Mathematics

Key Stage 3 features and summary

Mathematics is an interconnected subject in which pupils need to be able to move fluently between representations of mathematical ideas. The schemes of work are, by necessity, organised into apparently distinct domains, but pupils are supported to make rich connections across mathematical ideas to develop fluency, mathematical reasoning and competence in solving increasingly sophisticated problems. They are also given opportunities to apply their mathematical knowledge to science and other subjects.

At KS3 all students receive 3 lessons of mathematics per week and are grouped according to their learning need. The expectation is that the majority of pupils will move through the schemes of work at broadly the same pace. However, decisions about when to progress are always be based on the security of pupils’ understanding and their readiness to progress to the next stage. Pupils who grasp concepts rapidly are challenged through being offered rich and sophisticated problems before any acceleration through new content. Those who are not sufficiently fluent with earlier material are supported to consolidate their understanding, including through additional practice, before moving on.

KS3 curriculum map & knowledge organisers

Maths KS3 Curriculum Map

Key Stage 4 features and summary

The mathematics curriculum at Rushey Mead Academy is designed to ensure that all pupils:

• become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, through structured retrieval practice and exposure to increasingly complex problems over time, so that pupils develop conceptual understanding and the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately;
• reason mathematically and explore relationships and generalisations, and communicate an argument or proof using key mathematical language, as modelled by their teacher;
• can solve problems by following scaffolded models of how to apply mathematics to a variety of routine and non-routine situations with increasing sophistication and independence, developing the ability to break down problems into a series of simpler steps and persevere in seeking solutions

At KS4 all students receive 4 lessons of mathematics per week in preparation for completion of the AQA 8300 course which is assessed by through three 1.5 hour exams, 1 non-calculator paper and two calculator papers. There are two tiers of entry: Higher (aimed at grades 5-9 although grades 3 and 4 are awarded) and Foundation (grades 1-5).

Students are grouped accordingly to ensure the specifics of what is covered is matched to their learning need and the content covered forms the necessary progression from their KS3 studies. The decision about which tier will be made during the course once it becomes clear which tier is the most suitable.

KS4 curriculum map & knowledge organisers

Maths KS4 Curriculum Map

Assessment and feedback

End of Unit Reviews

End of Unit Reviews (EOUR’s) are designed and used to check students’ understanding of the key concepts pertaining to their assessment point within the unit.

There will be a gap between finishing the Unit and administering the EOUR to enforce the need to revisit prior learning.

Termly Assessments

These are summative and are administered prior to each termly tracking data capture.

Following the assessment students will be asked to traffic light their marks achieved on the feedback sheet for each question to help them identify their target areas.

Red – No Marks, Amber – Part Mark, Green – Full Marks

Where possible the questions are referenced to the relevant the MathsWatch clip. This should allow the students to structure their revision, working on their necessary target areas.

Revision and independent learning

The faculty encourages students to take an interest in their own progress and fosters independence through carefully designed structures.

Revision sheets

The sheets are available on the Faculty’s website – www.rusheymeadmaths.weebly.com

These contain details of learning objectives for individual assessment points within each unit. Each objective is matched with a MathsWatch clip.

Useful websites and resources

Further Reading KS3 Mathematics – Link

Further Reading KS4 Mathematics – Link

Co-curricular opportunities

Afterschool Homework and Catch up club, every Tuesday and Thursday 3-4pm

FSMQ Additional Maths (Level 3) for highest achieving mathematicians in Year 11

Maths Ambassadors – KS4 students supporting KS3 students in their learning

Stretch and challenge opportunities

UK Maths challenge https://www.ukmt.org.uk/

Global maths challenge https://www.global-math.com/

Weekly maths challenges https://nrich.maths.org/7581

Corbett Conundrums https://corbettmaths.com/more/corbetts-conundrums/

Homework

This is set via the Show My Homework platform in accordance with whole school policies. Homework takes the form of 10 weekly skills based questions, to be completed in their progress book, in conjunction with appropriate online tasks.

KS3                                                                  KS4

Minimum 1 hour                                              Minimum 1.5 hours

10 Questions accessed from weebly             10 Questions accessed from weebly

MathsWatch task                                             MathsWatch task &

30-40 minutes of GCSE questions from

Drfrostmaths.

Written homework must be completed in the back of students’ progress books.

Each question should be copied out, workings shown in full and the answer clearly identified. Examples have been uploaded on to weebly to ensure all students are clear on these expectations.

Should students require additional support the homework record sheet provides them with guidance on which video tutorials will provide guidance on the skills being assessed. In addition to this students may also attend study every Tuesday or Thursday in C118.

Revision advice

• Create a revision schedule and be strict with yourself.
• Use feedback from your teacher/assessment QLA on which specific areas you need to focus your revision.
• Regular testing on fact retrieval; mathsbot.com.
• Regular practise on variety of topics; corbetmaths.com – 5-a-day.
• Don’t just read about the maths – regular practise and testing yourself will help to deepen understanding.
• Train yourself to read the questions in full, then highlight the key info – scanning will frequently lead to misinterpretation of the question.
• Focus on lots of areas – not just the areas you feel confident with!
• Practice questions in exam conditions.

Try revising with friends – use your expertise to help each other.