Mathematics
Intent
“Numbers are the highest degree of knowledge. It is knowledge itself.” – Plato
Mathematics equips pupils with uniquely powerful ways to describe, analyse and change the world. It can stimulate moments of pleasure and wonder for all pupils when they solve a problem for the first time, discover a more elegant solution, or notice hidden connections.
The national curriculum for mathematics aims to ensure that all pupils:
- become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, including through varied and frequent practice with increasingly complex problems over time, so that pupils develop conceptual understanding and the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately;
- reason mathematically by following a line of enquiry, conjecturing relationships and generalisations, and developing an argument, justification or proof using mathematical language;
- can solve problems by applying their mathematics to a variety of routine and nonroutine problems with increasing sophistication, including breaking down problems into a series of simpler steps and persevering in seeking solutions.
At Bredon Hill Academy, our intent, for all pupils throughout the school, is to develop these skills whilst understanding links between different areas of mathematics and making connections with other subjects.
In learning about mathematical concepts our pupils develop their logical thinking skills which will aid problem solving in all areas of life.
Implementation
Year 6 to 8 Learning Journey
The BHA mathematical learning journey from the start of year 6 to the end of year 8 is shown in the document below:
Key Stage 2
Using transitional data provided by the first schools and our own initial assessment data, year 6 pupils are placed in ‘learning groups’. Throughout the year they work on the National Curriculum Programme of Study for year 6. Pupils then take the KS2 National Curriculum Tests (SATs) in May. Results of these are received in July.
Over the course of the year, pupils build on their prior knowledge, developing a range of skills. Reasoning and problem solving are built into lessons as an essential part of learning. There is much emphasis placed on mental arithmetic skills as well as the ability to carry out more complex calculations using written methods.
The year 6 scheme of work is based upon the White Rose Maths scheme, which has been developed to suit the needs of the learners at Bredon Hill Academy.
The topic areas covered across the year are:
- Number
- Geometry
- Measurement
- Statistics
- Proportional Reasoning
- Algebra
Key Stage 3
Pupils follow the 2014 National Curriculum, with an emphasis on building pupils’ problem solving and reasoning skills. Pupils are encouraged to work in a variety of ways e.g. in pairs, groups and individually.
Assessment is carried out throughout the year through classwork, homework and regular testing. Towards the end of year 8 pupils sit a transition test ready for moving on to High School.
The year 7 and 8 schemes of work are based upon the White Rose Maths scheme, which has been developed to suit the needs of the learners at Bredon Hill Academy.
Topics areas covered across KS3 are:
Year 7
- Algebraic Thinking
- Place Value and Ordering
- Application of Number
- Directed Number
- Fractional Thinking
- Lines and Angles
- Reasoning with Number
Year 8
- Lines and Angles
- Reasoning with Number
- Proportional Reasoning
- Representations
- Algebraic Techniques
- Developing Number
- Developing Geometry
- Reasoning with Data
Numeracy Ninjas
Numeracy Ninjas is a Key Stage 3 numeracy intervention designed to fill gaps in students’ basic mental calculation strategies and also to empower them with the numeracy skills and fluency required to fully access GCSE mathematics concepts when they move to Key Stage 4 study.
All pupils in KS3 at Bredon Hill Academy take part in Numeracy Ninjas as part of their studies – it is designed to enable pupils’ retrieval of numeracy concepts, promoting regular practice of prior knowledge.
Numeracy Ninjas is an enjoyable way to recap work and promotes an element of competition with pupils themselves and with other pupils. Each half term, there is an inter-house competition, together with Ninjas of the term, nominated by class teachers. High achieving pupils can compete for Grand Ninja status.
Literacy
In order to successfully access the curriculum, pupils must understand key mathematical vocabulary – the importance of this is highlighted to pupils in lessons. Time is spent discussing new words as they arise together with their meanings and links to other everyday words that pupils use. At the end of each topic the definitions of key words are noted for future use.
A list of keywords for both KS2 and KS3 can be found on the links below. Clearly, there will be much overlap between them.
Extra-curricular Opportunities
As a department, we provide many extra-curricular activities to aid pupils’ learning. Some examples of these opportunities include:
- Turing Tumble Club
- CyberFirst Girls Competition
- UKMT Mathematical Challenges (Year 7 & 8)
- Primary Maths Challenge (Year 6)
- Chess Club
- WorldSkills UK
- Maths Clinic
Useful Websites
Pupils will be provided with login details for these websites which will be recorded in their planners.
Impact
By the end of year 8 at Bredon Hill Academy, pupils should be confident, resilient and competent mathematicians, equipped with the skills needed for their future mathematical journey.
As individuals and as a department, we are passionate about mathematics and in sharing this passion we hope to shape the mathematicians of the future. In doing so, we help children to see the importance of mathematics and its applications in life, as well as the enjoyment that mathematics can bring.