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Maths
Intent
Our mission is to cultivate high level mathematical skills in all our students whilst inspiring a love of mathematics and of learning. We aim to stimulate an appreciation of the intrinsic value of the application of logic and problem-solving and to evoke an understanding of the importance of mathematics in the world around us.
Introduction
Mathematics is an amazing subject that encompasses more than just numbers; it involves pattern and structure and is about logical analysis, deduction and calculation within these patterns and structures.
Learning mathematics is more than just following a method or process, it is key within everyday life, from journey planning, to many decisions made in the world of business and in the creation of the remarkable structures and buildings we view today. Mathematics underpins the world around us, and in the workplace using maths is unavoidable. It is both fundamental and functional!
Mathematics at Prince William School aims to develop a growing confidence and overall enjoyment of each student’s pathway. Running parallel to this we aim to ensure students reach their full potential and to be successful in their careers.
The staff in the Mathematics Department are a dedicated and hardworking team, who really enjoy mathematics and really enjoy teaching. Our fundamental beliefs are that with hard work, resilience and a healthy sense of humour, everyone can succeed!
Examples of cross-curricular links
| English: |
Non-fiction reading - problem-solving scenarios. Vocabulary strategy - explicit teaching of technical vocabulary Purpose and audience writing - explaining and justifying reasoning |
| Science: | Graphs, rearranging formulae, |
| Humanities: | Interpreting data |
| Technology: | Measuring, scale, ratio. |
Examples of Cultural Capital entitlement from NC
- Fundamental numeracy and key mathematical skills
- Problem-solving and application of logical processes
- Understanding of applications of mathematics in the world around us.
Key Stage 3
In Years 7 and 8, students are taught the mathematics Key Stage 3 curriculum which is designed to provide all students with a firm foundation for their success and future mathematical studies throughout Key Stage 4. Key areas of mathematics include: number, algebra, geometry and measures, ratio and proportion as well as statistics and probability. Students are taught in sets according to their ability (using prior attainment and internal data / information). They develop their understanding of fundamental mathematical concepts and are given the opportunity to apply their skills to a range of problems designed to improve fluency, problem-solving and reasoning skills. In Year 9, they start applying their learning to the GCSE syllabus.
Year 7
| Term 1 |
Term 2 |
Term 3 |
|---|---|---|
|
Number - types of number, arithmetic. Skills - use of arithmetic, knowing prime, square, cube numbers |
Number - calculation problems. Geometry - exploring 3D shapes Skills - being able to use four operations |
Content - area and perimeter of 2D shapes, using percentages, fractions and percentages - being able to convert between. Skills - being able to find percentages. converting between fractions and % |
| Term 4 | Term 5 | Term 6 |
|
Content - reasoning and theoretical probability. Solving linear equations. Investigating statistics. Skill - using four operations with fractions, bar charts, pie charts, pictograms, vertical line charts. Averages and range. |
Content - shape work including identifying circles and graphs. Skill - using coordinates. Using and understanding lines parallel o the axes. y=x y=-x |
Content - Ratio, shape work including rotation, reflection and translation. Units of mass, length and capacity. Skill - using ratio, converting between standard units. |
Year 8
| Term 1 |
Term 2 |
Term 3 |
|---|---|---|
|
Content - sequences, HCF, LCM, Prime factorisation, positive integer powers Skill - Using number and revising previous number skills |
Content - using four operations with decimals, be able to write expressions and inequalities. Laws of indices
|
Content - circumference of circles, volume of prisms and cylinders. Percentage change and interest. Four operations with fractions
|
| Term 4 | Term 5 | Term 6 |
|
Content - Linear equations with unknowns on both sides. Discrete and continuous data, compare using averages.
|
Content - Angles and scale drawings, maps, bearings and constructions. Linear and quadratic graphs.
|
Content - Enlargement, compound units. Simple kinematic problems.
|
Year 9
| Term 1 |
Term 2 |
Term 3 |
|---|---|---|
|
Content - Number work revision, factors, multiples and primes. Rules of indices. Foundation - inequalities and estimation. Higher - Standard form and estimation.
|
Content - fraction, decimal and percentages. Use to solve worded problems. Ratio and proportion.
|
Content - algebra review. Foundation - expressions and substitution. Expanding and factorising. Linear equations. Higher - Algebraic fractions, surds and probability.
|
| Term 4 | Term 5 | Term 6 |
|
Content - angles and polygon properties. Perimeter and area of 2D shapes. |
Content - coordinates and linear graph properties, Pythagoras, further perimeter and area. Higher - basic trigonometry and volume
|
Content - sequences, collecting and representing data, scatter graphs Foundation - Basic probability Higher - real life graphs
|
Example of skill progression
Simplifying expressions and solving linear equations in year 7 is developed so that in year 8 students write their own expressions and manipulate them using factorising and solve more complex equations, and in year 9 they can rearrange expressions and formulae and solve linear equations which involve the expansion of single or double brackets.
Key Stage 4
At KS4 students work towards the AQA Specification 8300. All assessment is by terminal exams at end of Year 11 and there is no coursework.
Three exams of 90 minutes (80 marks) each.
All students are expected to have the correct equipment, namely; a pen, pencil, ruler, protractor, eraser and scientific calculator. (Two of the three final assessments will require a scientific calculator).
Revision
- Watch online video clips and use the follow-on questions to check understanding
- Practice exam style questions regularly, checking your answers against a mark scheme
- Do little bits often to help you retain skills and knowledge
- Take advantage of revision sessions on offer
www.mrbartonmaths.com/students/
Year 10
| Term 1 |
Term 2 |
Term 3 |
|---|---|---|
|
Content - Linear and quadratic graphs. Solving quadratics. Measures.
|
Content - rearranging formulae, Simultaneous equations, Trigonometry, real life graphs
|
Content - Standard form, percentage calculations, direct and inverse proportion.
|
| Term 4 | Term 5 | Term 6 |
|
Content - congruence and similarity, transformations, volume, probability
|
Content - Statistical measures, vectors, interest - simple and compound, growth and decay.
|
Content - plans and elevations, constructions and loci, scale diagrams and bearings
|
Year 11
| Term 1 |
Term 2 |
Term 3 |
|---|---|---|
|
Students are on an individualised pathway and following assessment at beginning of year areas are highlighted and worked on in class. Independent revision encouraged and identifying of areas needed. |
Revision - using gaps identified from mocks to teach |
Revision - using gaps identified from mocks to teach |
| Term 4 | Term 5 | Term 6 |
|
Revision - using gaps identified from mocks to teach |
Revision - using gaps identified from mocks to teach |
Revision - using gaps identified from mocks to teach |
Example of skill progression
Learning the basic rules of trigonometry is followed by solving simple problems with triangles, which is developed to using those laws in various real-life contexts, and then learning how to use sine and cosine in non-right-angled triangles.
Key Stage 5
At Key Stage 5 students work towards the AQA A level specification 7357, and Further Maths A level specification 7367 is also offered. All assessment is by terminal exams at end of Year 13 and there is no coursework.
The A level maths exam consists of 3 papers: paper 1 is pure maths, paper 2 pure and mechanics and paper 3 pure and statistics. All are 2 hours long.
A level further maths consists of 2 pure papers and 1 combined mechanics and discrete paper. All exams are 2 hours long.
Year 12
| Term 1 |
Term 2 |
Term 3 |
|---|---|---|
|
Content - GCSE higher recap on algebra, geometry and number. Coordinate geometry, differentiation.
|
Content - rates of change, integration, trigonometric graphs, vector geometry |
Content - Logarithms, exponentials. Mechanics - SUVAT, newton’s 1st and 2nd laws |
| Term 4 | Term 5 | Term 6 |
|
Content - Proof Statistics - revision of GCSE handling data, using the large data set, binomial distribution, hypothesis testing.
|
Revision - using gaps identified from mocks to teach |
Content - moving on to A level content. Functions review, partial fractions, sequences and series. |
Year 13
| Term 1 |
Term 2 |
Term 3 |
|---|---|---|
|
Content - differentiation - chain rule, product rule and quotient rule. Radians, trigonometric functions. |
Content - mocks and review. Integration. Mechanics - constant and variable acceleration. |
Content - Integration by parts, differential equations. Mechanics - motion under gravity, resolving forces, 3D vectors.
|
| Term 4 | Term 5 | Term 6 |
|
Mocks and review. |
Revision - using gaps identified from mocks to teach |
Course complete. |
Example of skill progression
Interpreting data display, such as histograms and cumulative frequency graphs progresses on to being able to use large data sets to analyse date effectively using these methodologies and then apply the knowledge gained from the analysis to interpret and hypothesise further.
Careers and progression
Qualification pathways
The department has responded to student requirements and changed the offer to include Further Mathematics at KS5 and Additional Maths at KS4.
The GCSE offered at KS4 prepares students perfectly for the A level offered at KS5, which in turn prepares students for further study at degree or employment in a wide variety of jobs. An A Level Mathematics qualification is a valuable key to any scientific degree (Physics, Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, Economics and of course Mathematics) as successful students will have developed good powers of analysis, the capacity to think logically and the ability to solve problems. Mathematics plays a key role in many areas, for example, within science and industry, financial management, accountancy, construction, aviation, hospitals, marketing, meteorology, manufacturing and computer programming.
Example of successful progressions
67% of students that studied A level maths progressed to higher education/careers in mathematics related area in 2019.
Examples of links to Gatsby benchmark 4 (Linking curriculum to careers)
The maths department are working with students to make the links between GCSE and real world maths, to make it more relatable and relevant, discussing where maths is in use in daily jobs. We give real life contexts and examples, we link topics to where they would be used in careers. We have career lessons where we talk about where maths could take them.
Examples of link to Gatsby benchmark 5 (encounters with employers)
As a department we support students in looking at careers with local employers. Students in year 11 have a carousel day where they meet different employers and talk about different job roles. Year 12 and 13 students took part in a day with Anglian water.
Employability skills
Numeracy, problem solving & tactics, analysis & evaluation, resilience.
Extra-curricular
We offer students a range of enrichment opportunities outside of lessons designed to ignite a passion for Mathematics.
Students can participate in the UKMT individual and team challenges which are separated into junior, intermediate and senior divisions.
Opportunities to go to conferences.
STEM opportunities both in and out of school.
Intervention offered to students with a maths teacher available every lunchtime for drop in sessions.
