Mathematics

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

As is the case at Key Stage 2, the content is broken down into certain broad areas of study: number, algebra, measurement, geometry (i.e. shape and space), and data handling (i.e. probability and statistics).

Mathematics is a subject which recognises the order and sense in life, and puts that order into a framework. It is a universal language, which can represent the material facts from other disciplines in an abstract way. At Kingswood, we aim to help the pupils to notice the patterns in numbers and natural “facts”, to consider and analyse them, and to understand them.

From this understanding, we hope that they will learn to appreciate and enjoy the universality of the subject, its power and precision in communication, and the possibilities it presents for prediction. We also hope they gain sufficient understanding and proficiency in calculation to be able to make sense of the numbers involved in everyday life, both with and without the aid of a calculator.

Upon arriving at Kingswood, students will find the focus of their Mathematics education is to ‘Master’ each concept they are presented with. We believe that every student, regardless of prior attainment, should be given the opportunity to be the best mathematician they can be, with teaching focused on achieving such development. In line with the focus of GCSE and A Level Mathematics, students will develop

In Year 7, pupils will be taught in mixed ability classes, with a specific class for those who need additional support with the curriculum and as well as a class for students who have previously attained highly in Mathematics. We all follow the same syllabus for all groups with the focus being on deepening understanding of the fundamental principles of Mathematics. Pupils are assessed regularly throughout Year 7 and every has the chance to access all the content in the curriculum. As pupils move through the years, we assess their progress and attainment. By Year 10 we move to a linear setting arrangement, to prepare students for the examinations at a level appropriate to them.

Extra-curricular activities include opportunities for gifted mathematicians, such as lunch time clubs to stretch and challenge, team events enabling students to represent the School, code cracking activities, and national Mathematics competitions. We also provide weekly lunch time ‘clinics’ for Key Stage 3 pupils to visit the department and discuss their prep tasks with staff and A Level students.

COURSE OUTLINE

This course provides the pupils with a thorough grounding of the subject matter that underpins the lower order techniques found in the IGCSE course. As pupils make the transition through Year 7 into Year 8 and, subsequently, Year 9, this material is covered in a style more suited to preparation for the IGCSE qualification. Topics covered at Key Stage 3 range from how and why place value rules apply to the solving of simultaneous equations and applications to real life problems. The need for clear explanations and rigorous working are essential to Mathematical success and are embedded within the assessment framework used by teachers.

WHAT SKILLS WILL I DEVELOP?

The curriculum is designed to secure and build upon prior knowledge, as well as deepen understanding and a pupil’s ability to reason and problem solve from their strong mathematical foundation. Students will be able to take a problem they have never seen before and apply mathematical techniques to a find a solution (if one exists) but also be able to justify the decisions they made throughout the process, relating their efforts to what they have previously learned.

We would see a successful Kingswood mathematician as being both fluent in procedure and the ability to effectively explain and describe the Mathematics they have used. As Mathematics is a cumulative subject, the skills acquired during Key Stage 3 will form the backbone of work for IGCSE and even A Level. An effective grasp of Mathematics is vital to the study of many other subjects, particularly the sciences. All pupils should be prepared for lesson and the minimum requirement for equipment on any given day is: Pen, pencil, ruler, protractor and compass. All of these items are available at the school shop. By the time they move into Year 8, we require all students to have a scientific calculator available for every lesson.