Maths

Finding the stride lengths of dinosaurs.

Within our education settings we aim to foster an interest and enjoyment of mathematics and its use in the day to day world in which we live. Experience tells us that confidence with mathematics supports pupils in numerous ways with living in modern society. Pupils need mathematical skills in order to successfully manage their everyday lives, e.g. shopping, budgeting and money management.

Mathematical skills are important across the curriculum e.g. problem solving, data handling, use of spreadsheets, time management, use of maps and charts, measuring and design. Many pupils enjoy mathematics and achieve well. Maths is a core skill, essential for access to employment opportunities and further education.

Our pupils also have the opportunity to access a varied range of Mathematical problems to solve. This builds not only resilience but also a confidence in their own ability to be able to tackle a challenge. These are the skills that our pupils then take out into the world with them.

Key Stage 3

The department uses a rolling scheme of work in KS3 with each topic increasing in difficulty over the three-year period. Years 7&8 have a weekly Numeracy focus which is tested weekly with a Numeracy Ninja test or other appropriate Numeracy activity, with Y9 receiving Numeracy intervention where appropriate. This programme has been developed to specifically target key numeracy skills that may have been previously missed in earlier education. This then enables pupils to access the wider content of the GCSE specification in KS4.

At KS3 it is expected that pupils will move on to full-time education in either mainstream or alternative specialist provision. The programmes of study in place will enable each pupil to access the KS3 National Curriculum at an appropriate level and in line with mainstream education.

KS3 Curriculum Map

Key Stage 4

At KS4 the majority of pupils will follow the AQA specification for the new GCSE Mathematics specification 8300. If a student is unable to access these qualifications then they will be entered for the new AQA Entry Level exam. This can also be used as a stepping stone in Year 10 with a view to working towards a GCSE in Year 11. In some cases it is also appropriate for a pupil to have the opportunity to be entered for a Functional Skills exam alongside the GCSE.

To accommodate pupils that arrive in the service in Y11, potentially having missed large gaps in their KS4 learning, an appropriate 1 year scheme of work has been developed.

AQA 1 year Foundation Curriculum Map

AQA 2 year Foundation Curriculum Map

AQA 2 year Higher Curriculum Map

Exam information

AQA Entry Level Maths
AQA Functional Level Skills 1/2
AQA GCSE Mathematics (8300) Higher /Foundation

Hopefully this page has all the information you need, if you require further information speak to the Centre Manager for your centre who will be able to answer any queries.