Mathematics
Curriculum Intent
The intent of our Mathematics curriculum is to enable all of our students to experience a full, broad and ambitious set of learning opportunities linked to the whole school CHRIST values, the national curriculum and the needs of employers. Our inclusive curriculum is intended to build a sound skill base, a good understanding of Mathematical concepts and enable all learners to apply their skills and knowledge in a variety of contexts such as problem solving. Our subject allows all students to develop socially through collaborative tasks, yet also develop the confidence to work individually and solve problems. Our intention is that all learners, whatever their prior attainment will experience a challenging curriculum that builds them in scaffolded stages towards becoming confident, competent Mathematicians. Excellence in Mathematics would mean that each student leaves Blue Coat School with a sound grasp of the mathematical skills, knowledge and understanding to enable them to use mathematics in the real world.
In KS3 we consolidate and build on what was taught at KS1 and 2. The KS3 curriculum is a strong, sequenced Scheme of work which builds the foundations for the demands of the GCSE course.
In KS4 we have two pathways, foundation tier and higher tier. The foundation tier builds on knowledge at KS3 and through carefully scaffolded lessons, enables all pupils to develop a good skills base and confidence with problem solving so that they can manage the numeracy demands of post 16 study and the world of work. The higher tier course build foundations for study of Mathematics at KS5 and beyond.
KS5 is a strong foundation for life outside school and allows pupils to progress on to University Degrees.
Teaching and Learning
In mathematics we believe in delivering an ambitious yet highly inclusive curriculum to all. Our vision for Teaching & Learning is to ensure all students access the “full” curriculum and learn the breadth of content.
Our staff have high expectations of all pupils and focus on embedding our 3Rs:
- Ready
- Respectful
- Responsible
All lessons focus on embedding the whole school Blue Coat approach:
- Explaining and Modelling
- Do & Practice
- 4forAll Toolkit leading to inclusive practice:
- Key words/Reading
- Use of time
- Chunk and check
- Questioning
- Appropriate verbal, written and visual feedback
Reading is an essential strategy within lessons. You will see staff applying the three reading strategies of:
How can parents help?
- Use of the mymaths website. This has lessons, maths games and revision sections for all years www.mymaths.co.uk login cbcs password decimal
- Use of the online kerboodle book. This website has the text books which we use in class plus extra resources such as videos. www.kerboodle.com your child will have individual login and password
- Corbett maths videos Videos and Worksheets – Corbettmaths
- GCSE pod – access through the school website. This is mini video clips for GCSE Maths
- On maths website for GCSE revision including exam papers
- onmaths | The home of GCSE Maths
- Maths genie website for GCSE and A level including exam papers
- Maths Genie – Free Online GCSE and A Level Maths Revision
Options
- KS4 GCSE Mathematics AQA foundation and higher tier
- KS4 AQA Entry level certificate for some Year 11 students
- KS5 OCR Core Mathematics for some students
- KS5 Edexcel A level Mathematics
- KS5 Edexcel A level Further Mathematics
Enrichment & Experiences
Recent/Upcoming trips include
- UKMT Maths challenge for gifted and talented students in KS3, 4 and 5
- UKMT team Maths challenge
Impact
2022 Results
- GCSE – 79% Grades 9-4
- A-Level Mathematics– 56% A*-B
- A-Level Further Mathematics-57% A*-B
Destinations
| Subject studied at A level | Subject studied at A level | Course placed | University |
| Mathematics | Further Mathematics | Mechanical Engineering | Manchester |
| Mathematics | Further Mathematics | Mathematics | St Andrews |
| Mathematics | Further Mathematics | Computer Science | Exeter |
| Mathematics | – | Law | Oxford |
| Mathematics | – | Electronic and Electrical Engineering | Loughborough |
| Mathematics | – | Architecture | UCL |
| Mathematics | – | Economics | Plymouth |
| Mathematics | – | Medicine | U of Birmingham |
| Mathematics | – | Chemical Engineering | Swansea |
| Mathematics | – | Midwifery | University of London |