Mathematics
Intent, Implementation, Impact
Mathematics is a core subject and is delivered regularly throughout the timetable at High Close. We encourage students to understand the importance of maths in everyday life as well as teaching the National Curriculum.
We strive to promote a love and respect for numeracy. This is done through a variety of methods such as offering teaching which encompasses visual, auditory and kinaesthetic means of learning.
Work is differentiated to help support students, stretch their understanding and challenge their knowledge. Students work at their own pace and will only be entered for examinations when they are ready and fully prepared.
The curriculum is not split into Key Stage 3 and Key stage 4 or by school year. Students access the Learning Journey at the appropriate level and progress onwards from there.
Much of the work covered in one syllabus will map on to another. For instance, if a student has achieved Level One Functional Skills, they will be able to access GCSE grade 1 – 3.
Each exam has a different style of questioning which allows us to choose which exam is appropriate for each student.
AQA Entry Level Mathematics
All students are offered the opportunity to complete Entry Level Mathematics, which provides the chance to become confident in areas such as money, time, calendars, measurement and basic data handling and statistics. Students complete a portfolio for this course and whilst there are examinations that are part of this course, they are completed internally so the environment can be managed to suit each student’s individual needs.
Where appropriate, the work on the Entry Level portfolio begins in Primary and continues into Secondary.
Edexcel Awards in Number and Measure and Algebra
At Level 1, the awards are aimed at students who are ready to study mathematics beyond Entry Level, but may find the content and skills required for Functional Skills and GCSE success difficult at first. They are also suitable for students who want a numeric qualification that shows their level of mathematical competence.
At Level 2, the awards are aimed at students who want to build confidence and competence in a targeted area of mathematics first, before going on to applying maths and problem solving in a range of contexts required for GCSE success. They are also suitable for students who need to display mathematical competence before starting further study or employment.
At Level 3, the awards are aimed at students who are ready to be stretched beyond GCSE, focusing on developing their existing maths skills further.
Edexcel Functional Skills Level 1 and 2 Mathematics
Functional Skills qualifications provide evidence of achievements against content that is relevant to the workplace. They provide a foundation for progression to employment and further technical education, and they help learners to develop skills for everyday life.
Both level 1 and Level 2 are available on demand and may be taken online or as a paper based exam.
The result is either pass or fail and may be re-taken multiple times.
Edexcel IGCSE Mathematics
IGCSE scheme of work - Higher Tier
IGCSE scheme of work - Foundation Tier
The Edexcel IGCSE consists of 2 papers, both 2 hours long and both allow calculators. It can be taken in November and the summer exam session. The IGCSE is graded 1 - 9 and we work with students to give them the skills and resilience they need to gain a grade 4 or above. If students meet the necessary level, they will be entered for the Higher Tier which gives them access to grades 5-9.
Mathematics at home
We do not set formal homework but encourage every student to revisit work covered in lessons and to access the software packages that we have available.
Logins and passwords are available on request from the student’s maths teacher.