In Key Stage 3, we aim for all our students to progress from their individual starting point, making the strongest start they can along their GCSE journey. Students are taught by specialist mathematics teachers to develop as logical thinkers, independent problem solvers and keen mathematicians.  Students are taught in mixed ability groups apart from a more specialised lower set in both Year 7 and Year 8. We focus on mastery in our teaching and are involved in the GLOW Project with a Secondary Teaching for Mastery Specialist and two Secondary Mastery Advocates in the department.

Years 7 and 8 follow our Concept Scheme of Work throughout Key Stage 3 and our department works collaboratively and reflectively to focus on delivering high quality lessons to our students. We follow a 5 year curriculum which covers all areas of the GCSE syllabus. The various aspects of the curriculum are delivered at an appropriate level to embed skills, develop mastery and promote progress.

Equipment and expectations

To ensure success in our subject, we expect our students to have the correct equipment for all lessons. This includes pens (black and red), pencils, ruler and scientific calculator. We offer calculators for sale in the department and it is vital that students have their own calculator to work with from the earliest opportunity. Through our work with GLOW, we look to support our children, students, teachers, leaders and parents to develop positive mathematical mindsets and coming to lessons fully equipped helps establish this.

Homework

To consolidate topics learnt in class, the department predominantly uses the Sparx maths website for homework. Students have an individual login and password and having used this online platform for a number of years, we feel it helps encourage independence in our students. Any tasks set have an accompanying tutorial video and students are expected to watch the online videos before attempting the tasks. They are asked to complete the tasks and achieve a green or amber score on those set. If they do not achieve a green or amber score, they should re-watch the video and attempt the task again. Sparx maths will also show the part of the video that will help with that particular part of the task. For further help with the tasks, students are required to write out any questions that they have found challenging in their maths book so teachers can provide additional support/guidance.

Other homework may take the form of practice questions, learning facts, key words or revision. Students are expected to spend approximately 40 minutes per week on their homework in Key Stage 3.

Assessments

Assessments are used to test all areas of the curriculum, new content, prior knowledge and the ability to solve problems. The department uses assessment data to assess understanding, identify misconceptions and inform the planning of future topics. Set changes are made as necessary after assessment to ensure individual students are in the right group.

In Key Stage 4, students are set by ability and are all taught by mathematics specialist teachers. Students are regularly assessed and setting of students is frequently reviewed to ensure students are in the best place for them to reach their GCSE target grades.

The areas of the GCSE syllabus are taught over five years and the aspects of the scheme of work are delivered at an appropriate level to embed skills and promote progress for any particular set. The GCSE mathematics exam is sat in two tiers; foundation and higher. The department will decide which is the most suitable tier for any particular student.

Currently, the majority of students are entered for the Edexcel GCSE in the Summer of Year 11. This is a linear examination consisting of three one and half hour papers. Paper 1 is a non-calculator paper and calculators can be used for papers 2 and 3. It is important therefore that students have their own scientific calculator in lessons so that calculator methods can be learnt alongside the mathematical content.

In some instances, we may feel it more appropriate for students to sit the Functional Skills Exams. Individual students will be advised as necessary.

Homework and revision

Homework is set weekly by each teacher and we expect students to spend an hour on their independent work in Key Stage 4. As in Key Stage 3, teachers often use the Sparx maths online platform for independent work. Tasks will be set to consolidate topics covered in class and we encourage students to watch the online video tutorials before attempting the tasks.

Students should aim to achieve a green or amber score upon completion and should re-watch the video if they initially get a red score. As with KS3, students are required to write out any questions that they have found challenging in their maths book so teachers can provide additional support/guidance.

Revision and consolidation are of key importance in preparation for a student’s GCSE in mathematics. Revision materials and websites are available to all students and we encourage students to complete past papers to prepare them for their final examinations.

Assessments

In Key Stage 4, we assess students regularly to ensure they are in the correct group to achieve their target grade. Year 11s complete mock examinations in November/ December and another set in February/ March. We have always found completing past GCSE papers gives our students the best preparation for their examinations. Time is spent reviewing past papers and identifying misconceptions and gaps in knowledge and understanding.

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