Maths

“Good mathematics is not about how many answers you know, it’s about how you behave when you don’t know.” – Author Unknown

Purpose

Mathematics is a fundamental element of everyday life. It impacts real world problems and underpins many industries and subjects.  

Our core belief in maths at Heath Park is that students will become confident to use a mathematical toolkit of processes and operations and become lifelong mathematicians. They will be challenged to think mathematically – sequencing ideas logically and with attention to detail. They will develop their ability to think abstractly whilst also improving their sense of number and numerical abilities. Students will learn the value of mathematical rigour and proof and will see the applications of mathematics as a language with which to understand the universe. They will see how real-life problems such as budgeting, resource allocation, time management, and problems involving kinematics and dynamics can be solved using mathematics. They will develop a more analytical and reasoned way of thinking.   

Curriculum Features

Our Key Stage 3 curriculum provides students with opportunities to develop core mathematical principles in alignment with the KS3 national curriculum. Our primary objective is to build upon the foundational knowledge acquired in Key Stage 2 while further honing problem-solving skills. Students are provided with opportunities to practice and recall previously learned concepts with progressively challenging tasks. This approach empowers students to confidently approach new and demanding concepts, facilitating a smooth transition to Key Stages 4 and 5. Our pedagogy is underpinned by a cumulative curriculum which links ideas and builds on knowledge and skills with a strong focus on familiar and unfamiliar problem solving, ensuring that this is always accessible. Students are supported to find success at every level. For students with SEND the curriculum is broken down into small chunks to allow for better understanding, problem-solving, and acquisition of knowledge. Students will see mathematics in varied contexts such as financial mathematics, mathematics in art, mathematics in nature, and the history of mathematics. 

Students will appreciate the development of mathematics as a sequence of ideas, building on content learned as they progress on their mathematical journey. At Key Stage 4, students follow a curriculum that builds on and extends learning from KS3 to ensure all Edexcel GCSE maths knowledge is acquired to prepare students for a foundation or higher pathway. This decision is made when students get to year 11 and is made to ensure students receive the highest grade possible. Once the curriculum has been fully delivered, teaching focuses on revision informed by formative assessments.  

We are working to create lifelong mathematicians. All students at KS5 have the opportunity to continue studying maths further, whether that be through the Level 3 Mathematical Studies course (Core Maths), A-Level Maths, A-Level Further Maths or the opportunity to resit GCSE maths. 

In all year groups we use rigorous formative assessments and diagnostic methods in the classroom to allow us to identify gaps in students’ knowledge, enabling us to adapt teaching to the needs of the students. This is achieved through a focus on interleaving knowledge through sequenced starters, spaced recall and retrieval practice. 

Our curriculum will enable students to see themselves as a mathematician, develop their reasoning, problem-solving skills and their ability to think abstractly. Become enquiring thinkers ready to challenge accepted ‘knowledge,’ develop strong numeracy skills, learning skills by accessing resources independently, and a strong work ethic outside of the classroom through regular homework. This will enable students to see and be confident to use mathematics in their everyday life. 

Enrichment

Throughout their mathematical journey at Heath Park, we provide students with opportunities to develop and fulfil their mathematical interest. This includes: 

• Participation in school and national maths challenges 
• Coding club 
• Robotics club 
• STEM society 
• Chess club 
• 6th form peer support via maths drop-in clinic
  

In addition to this, we have extended knowledge into our curriculum including planned lessons involving British values, financial mathematics, mathematics in art and mathematics in nature. Links to careers and broader mathematical concepts help to promote an interest and love of mathematics and develop our students to become educated and well-rounded citizens. 

Academic institutions and employers value mathematics highly; it is therefore important for students to realise the possible careers and opportunities associated with mathematical competency. Social justice is a core principle of the maths department at Heath Park in which every student is encouraged to view themselves as a mathematician. We are driven to secure the best possible outcomes for all our students to provide them with choice and opportunity