Maths
In this section, the Maths department provides an overview of the KS3 curriculum and resources to aid revision and support progress.
Department Contacts
Staff | Role | |
---|---|---|
Mrs C Gibson | Head of Department | claire.gibson@thewisbechacademy.org |
Mrs D Jose | Teacher | dhanya.jose@thomasclarksonacademy.org |
Curriculum Aims:
- Fluency: Students will become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics through varied and frequent practice with increasingly complex problems, developing conceptual understanding and the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately.
- Reasoning: Students will reason mathematically by following a line of enquiry, conjecturing relationships and generalisations, and developing arguments, justifications, or proofs using mathematical language.
- Problem-Solving: Students will solve problems 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 Features:
- Ambitious and Accessible Scheme of Learning: Enables progress for all students through deliberate practice, interleaving, and regular low-stakes testing.
- Spiral Curriculum: Builds on prior skills and knowledge, allowing a smooth transition to the next stage.
- Mastery Approach: Emphasises gaining mastery and making connections between ideas rather than generating correct answers in isolation.
- STEM Integration: Encourages the application of mathematical skills in real-world STEM contexts, fostering a deeper appreciation of mathematics and its relevance.
Curriculum Structure:
- Key Stages 3: Designed for 36 weeks of curriculum time across the school year, with lessons tailored to approximately 55 minutes.
Areas of Study:
1. Number: Addition and subtraction, fractions, multiplication and division, place value.
2. Algebra: Patterns, sequences, and algebraic thinking.
3. Geometry and Measures: Properties of shapes, spatial reasoning, and measurement.
4. Ratio, Proportion, and Rates of Change: Understanding relationships and changes.
5. Probability: Experimental and theoretical probability
6. Statistics: Data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
Teaching and Learning Strategies:
- Pedagogical approach that supports active learning and critical thinking, aligning with the overall goals of the curriculum.
- Diagnostic Assessments: Regular assessments to identify and address misconceptions.
- Interleaved Topics: Continuous recall and application of knowledge.
- Real-World Projects: Engaging projects such as designing a zoo, Lego robotics, Escape rooms and the school construction project.
- Use of Manipulatives and Visual Models: Supports conceptual understanding and procedural fluency.
- Calculator Use: Embedded throughout the secondary curriculum to enhance efficiency and understanding.
Opportunities and Experiences:
- STEM Projects: Integration of STEM projects to apply mathematical concepts in real-world scenarios.
- Individualised Feedback: Regular feedback to help students understand their progress and areas for improvement.
- Extracurricular Activities: Opportunities to explore mathematics beyond the classroom, fostering a broader appreciation of the subject.
Curriculum Coherence:
- Threads: Signpost groups of units that link to one another, building a common body of knowledge over time. Threads include Number, Algebra, Statistics, Probability, Ratio and Proportion, and Geometry and Measure.
Alignment with National Curriculum:
- Fluency, Reasoning, and Problem-Solving: Ensures all pupils become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, reason mathematically, and solve problems through lessons that apply knowledge to new and unfamiliar contexts.
Subject-Specific Needs:
- Mastery Approach: Embraces a mastery approach with a concrete-pictorial-abstract methodology, particularly as concepts are first introduced.
- Pedogeological Approach: Our curriculum is grounded in a student-centered pedagogical approach that emphasises active learning, critical thinking, and collaborative problem-solving. We believe in fostering a growth mindset, encouraging students to embrace challenges and learn from mistakes. This approach ensures that students not only acquire mathematical skills but also develop a deep understanding and appreciation of the subject.
- Real-World Situations: Uses real-world situations and recognisable narrative structures to build mathematical ideas.
This combined curriculum overview integrates the strengths of each provided curriculum, emphasising a clear STEM focus and ensuring a comprehensive and cohesive approach to mathematics education. As a STEM-specific school, we ensure a comprehensive and cohesive approach to mathematics education. Click here to find out more.