Maths

Mathematics is a creative and essential subject that opens doors to this dynamic world. It is essential to everyday life, critical to science, technology, and engineering, and necessary for financial literacy and most forms of employment. Therefore, a high-quality Mathematics education provides a foundation that opens doors to this dynamic world and prepares every pupil for unseen future jobs.

We aim to enable pupils to build mathematical fluency, reasoning, to justify their approaches and apply familiar and unfamiliar Mathematics into context. Pupils acquire, select, and apply mathematical techniques to solve problems in familiar and unfamiliar contexts, ensuring pupils have mastered their learning. In essence, pupils can see the beauty and power of Mathematics and a sense of enjoyment and curiosity about the subject.

Pupils are taught in similar ability groups, and throughout each year, they will be taught numerous topics relating to number, algebra, geometry, statistics, and probability. Pupils will learn how topics are related and interweaved to each other. Topics will be introduced with clear and precise modelling, helping to build on their prior knowledge and apply it to a real-life context. We have also subscribed to Sparx Maths, which allows pupils to access topic-based work and interactive lessons at home and in school. These are used to reinforce understanding both as homework and to support revision and consolidation of knowledge. Sparx Maths is always aligned to the topics taught in lessons as part of the curriculum delivery plans. This Artificial Intelligence (AI) package helps to identify gaps to then be re-taught either in lessons, intervention or additional homework.

In Year 7, pupils will start by developing pupils basic number skills. We build on pupils Key Stage 2 knowledge of place value, decimals, fractions, and negative numbers. As the year progresses, pupils will be introduced to angle facts and basic algebra skills. These skills will then apply to perimeter and area problems. In Year 8, pupils will focus more in-depth on the properties of circles and build on how this relates to volume and surface area. In year 8, pupils will be introduced to the Pythagoras Theorem, which will prepare them for their studies of trigonometry in Year 9. Pupils will apply their skills in algebra to identify rules for sequences, which provide a great introduction to investigating graphical equations and how the gradient and intercept affect the shape of graphs. In Year 9, pupils will continue to acquire knowledge of indices, to support them in learning standard form and factorisation. Algebra will become more complex with the introduction to solving simultaneous equations and rearranging formulae.

At Key Stage 4, pupils will start their preparation for their GCSE exams. Pupils will be taught to apply mathematical techniques to solve a range of problems in real life context.

• Our exam board is Pearson Edexcel.
• There are two tiers at GCSE: Foundation and Higher.
• Both tiers assess pupils using three equally weighted written examination papers.
• Paper 1 is a non-calculator assessment, and a calculator is allowed for Paper 2 and Paper 3.
• Each paper is 1 hour and 30 minutes long consisting of 80 marks, making a total of 240 marks available.

At Key Stage 4, pupils will consolidate their algebraic capability from Key Stage 3 and extend their understanding of algebraic manipulation to further their understanding of quadratic expressions, thereby extending their fluency with expressions and equations. Ratio and proportion is a key focus at the start of Key Stage 4, which helps to demonstrate the purpose of map scales, using recipes, exchange rates, calculating speed, distance and time, as well as comparing interest rates and developing financial skills. Pupils will be taught how to justify their choice of statistical diagrams to represent data and how to identify misleading data. GCSE Mathematics covers a wide range of topics, including the use of formulas to help solve problems in 2D and 3D.

Our top mathematicians are offered an additional qualification with Pearson Level 3 Algebra. This would stretch and challenge the pupils by further enhancing their algebraic skills resulting in a smooth transition to Key Stage 5 should they wish to study Mathematics.

At Key Stage 5, students will start by consolidating and building on techniques and algebraic skills learnt during Key Stage 4, within areas such as quadratics, inequalities, graphs and circles. They will study advanced topics such as the binomial expansion and trigonometric identities and equations.

Students are introduced to the Statistics part of the course in Autumn 2, where they learn about data collection, representations of data, probability and hypothesis testing. They will then visit Mechanics in Spring 1, where they are introduced to constant and variable acceleration, forces and motion. Those who are studying Physics will enjoy the cross curricular links in Mechanics.

The students will finish the year by learning about differentiation and integration, before revising for their AS exam at the end of the first year.

In Year 13, students discover functions, radians, sequences and series before taking a deeper look into differentiation and integration. In Statistics, they will learn about normal distribution. During Mechanics they will cover friction, projectile motion and further kinematics.

Throughout the 2 years they will experience a lot of modelling and problem solving which bring the Maths to life. This will prepare them for a journey into studying Mathematics further at university.

Our enrichment activities aim to open young people’s minds to the breadth and depth of Mathematics. Our pupils take part in the UKMT Maths challenge, where they compete against pupils across the country. The challenge encourages mathematical reasoning, precision of thought and fluency in using basic mathematical techniques to solve interesting problems.

Our Maths Plus club, which takes place at lunchtime on Mondays, aims to promote enjoyment and excitement in Mathematics by using well known games that incorporate Numeracy. Games include darts (addition and subtraction), battleships (co-ordinates), connect four (strategy) and sudoku puzzles. This is open to all year groups. We also have enrichment opportunities on Pi Day, Number Day, and Fibonacci Day.

In Maths there is an annual trip to Disneyland Paris. The main purpose of this visit is to attend the ‘Maths Live!’ conference held at the resort. This conference will bring pupils together with high-calibre industry professionals to provide mathematical insight and inspiration. The themes of the conference complement and dovetail Edexcel exam board specifications for Maths. These include:

Ride Design & Animatronics

• Mathematical calculations in ride & rollercoaster design – calculating forces, acceleration, & energy used.
• Ride & rollercoaster design – energy, forces & motion.
• Mathematical approach to designing rides.

Mathematics in Action

• The role of Maths in ride special effects, shows, & fireworks display.
• Using Maths to create the chemical reactions in the pyrotechnic displays.

Senses, Illusion & Virtual Reality

• The role of Maths in creating an immersive experience – smells, lights & special effects.

Maths is a subject that opens many doors for pupils. Examples of careers include Data Scientist, Actuary, Statistician, Games Designer, Cyber Security, Education, Engineering, Business and Finance, Banking and Accountancy. Some of the skills we develop in Maths lessons to help pupils prepare for a career in a Mathematical field include:

Self-management – Readiness to accept responsibility, flexibility, time management, readiness to improve own performance

Team working – Respecting others, co-operating, negotiating/persuading, contributing to discussions

Problem solving – Analysing facts and circumstances and applying creative thinking to develop appropriate solutions

Application of numeracy – Manipulation of numbers, general mathematical awareness, and its application in practical contexts.

Pupils with SEND are offered a wide, aspirational and ambitious curriculum across all subject areas through the All Stars Succeed strategy which emphasises the importance of Quality First Teaching. Every teacher has been trained on the understanding of pupil needs and implementation of high-impact adaptive strategies to enable pupils with SEND to make excellent progress, such as the use of High 5 strategies (informed by research conducted by the EEF) to create an inclusive environment in their teaching spaces. Moreover, the subject-specific All Stars Succeed charters allow for the implementation of subject-specific support in the classroom to help pupils overcome their barriers.

Collaboration between Learning Support Assistants (LSAs) and classroom practitioners on MS Teams before, during and after a lesson is a pivotal mechanism to ensure there is a coordinated approach towards support for pupils with SEND. This is evidenced with a purple pen in pupil books.

Star Maps are created in collaboration with the SENCO, class teachers, pupils and parents advising on strategies to help break down any barriers to learning. Strategies include adaptive teaching methods that are specific to a particular need as well as subject-specific adaptive teaching methods for subjects in which a pupil may find additional challenge due to his need. Star Maps are reviewed on a termly basis by teachers, parents and pupils. These meetings are led by members of the senior leadership team. Star Maps support pupils with a variety of needs including, visual impairment, cognition and learning difficulties, physical disabilities, speech, language and communication difficulties, autistic spectrum disorder, dyslexia, and social, emotional and mental health difficulties.

Ancillary aids and assistive technologies are also utilised to enhance provision and ensure access. Learning aids are deployed to specific pupils with SEN, particularly those with visual impairments and difficulties with writing. Pupils are provided with a mobile learning device to aid research, independent working and innovative approaches to learning. Pupils are also given access to a Virtual Learning Environment through Microsoft Teams and Microsoft

OneNote to access resources and complete learning at school and at home with a device.

Specialist careers advice is provided by New Directions to prepare pupils with SEND for further education and transition to adult life.

There is a particular focus on concrete resources to support pupils with SEND. In Maths, the following concrete resources are used to aid learning:

• Number lines
• Counters and manipulatives
• 2D and 3D shapes
• 3D containers
• Dice
• Money

• Maths GCSE | Edexcel GCSE Mathematics (2015) | Pearson qualifications
• Corbettmaths – Videos, worksheets, 5-a-day and much more
• Maths Genie – Free Online GCSE and A Level Maths Revision
• Sparx Maths – Sparx – Tauheedul Islam Boys’ High School (sparxmaths.uk)
• Maths Upgrade – GCSE Maths Exam Practice Revision Questions & Solutions

Numeracy Champions

• moral leadership- being a role model
• civic leadership- serving the community and communicating effectively
• inspiring and improving numeracy.

Pupils are selected from Key Stage 4. These pupils will offer coaching and intervention for Key Stage 3 pupils during after school catch-up intervention. They are provided with training from class teachers. This develops confidence in our pupils to become leaders in the school community and embodies our faculty commitment to the Star R-18 Leadership Framework to nurture and develop the leadership potential of our pupils.

Level 3 Algebra

Our strongest Mathematicians are entered into the Level 3 Algebra qualification in Years 10 and 11. This creates performance leadership – promoting self-belief, self-awareness, making pupils reflective and resilient

Our pupils in KS3 will also be completing projects throughout the year which incorporate real life contexts that brings our curriculum to life. For example, Fibonacci day, Pi Day, Number Day. These projects will include faith-based activities, such as Hajj faith leadership days, as well as discussing the increased cost of living and how to effectively budget.

Sixth Form Causal Tutors

Our sixth form students will be given mentoring roles to help our Year 11s through their Maths GCSE. They will provide support on how to revise, as well as coaching them to make improvements on topics identified as areas for development by class teachers. This promotes moral leadership- being a role model and civic leadership- serving the community and communicating effectively.

Maths Learning Journey 2023-24

In your son’s exercise book, you will find a number of key documentation:

Visual Learning Journeys – An overview of the key knowledge he will study from Y7-13 (vertical) and in your son’s specific year for each subject (horizontal).

Lesson specific Learning Journey – You will also be able to access a learning journey in your son’s exercise book which will allow him to articulate the bigger picture and make links between topics and lessons. This document includes the lesson outcome/s and key knowledge components for each lesson in the half term. This will serve as the reference point for all key learning and revision topics for the given half term whilst helping him to know more and remember more over time.