Maths
We work towards fluency in Mathematics, focus on mastering the resilience and problem-solving skills essential for life beyond secondary school.
The content of the curriculum fits into four main strands of Mathematics:
- Number - an appreciation of numerical values and fraction, decimal, percentage equivalents. Arithmetic skills focussed on addition, subtraction, multiplication and division
- Algebra - using algebraic concepts to represent unknowns, form expressions, solve equations, and begin to understand basic proofs
- Geometry - understand the properties of shapes, and be able to work out additional properties, such as angles and side lengths. Construct shapes considering properties including side lengths, angles and symmetry
- Data - understand how data can be used to conduct research and inform decisions. This includes considering the suitability of methods for data collection, representation and analysis.
We aim to:
- develop fluency in the fundamentals of mathematics, including through varied and frequent practice with increasingly complex problems over time, so that pupils develop conceptual understanding and the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately
- develop mathematical reasoning by following a line of enquiry, conjecturing relationships and generalisations, and developing an argument, justification or proof using mathematical language
- develop problem solving skills by applying their mathematics to a variety of routine and non-routine problems with increasing sophistication, including breaking down problems into a series of simpler steps and persevering in seeking solutions.
Key Stage 3
In Key Stage 3, the curriculum is designed so the learning objectives adhere to the Key Stage 3 National Curriculum specification set out by the DfE. It is designed to be sequential with all students learning the same topic at the same time, whether in mixed ability groups or in sets and regardless of prior attainment levels. Learning progresses through a topic by going deeper, making links with other areas of maths and by providing challenge through opportunities to reason and problem solve.
The content in each year builds on topics and key concepts learnt in previous units or years. Students have opportunities to revisit prior learning through interleaving content taught in previous years and students are challenged through exposure to more challenging reasoning and problem-solving opportunities.
Key Stage 4
Students follow the Key Stage 4 National Curriculum. All students complete the mathematical content in standard type in the Mathematics programmes of study: Key Stage 4 document, with more highly attaining students learning additional mathematical content which is in bold type. The sequencing of content is laid out in the schemes of work, with rationale for the sequencing referenced in each unit. This content builds on students prior learning from Key Stage 3.
Students will follow either the foundation or higher scheme of work depending on prior assessments and teacher judgement based on classwork and independent work. Problem-solving is at the heart of the new curriculum and opportunities to develop problem solving and reasoning skills in maths are embedded within each unit of work. Once students reach Year 11, their teachers will decide upon how much they need to deviate away from the scheme of work based on thorough assessment.
Further details can be found in the curriculum overview below. If you have any queries about our curriculum please email info@harrislowewillesden.org.uk.
