Curriculum

MATHEMATICS

Why study Mathematics?

Mathematics is diverse, engaging and essential. Beyond the study of number, shapes and patterns, it also provides important tools for work in the fields of engineering, physics, architecture, medicine and business. Our aim is to enable students to build a secure framework of mathematical reasoning, which they can use and apply with confidence. Our Maths curriculum allows students to develop fluent knowledge, skills and understanding of mathematical methods and concepts. They acquire, select and apply mathematical techniques to solve problems and reason mathematically, making deductions and inferences, and drawing conclusions. We set challenging targets in conjunction with high expectations for all students; targets which we hope to achieve through a variety of teaching and learning practices to engage and motivate students.

How will I study Mathematics?

Students are taught in similar ability groups and throughout each year they will be taught numerous topics relating to number, algebra, geometry, statistics and probability. Students will learn how topics are related to each other. Topics will be introduced at the start of lessons, with clear guided examples. Lessons are structured to help students build on their prior knowledge.

What will I study at Key Stage 3?

In year 7 students will develop their basic number skills. They will build on their KS2 knowledge of place value, ordering, factors, fractions, decimals and percentages. This knowledge is then applied to  algebra and proportion studying notations and algebraic expressions. Their study of Geometry focuses on perimeter and area problems, and transformation of shapes. As the year progresses students will be introduced to probability and data handling understanding average and range, the probability scale, a range of charts and diagrams.

Year 8 focuses on developing number skills studying rounding and estimation, indices and standard form. Students develop algebraic manipulation and are able to plot graphs and understand linear graph properties. They go on to study ratio and proportionality including percentage increase and decrease. Further study of Geometry allows students to calculate unknown angles, the area and volume of 3D shapes, and the properties of circles. Advanced graphs such as scatter graphs and average and frequency tables are introduced through the further study of probability and data handling.

Year 9 focuses on developing strong procedural skills. Confidence and accuracy in calculation and manipulation are emphasised as well as articulating reasons and linking different methods and ideas. Advanced ideas around ratio and proportion, inequalities and data handling are explored. Reinforcing and using mathematical concepts and notation help build a strong foundation for the higher-level maths to come.

 

What will I study at Key Stage 4?

In key stage 4 students will be taught to apply mathematical techniques and the use of formulas to solve problems. They extend their understanding of algebraic simplification and manipulation to include quadratic expressions, thereby extending their fluency with expressions and equation. Ratio, proportion and rates of change are key areas of focus which help to demonstrate the purpose of map scales, using recipes, calculating speed, distance and time, as well as comparing interest rates and developing financial skills. Students will be taught how to justify their choice of statistical diagrams to represent data and how to identify misleading data. Higher level trigonometry, surds, quadratic equations and data handling techniques are studied. Students begin to articulate ideas mathematically and make clear links to previous learning.

Assessment

Examination Board: Edexcel

Paper 1
Overview Focus
Foundation tier (grades 1 to 5 available) or Higher tier (grades 4 to 9 available (grade 3 allowed))
  • Written exam (1 hour 30 minutes)
  • 80 marks
  • 33.33% of GCSE
  • No calculator allowed

Range of question types to cover:

  • Number (Foundation 25%, Higher 15%)
  • Algebra (Foundation 20%, Higher 30%)
  • Ratio, proportion and rates of change (Foundation 25%, Higher 20%)
  • Geometry and measures (Foundation 15%, Higher 20%)
  • Probability and Statistics (Foundation 15%, Higher 15%)
Paper 2
Overview Focus
Foundation tier (grades 1 to 5 available) or Higher tier (grades 4 to 9 available (grade 3 allowed))
  • Written exam (1 hour 30 minutes)
  • 80 marks
  • 33.33% of GCSE
  • Calculator allowed

Range of question types to cover:

  • Number (Foundation 25%, Higher 15%)
  • Algebra (Foundation 20%, Higher 30%)
  • Ratio, proportion and rates of change (Foundation 25%, Higher 20%)
  • Geometry and measures (Foundation 15%, Higher 20%)
  • Probability and Statistics (Foundation 15%, Higher 15%)
Paper 3
Foundation tier (grades 1 to 5 available) or Higher tier (grades 4 to 9 available (grade 3 allowed))
Overview Focus
  • Written exam (1 hour 30 minutes)
  • 80 marks
  • 33.33% of GCSE
  • Calculator allowed

Range of question types to cover:

  • Number (Foundation 25%, Higher 15%)
  • Algebra (Foundation 20%, Higher 30%)
  • Ratio, proportion and rates of change (Foundation 25%, Higher 20%)
  • Geometry and measures (Foundation 15%, Higher 20%)
  • Probability and Statistics (Foundation 15%, Higher 15%)
Enrichment Offer

Within the Mathematics department, we offer a variety of enrichment activities across both Key Stages to promote enjoyment and excitement in mathematics.

Key Stage 3 pupils embark on project-based enrichment activities, developing their application of mathematics outside of the curriculum.

Pupils are invited to test their problem-solving skills by competing in the individual and team challenges coordinated by the UKMT. The UKMT Challenges are designed to stimulate interest in mathematics in large numbers of pupils and give pupils the opportunity to compete against pupils from other schools in the region. Previously our Year 7 pupils the Maths have been Challenge winners for the whole of Blackpool.

The Academy also subscribes to the mathematics website Mathswatch, which allows pupils to access topic-based worksheets and interactive lessons at home as well as in the Academy. These can be used to reinforce understanding and are an excellent revision tool. Pupils also have access to the Method Maths website to practise exam questions.

Furthermore, our committed department runs intervention sessions for our Key Stage 4 pupils during both lunchtimes and after school. These small, bespoke classes consolidate prior learning and ensure maximum attainment.

Careers

The study of Maths can lead to future careers ranging from Systems Engineer, Electrical engineer and Architect to Aerospace Engineer, Accountant and Prosthetist. Famous Maths graduates include John Horton Conway (Gaming wizard), Katherine Johnson (calculations for space missions), and Mary Jackson (Nasa Engineer).