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Introduction

The Purpose of the Mathematics Curriculum at KS3 is for our pupils to:

  • By using a mastery curriculum model, we aim to improve pupils’ thinking and develop a deep understanding of mathematics by building upon the knowledge attained from KS2. 

  • Explore and build upon core areas of mathematics, such as number, algebra, geometry, ratio and proportion, and statistics. 

  • Promote independent thinking and instil reasoning and communication skills in pupils.  

  • Demonstrate and illustrate the real-life applications of mathematical ideas and relate to them in everyday life. 

  • Apply mathematical knowledge to problem-solve not only for the sole purpose of examination, but to apply it to everyday problem-solving scenarios. 

  • Preparing them to be independent and logical thinking individuals who will be able to function in the real world. We set challenging targets with high expectations for all students and offer a variety of approaches to teaching and learning to engage and motivate them.  

Staff

  • Mrs K Cross – Curriculum Leader for Maths
  • Ms J Brennan – Second in Charge of Maths
  • Ms K Hoang - Year 7 & 8 Maths Coordinator 
  • Mrs L Davis – Senior Vice Principal 
  • Mr S Waghorn – Associate Senior Leader 
  • Mr A Davis – Raising Standards Leader for Year 11
  • Mr M Dye – Raising Standards Leader for Year 10
  • Mr I Parkinson - Teacher of Maths
  • Mr D Sturch - Teacher of Maths / Science
  • Ms A Evans - Deputy SENCo 
  • Mr D Ahmad - Teacher of Maths

Learning Journeys

 

More information about the topics listed, and relevant pupil knowledge organisers can be found in the Student Resources area of Sharepoint.

KS4 Courses Offered

KS4 Courses Offered

Examination Board : AQA

Specification Number : 8300 - GCSE Mathematics

Course content :

This will be a two-year GCSE Mathematics course and entry is at one of two tiers: Foundation or Higher. Grades available at these levels of entry are Foundation tier (grades 1-5) and Higher tier (grades 4-9). Pupils must complete three question papers at the same tier; all question papers must be taken in the same series.

Assessment structure :

Wholly assessed by the written examination at the end of Year 11. A final grade is awarded based on the combined marks of all papers.

Paper 1 (Non calculator) Paper 2 (Calculator) Paper 3 (Calculator)

Written Paper: 1 hour 30 minutes (80 marks)

Each paper is 33.3% of the GCSE Mathematics assessment

GCSE Mathematics is a core subject and is therefore compulsory for all pupils. Pupils are set by ability which is dependent on their prior attainment as well as their potential within the subject.

Pupils will study a wide range of mathematics across all strands of the curriculum; algebra, geometry, number, data, probability and ratio and proportion, which builds on the skills and knowledge from Key Stage 3.

The weighting of the topic areas has been prescribed by Ofqual and is common to all exam boards. The table below shows the approximate weightings of the topic areas for the overall tier of assessment, not for each individual question paper.

Topic Area Foundation

Foundation Tier (%)

Higher Tier (%)

Number

25

15

Algebra

20

30

Ratio

25

20

Geometry

15

20

Probability and statistics (combined)

15

15

This course teaches patience, discipline and encourages pupils to develop the confidence and capacity to problem-solve and make informed decisions. Higher tier pupils will find that the course provides a strong basis to undertake an Advanced Level (A Level) Mathematics course in post-16. For those with a substantial background in mathematics, there is an unlimited number of career opportunities and prospects available – almost all the top fifty jobs in the ‘best’ jobs list involves mathematical reasoning and knowledge.

Reading Curriculum

Core List (for all pupils) - These books are fun, accessible, and show how maths connects to everyday life -

· Murderous Maths series – Kjartan Poskitt Funny, clear explanations of algebra, probability, shapes, and more.

· The Number Devil – Hans Magnus Enzensberger A story introducing big mathematical ideas like infinity and primes.

· Why Do Buses Come in Threes ? – Rob Eastaway & Jeremy Wyndham Everyday examples of probability, statistics, and chaos.

· Maths on the Back of an Envelope – Rob Eastaway Shows how to make smart estimates and solve real-life problems.

· The Simpsons and Their Mathematical Secrets – Simon Singh Reveals surprising maths hidden in the cartoon.

· The Phantom Tollbooth – Norton Juster A playful adventure story filled with logic and number ideas.

Challenge List (for enrichment / keen mathematicians) - These books stretch thinking, explore history, and connect maths to big ideas -

· Fermat’s Last Theorem – Simon Singh A gripping story of one of the most famous problems in maths.

· The Code Book – Simon Singh The history and mathematics of cryptography.

· Journey through Genius – William Dunham Explains some of the most important mathematical breakthroughs.

· Gödel, Escher, Bach – Douglas Hofstadter A challenging but fascinating exploration of patterns, logic, and art.

Problem-Solving & Puzzles

· Can You Solve My Problems? – Alex Bellos,   Puzzles across history and cultures

· The Moscow Puzzles – Boris A. Kordemsky,   Classic, approachable problems

· Challenging Maths Problems – Tony Gardiner,   Excellent stretch for keen pupils, suitable for Year 7 -11