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OFSTED OUTSTANDING

Mathematics

Our Mathematics department aims to shape our students into able problem solvers, logical thinkers and lifelong mathematicians as a product of inspirational and reflective teaching. We aim to set challenging targets with high expectations for all pupils which are achieved through a variety of approaches to teaching and learning that will engage, motivate and inspire. Our passionate department aim to share their knowledge by relating Mathematics to real life situations. We ensure there is a smooth transition between the key stages and endeavour that there are enrichment activities outside the curriculum to enhance pupils’ enjoyment of Mathematics. This quality of delivery has culminated in the most recent cohort achieving 92.1% A*-C.

Staffing

We have seven full time members of staff who deliver the full Mathematics curriculum at Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4.

  • Mr R Briscoe BSc (Head of Department)
  • Mrs S Walsh BSc (Second in Department)
  • Mrs J D’Arcy BSc (Head of SMSC)
  • Mr P Woolfenden BSc (Maths ITT Mentor)
  • Mrs J O’Brien BSc (Teacher of Mathematics)
  • Mrs C Daire BSc (Teacher of Mathematics)
  • Mr D Burgess BEng (Teacher of Mathematics)

Accommodation/ICT facilities

The Maths Department has six teaching rooms, one of which includes a suite of 18 computers. Each room has an interactive whiteboard where a variety of Maths-specific software is used to support the teaching of the curriculum. All pupils entering the school are given a Maths Watch VLE login and password so that they can support their learning at home. It is also used for independent learning, targeted revision and specific intervention.

The Mathematics Curriculum

Upon entering All Hallows, all pupils are expected to build upon their Mathematical knowledge and skills gained at Key Stage 2. We aim to develop and consolidate the pupils’ understanding of key topics, develop their fluency, help them to reason mathematically and be able to solve problems.

Key Stage 3 Curriculum

All pupils follow the New National Curriculum (revised July 2014) which can be accessed using the following link:

New National Curriculum Link

The topics covered across Key Stage 3 will broadly be the same, but will be covered in more depth depending on each individual’s starting point and as they progress from Year 7 through to Year 9.

A. Fluency
B. Mathematical Reasoning
C. Multiplicative Reasoning
D. Problem Solving
E. Progression
F. Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract (CPA)
G. Relevance
H. Modelling
I. Reflection (metacognition)
J. Linking

Context lessons will be included to expand on Real, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) and Finance maths.

Topics covered during Year 7 include:

  • Analysing and displaying data
  • Number skills/Calculating
  • Equations, functions and formulae
  • Working with fractions
  • Angles and shapes
  • Decimals and percentages
  • Solving equations
  • Multiplicative reasoning/Ratio and Proportion
  • Perimeter, area and volume
  • Sequences, co-ordinates and graphs

Topics covered during Year 8 include:

  • Factors and Powers
  • Simplifying/Expanding/Factorising equations
  • 2D Shapes and 3D solids
  • Real life graphs
  • Transformations
  • Fractions, decimals, percentages
  • Constructions and loci
  • Probability
  • Scale Drawing and measures
  • Graphs

Topics covered during Year 9 include:

  • Powers and Roots
  • Quadratics
  • Inequalities, equations and formulae
  • Collecting and analysing data
  • Multiplicative reasoning/proportionality
  • Non-linear graphs
  • Accuracy and measures
  • Graphical solutions
  • Trigonometry
  • Mathematical reasoning and proof

Assessment

Pupils will be assessed through:

  • Teacher assessment of classwork and homework
  • Teacher observation in lessons
  • Teacher/student discussions about their learning
  • Student performance in external/internal tests and examinations

Key Stage 4 Curriculum

All pupils in Year 11 and subsequent years will follow the New National Curriculum (revised July 2014) with first teaching beginning September 2015 with. first GCSE assessment, following the new criteria, taking place in June 2017. The specification that pupils will be following is Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9-1) in Mathematics (1MA1). This can be accessed via the following link:

Pearson Edexcel Mathematics (9-1)

There are still two tiers of entry: Foundation (grade 1 to 5) and Higher (grade 4 to 9). For both tiers of entry, pupils follow a two year course culminating in three examinations at the end of Year 11. The final grade will be awarded on the basis of combined marks scored on a 1hr 30min Non-Calculator paper and two 1hr 30min Calculator papers. Each paper is scored out of 80 marks and will have equal weighting.

Assessment

Pupils will be assessed through:

  • Teacher assessment of classwork and homework
  • Teacher observation in lessons
  • Teacher/student discussions about their learning
  • Student performance in external/internal tests and examinations, including Mock examinations

Extra-curricular activities

The school enters the following Mathematics competitions:

  • UKMT Maths Challenges at Junior and Intermediate level
  • Year 7 and Year 9 Able and Talented Maths Challenges – locally organised
  • Year 11 Runshaw College Maths Challenge
  • Year 10 FMSP challenge at Cardinal Newman College

Other regular activities include:

  • Year 7 pupils take part in World Maths Day
  • All pupils have opportunity to celebrate World Pi Day
  • All pupils have opportunity to attend STEM Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) club
  • Maths club available once a fortnight for Year 7
  • Key Stage 4 pupils have opportunity to attend Maths Clinic which is available weekly for any pupils who may need extra help with a homework or classwork question
  • Year 10’s become Maths Buddy’s to selected Year 7 pupils.
  • Year 7 pupils have an opportunity to achieve Bronze, Silver and Gold awards for numeracy.
  • Teacher led intervention program for Year 11 students.