Maths
To view our Maths frameworks please click below:
Intent:
The national curriculum for mathematics aims to ensure that all pupils:
· become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, including through varied and frequent practice with increasingly complex problems over time, so that pupils develop conceptual understanding and the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately;
· reason mathematically by following a line of enquiry, conjecturing relationships and generalisations, and developing an argument, justification or proof using mathematical language;
· can solve problems by applying their mathematics to a variety of routine and non-routine problems with increasing sophistication, including breaking down problems into a series of simpler steps and persevering in seeking solutions.
At Mendip School, we aim to teach a rich, balanced and progressive curriculum using Maths to reason, problem solve and develop fluent conceptual understanding in each area. The teaching staff are supported and aided in their roles ensuring confidence in the skills and facts they are required to teach. Lessons are child focused and maths is kept fun and current in school whenever possible. Our curriculum allows children to better make sense of the world around them relating the pattern between mathematics and everyday life. Our resources and schemes support our vision. The mapping of Mathematics across years shows clear progression in line with age related expectations.
Through our curriculum we introduce students to the stories of some of the most influential Mathematicians throughout history and the impact that their work has had on the world we live in. Real life applications of Mathematical ideas are made explicit to students whenever possible, as are the links to other subject areas like food technology, design and technology, physical education and many more.
Further rationale behind our curriculum design includes trying to make learning stick by having a spiral curriculum. The five main areas of number, algebra, ratio, geometry and data are taught in a cycle. Each time students revisit an area, they are exposed to more complex content, building on what they have already learnt.
Implementation:
Pupils follow the 2014 National Curriculum, with an emphasis on building pupils’ problem solving and reasoning skills. Assessment is carried out throughout the year through classwork and end of term assessments. These inform our next steps as well as which boys are best suited for our bespoke 1:1 out of class intervention.
We implement our curriculum through using a variety of teaching approaches and tasks from game based activities and problem solving as well as more traditional skills practice and skill checkers (e.g. weekly times tables practice). Key skills and knowledge are constantly revisited and key terminology is regularly embedded within lessons and in the written work that our students produce. Students are challenged to build on fundamental concepts by structured extension activities. They are encouraged to work in a variety of ways e.g. in pairs, groups and individually, all taking into account their needs and abilities.
Impact:
The impact of our mathematics curriculum is that children are encouraged to understand the relevance of what they are learning in relation to real world concepts. We foster an environment where Maths is fun and it is OK to be ‘wrong’ because the journey to finding an answer is most important. Our school promotes a growth mindset so the children can make measurable progression against their own targets.
In KS4 pupils are prepared for either AQA Mathematics GCSE or AQA Entry Level Mathematics qualifications depending on ability.
Qualifications offered are :
· AQA Mathematics Entry Level Certificate (5930)
· AQA Mathematics GCSE (8300)
· Edxcel Functional skills Maths at Entry Level, level 1 and level 2