Mathematics

Department Intent

Fluency, Reasoning, Problem Solving

Knowledge in Mathematics	Mathematics is a creative and highly inter-connected subject that has been developed over time, providing the solution to some of the most intriguing problems in history. It is essential to everyday life, critical to science, technology and engineering as well as being vital for financial literacy. Most importantly, a sound knowledge of mathematics is essential for young people seeking employment, and securing a qualification in mathematics is a fundamental requirement for the majority of employers. A high-quality mathematics education therefore provides a foundation for understanding the world, the ability to reason mathematically, an appreciation of the beauty and power of mathematics, and a sense of enjoyment and curiosity about the subject.
Curriculum in Mathematics	Pupils learn maths cumulatively, building on and deepening their understanding of mathematical ideas and concepts that become increasingly complex. A coherent curriculum knows where pupils are in this progression of mathematics learning and understanding, and builds upon it. That’s why our KS3 curriculum follows on from the KS2 curriculum, acknowledging what pupils should already know from their primary years, and covering all the knowledge and skills they need as a starting point for GCSE. Our Key Stage 4 curriculum is designed to build upon skills learnt at Key Stage 3. We now follow the Pearson Edexcel scheme and at this stage in the curriculum pupils will now be following either a foundation or higher tier. We still follow a spiral scheme of work. We start with the fundamentals of maths, building on KS3 knowledge and then further extending throughout the course. The 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 pupils revisit an area, they are exposed to more complex content, building on what they have already learnt. We ensure the level of challenge is high enough for the most able, with scaffold and support available for students who need it.
Teaching and Learning in Mathematics	Concrete, Pictorial and Abstract Learning: Children engage with a wide and varied range of concrete manipulatives, pictorial representations and abstract methodologies within each session. Cohesive use of CPA is a fundamental part of mastery in mathematics for all learners, not just those pupils with SEND. Concrete and pictorial references scaffold and strengthen understanding and are widely used as a teaching and learning tool from Foundation Stage to Year 6. This then ensures a smooth transition into KS3 from primary school mathematics. Fluency, Reasoning and Problem Solving: Every lesson includes the opportunity to develop fluency skills, construct chains of reasoning using relevant knowledge alongside relevant terminology and solve increasingly complex problems in a systematic and coherent way. Mathematical Vocabulary: Sessions include explicit reference to vital mathematical vocabulary and the use of stem sentences to support and encourage all children to communicate their ideas with mathematical precision and clarity. These sentence structures often express key conceptual ideas or generalities and provide a framework to embed conceptual knowledge and build understanding. Retrieval Learning: All classes do a skill check at the start of every lesson. This goes through basic concepts all pupils must understand. This repeated practice helps embed their knowledge and aid in understanding. The Ofsted framework talks about ‘teachers present subject matter clearly…they respond and adapt their teaching as necessary, without unnecessarily elaborate or differentiated approaches’. We agree with the mastery principle that pupils should broadly move through the curriculum at the same pace. As far as possible, pupils should stay together on the same topic with necessary differentiation such as removing barriers and providing targeted support, but without the need for many different levels of worksheet for every single step. Our schemes include examples of ‘low floor, high ceiling tasks’ that support this approach to differentiation together with reasoning and problem solving questions that will challenge all pupils and allow the ‘quicker graspers’ to look at the maths in greater depth.
Assessment in Mathematics	Over the course of the year, pupils are regularly assessed in class through end of topic tests. These are completed on a two-week delay to allow pupils time to understand what they were taught as opposed to just remembering. Pupils are then given feedback on what they did well and what needs to be improved. Annual end-of-year exams, accompanied by other externally standardised assessments at key points, monitor the long-term progress and retention of core knowledge and skills.
Learning Beyond the Classroom in Mathematics	Beyond the classroom the maths team offers various opportunities for students to continue their learning. Homework is set on a two week delay to ensure pupils understand taught content and are not just remembering. This then falls in line with the end of topic tests which are taken two weeks after the topic has been completed. The homework portal ‘Sparx Maths’ offers videos and worked examples so students are always able to answer questions. More able pupils are chosen to participate in the UK Maths Challenge. UKMT is an internationally recognised competition consisting of problem-solving exercises. Additional support classes are run during lunch time to better prepare students for this.

Curriculum Journey

Autumn 1

Autumn 2

Spring 1

Spring 2

Summer 1

Summer 2

Unit 1: Analysing and Displaying Data

Unit 2: Number Skills

Unit 3: Expressions, Functions and Formulae

Unit 4: Decimals and Measures

Unit 5: Fractions

Unit 6: Probability

Unit 7: Ratio and Proportion

Unit 8: Lines and Angles

Unit 9: Sequences and Graphs

Unit 10: Transformations

Unit 1: Number

Unit 2: Area and Volume

Unit 3: Statistics, Graphs and Charts

Unit 4: Expressions and Equations

Unit 5: Real Life Graphs

Unit 6: Decimals and Ratio

Unit 7: Lines and Angles

Unit 8: Calculating with Fractions

Unit 9: Straight-line Graphs

Unit 10: Percentages, Decimals and Fractions

Unit 1: Indices and Standard Form

Unit 2: Expressions and Formulae

Unit 3: Dealing with Data

Unit 3: Continued

Unit 4: Multiplicative Reasoning

Unit 5: Construction

Unit 5: Continued

Unit 6: Sequences, Inequalities, Equations and Proportion

Unit 7: Circles, Pythagoras and Prisms

Unit 7: Continued

Unit 8: Graphs

Unit 9: Probability

Unit 10: Comparing Shapes

Unit 10: Continued

KS3 to KS4 Transition

GCSE Preparation Unit 1

10 (F)

Unit 1: Number

Unit 2: Algebra

Unit 3: Graphs, Tables and Charts

Unit 3:

Continued

Unit 4: Fractions and Percentages

Unit 5: Equations, Inequalities & Sequences

Unit 6: Angles

Unit 7: Averages and Range

Unit 8: Perimeter, Area and Volume 1

Unit 9: Graphs

Unit 10: Transformations

Unit 11: Ratio and Proportion

Unit 12: Right-angled Triangles

Unit 13: Probability

Unit 13: Continued

Unit 14:

Multiplicative Reasoning

Unit 15: Construction, Loci and Bearings

10 (H)

Unit 1: Number

Unit 2: Algebra

Unit 3: Interpreting and Representing Data

Unit 3:

Continued

Unit 4: Fractions, Ratio and Proportion

Unit 5: Angles and Trigonometry

Unit 6: Graphs

Unit 7: Area and Volume

Unit 8: Transformations and Constructions

Unit 8:

Continued

Unit 9: Equations and Inequalities

Unit 10: Probability

Unit 11: Multiplicative Reasoning

Unit 12: Similarity and Congruence

Unit 13: More Trigonometry

Unit 13: Continued

Unit 14: Further Statistics

Unit 15: Equations and Graphs

(F)

Unit 16: Quadratic Equations and Graphs

Unit 17: Perimeter, Area and Volume 2

Unit 18: Fractions, Indices and Standard Form

Unit 18:

Continued

Unit 19: Congruence, Similarity and Vectors

Unit 20: More Algebra

Consolidation/Recap

GCSE Revision

(H)

Unit 16: Circle Theorem

Unit 17: More Algebra

Unit 18: Vectors and Geometric Proof

Unit 19: Proportion and Graphs

Consolidation/Recap

GCSE Revision

Lea Manor High School

Mathematics

Department Intent

Curriculum Journey

Curriculum Overview