

The following members of staff form the Maths department at King Edwards:

Independent Study

Extra Curricular Activities 

There is a wide range of extra-curricular activities we offer in the maths department. Our more able students get the chance to compete in the UKMT Mathematics Challenge run by Leeds University and additionally we enter a team in the Senior Team Challenge. We also run a variety of revision, drop-in and intervention sessions during the school day.

Numeracy Handbook

The numeracy handbook is designed to give guidance to staff, parents and students. It covers the methods used by the Maths department and throughout the school. It is hoped that by having a consistent approach to these fundamental skills it will be easier for students to transfer these skills across the curriculum, and make greater progress.

Numeracy Handbook