Our aim is to develop the students’ ability to confidently and independently solve problems in Maths.  This approach will allow them to apply logic and analytical methods to develop their passion and understanding of numeracy, enabling them to be confident and self-assured when dealing with numbers both in the classroom and out in the real world.  Through high quality teaching, students become independent and resilient in solving problems and develop in every aspect academically, socially, emotionally and intellectually.

A solid foundation in numeracy must be embedded to allow the students to develop and flourish in Maths.  This is established during KS3 where a range of topics are taught through varying activities to provide a balanced diet of Maths.  KS4 sets out to expand on these previous ideas and develop their understanding further.  Changes in the GCSE Mathematics specification mean that functional elements have been embedded in the course to ensure that students have the skills they need to use Mathematics in real life contexts.   Students will study number, algebra, ratio, proportion and rates of change, geometry and measures, probability and statistics.

Key Stage 3

Students are taught the basics of numeracy through number, shape, space and measure, algebra and data handling.  The starting point of each student is determined by their KS2 SAT result and then they are placed in groups with students of similar ability.  Our varying schemes of work cater for the stage of the child, not the age, which gives every student the opportunity to make good or outstanding progress.  Different teaching methods are used to allow students to take part in group work, paired work and independent study.  The vast array of resources on offer help support different types of learners to develop and make progress.
 

Key Stage 4

Students prepare for a linear GCSE in Maths by working through a structured scheme of work which follows the National Curriculum.  This scheme of work allows us to be fluid in our approach to teaching and does not limit the aspirations of any student.  To check learning and understanding and to prepare students for the exam, regular half-term standardised assessments are conducted in the main hall under exam conditions.  Summative feedback is given from these assessments to help students develop further.   They also provide an accurate picture of the progress that our students have made.  GCSE Mathematics has a foundation tier (grades 1-5) and a higher tier (grades 4-9).  Students must take three question papers at the same tier.  All question papers must be taken from the same series.