The Poetry of Logical Ideas

We are dedicated to raising the attainment of all our students in mathematics, preparing them to be independent and logical thinking individuals who are able to function in today’s society. It’s particularly important that all students experience the mathematics here at the College that they will need in real life. Using many different techniques and strategies, we work to ensure that all students both reach their potential in mathematics and enjoy learning.  

Our Approach

We set challenging targets with high expectations for all students and offer a variety of approaches to teaching and learning to engage and motivate them.  By exploring enrichment opportunities outside the curriculum, the Department creates activities that enhance the students’ enjoyment of the subject.  To reach students as early as possible in their education, we also work with our partner primary schools in developing and supporting their teachers in raising the mathematical attainment for students in Years 5 and 6.

All students at the College progress through a series of topics through KS3 and KS4 that build understanding in three key areas:

• Number and algebra
• Geometry and measures
• Handling data

In addition, all students at the College encounter enrichment maths during lessons, and as a department we’re committed to work beyond the classroom.

Key Stage 3

We follow the new Mathematics curriculum, taking every opportunity to improve students’ thinking, functional skills and problem solving. Students are grouped at the start of Year 7 based on their KS2 attainment, and we regularly assess and monitor them. Students work individually as well as in pairs and in groups, and enjoy activities which broaden their mathematical experience including World Maths Day, Number Day, Money Week and UK Maths Challenge.

Key Stage 4

Students entering Year 10 follow a pathway that is based on their prior attainment at KS3 and those students choosing this course have historically achieved a high pass rate at A*-C.  Students work individually as well as in pairs, and their work is monitored and assessed regularly.  The course covers a wide range of mathematical knowledge and skills such as:

• Algebra
• Shape, space and measures
• Data handling
• Applying mathematics to problem solving

The Department also offers enrichment activities at KS4 including Master Classes and participation in the GCSE Maths Conference.

Resources

All subject rooms are well resourced and all have interactive whiteboards, which are widely used in the teaching and learning of our students. As a Specialist Maths and Computing College, we also receive additional funding which we’ve invested in a Maths/ICT suite for KS4 and additional classroom support.  After College clubs and activities include:

• Homework Club
• Chess Club
• Oware Club
• Drop in sessions
• Revision programmes (after College/half term holidays)

As part of the specialism, we also run short numeracy courses for young adults in the local community.