Mathematics

Head of Department: Mrs R Mullins-Swift rmullinsswift@prsbucks.com

Maths Department Intent

To build and develop students who think creatively, work systematically and question with curiosity both in the classroom and beyond.

We aim to grow our students to become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, through varied and frequent practice so that pupils develop a conceptual understanding and the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately. Ultimately, we want to develop students to be confident enough to tackle many mathematical problems and see error as a learning opportunity.

The Mathematics Department will provide students with exciting, relevant and challenging Mathematics, delivered by dedicated staff. Students will understand the underlying principles of the mathematics they learn, making links and developing reasoning skills and logical thinking. They will progress towards being independent mathematicians who can identify correct and incorrect work for themselves. Students will have their confidence encouraged and their complacency challenged in order to maximise potential.

To achieve this, staff will design and develop simple and effective systems and interesting and effective teaching ideas and resources to enable classroom delivery and promote mathematics across the school.

All students are set based on ability, but movement between groups is possible when needed.

Curriculum Map below - Click to expand.

The year 11 scheme of work is tailored to the class needs.

The new GCSE specification builds on the content, knowledge and skills developed at Key Stage 3. During Key Stage 4 students are encouraged to take an increased responsibility for their work. They will become fluent in making connections between the different areas of Mathematics and its application in the world around them. Students will learn the importance of precision and rigour.

During Key Stage 3 students learning is supplemented by a wide variety of resources.

At GCSE pupils follow the Edexcel linear course. They sit exams at the end of year 11.

Students are entered at either the Higher or Foundation tier, where grades are available as follows;

Higher 9 - 4
Foundation 5 – 1

The level of entry for each student is made following Year 11 mock exams and based on the individual students' attainment and efforts.

We also have a successful A-Level course of study. We teach A/S and A-Level Mathematics also following the Edexcel specification. We also teach Further Mathematics A/S and A-Level.

Assessment

We use a variety of assessment methods in maths including; responding to questions in class, peer and self-assessment, online assessments, and homework. We are assessing students each and every lesson. We use summative assessment at the end of topics/terms to help understand where students have progressed in relation to the whole curriculum.

As students progress into years 10 and 11 we use summative assessment more frequently and this helps us plan our curriculum.

All year groups have an end of year exam which is sat in the hall in exam conditions.

Learning Resources

We have access to a number of resources including; Mathswatch and www.drfrostmaths.com.

The department has invested in many interactive resources to maximise planning without being time-consuming. Students are expected to use devices in lessons and become more competent in the use of www.desmos.com (graphing software) and other websites to enhance their learning.

Every classroom has an interactive whiteboard/TV screen and every teacher has a laptop. We also have access to laptops for pupils to use in lessons. Schemes of learning and all homework for all years are available on the Maths area of prsbucks.com.