Maths

KS3

Introduction

All pupils will develop mathematical fluency, problem solving and reasoning, as part of the aims of the KS3 National Curriculum Programme of Study (PoS). We aim to provide opportunities for pupils to develop and deepen their understanding, whilst building stronger connections between the subject content requirements of Number, Algebra, Ratio, Proportion & Rates of Change, Geometry & Measures, Probability and Statistics.

The KS3 PoS prepares all children for the Pearson Edexcel GCSE Mathematics. There are opportunities for all students to take part in the National Cipher Challenge for code breaking, the UK Bebras Challenge for computational thinking, and the MEM Challenge for problem solving. Some higher attaining pupils will be entered for the UK Maths Challenge (UKMT) for the Junior Challenge in Year 8, the Intermediate Challenge in Year 10, and the Senior Challenge in Year 11 (if appropriate).

How to support your child

Encourage growth mindsets. Everybody has unlimited maths potential and can progress with hard work, practice and support. Adding “yet” after “I can’t do it” reinforces this.
Discourage fixed mindsets by not labelling somebody (including yourself) as being born “good” or “bad” at Maths. A child labelled “good” can think they’re “not good” when they get something wrong, and not connect that hard work helps them to progress.
Encourage enquiring minds. Find logic in thinking and learn from mistakes rather than dismissing an answer as “wrong”. Review efficiency and reasoning of correct solutions.
Encourage your child to ask their teacher if unsure.
Encourage your child to play maths puzzles, games and challenges.
Encourage number sense and flexible approaches to calculations to develop fluency.
Discuss the curiosity and wonder of maths in context.
Don’t associate Maths with speed of answers. This can cause anxiety and build barriers.
Ensure your child brings a Scientific Calculator to lessons (please ask your child’s teacher for recommendations).
Discuss revision strategies, with practice questions and revising formulae encouraged.
Read Mathematical Mindsets (Boaler), Maths For Mums & Dads /More Maths For Mums & Dads (the teenage years) (Eastaway & Askew) available from our school library.

Web Links

Subscribed:

MathsWatch

Unsubscribed:

Apps such as Logic Squares encourage development of fluency with calculations.

Additional Reading

Ball of Confusion – Johnny Ball
Alex in Numberland / Alex Through the Looking Glass – Alex Bellos
How Long is a Piece of String?/How Many Socks Make a Pair?/Maths on the Go: 101 Fun Ways to Play with Maths/Mindbenders & Brainteasers /Why Do Buses Come in Threes?-Rob Eastaway
The Number Devil – Hans Magnus Enzensberger
Murderous Maths Series – Kjartan Poskitt

Curriculum Overview

KS4

Introduction

All pupils continue the Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Maths (1MA1) course during Years 10 and 11. Fluency, problem solving and reasoning remain focused around Number, Algebra, Ratio, Proportion & Rates of Change, Geometry & Measures, Probability and Statistics.

All pupils take 3 x 1½ hour exams (one non-calculator) in May/June of Year 11. The decision whether to enter for Higher Tier (grades 9-4) or Foundation Tier (grades 5-1) will be made during Year 11 for each pupil. There are opportunities for all students to take part in the National Cipher Challenge for code breaking, the UK Bebras Challenge for computational thinking, and the MEM Challenge for problem solving. Some higher attaining pupils will be entered for the UK Maths Challenge (UKMT) the Senior Challenge in Year 11 (if appropriate).

What’s it worth? 1 GCSE

Why do it? Our aim is for every student to:

Enjoy Maths
Make excellent progress in Maths
Learn skills for life, learning and work

What will you do?

The Mathematics Department achieves excellent results, some of the best in the county. We will do everything we can to help you achieve a GCSE grade of which you can be proud. You will need to play your part by working as hard as you can and being the best student you can be.

At KS4 all students follow the linear Edexcel Mathematics GCSE at either Higher level (grades 4 – 9) or Foundation level (grades 1 – 5).

There are three papers at the end of the course, in the summer of year 11. They are all one and a half hours long. Paper 1 is a non-calculator paper and papers 2 and 3 are calculator papers.

Problem solving and reasoning make up a significant proportion of the examination. This involves applying your mathematical skills and knowledge from a range of topics to interesting and puzzling questions. To help you develop these skills we will explore the relationships between different areas of maths throughout your course.

We hope that success and enjoyment in Maths will lead many students to consider choosing further Maths study as a post-16 option.

What do you need?

You will need a scientific calculator. We recommend the CASIO FX83GT PLUS or the newer Casio FX-83GTCW are advised. These can be bought from the school library for £9.60.

You will also benefit from the Edexcel revision guides. These will be available to buy through school on Parent Pay.

It would also be helpful if you had your own good quality protractor and compass.

Subject - Mathematics

Exam Board - Edexcel

Exam Paper - 2/3 calculator, 1/3 non-calculator

For further details see: Mrs Williams