Maths

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Welcome

Mathematics is the language of science and engineering, and an intellectual field in its own right. It is a discipline that is forever opening up to us, revealing new and fascinating truths and ideas, and helping to expand upon our knowledge in all directions. It is the study of quantity, structure, space and change. As abstract as that may seem, mathematics is, at its core, a quest for absolutes, definitive solutions and answers. We may think of long numeric chains, seas of fractions or spreadsheets stacked with figures, but what many don't realize is that mathematical complex equations are in fact roads to simplicity. Believers in better, faster, smarter solutions are often drawn to mathematics.

In Mathematics we aim to teach students the computational, analytical and structural thinking skills and to help them acquire a high level of competence in problem solving as they are in considerable demand in a wide variety of areas of employment.

Many people believe mathematical talent to be something that is inherited or are born with. The latest research disproves this myth that surrounded our society for centuries. Natural ability in mathematics only gets you so far. Hard work and good study habits are far more valuable. It is because of this belief that our Year 7 students embark on a 3 week course called “Weeks of Inspirational Maths” by Professor Jo Boaler from the University of Stanford in the US that share the core principles and values of our school.

-Mrs Leihal, Head of Maths

Mathematics - Curriculum Intent and Vision

Our curriculum is one of ‘success for all through hard work and harmony’, promoting the values of pride, persistence, patience, preparation, and progress.

The ideal Mathematics students at Hamstead Hall Academy would be described as being curious, independent, resilient, persistent, patient, analytical, creative, team players and problem solvers.

The Mathematics being taught at Hamstead Hall Academy will enable students to apply Mathematics to the outside world, as a result bringing out their problem-solving skills, for example budgeting, calculating tax, being able to use a map, drawing an object in a 3D form.  Pupils will be able to use their Mathematical teachings and make links with other curriculum areas such as Science, Geography Design Technology and other subjects, making Mathematics not just a transferrable subject, but transferring skills too.  Mathematics is no longer a subject where the answer is just calculated, pupils will be reasoning and explaining what the number calculated means in the context of a real-life problem, this is already apparent in all Key Stages. Numeracy skills (addition, division, multiplication and subtraction) are all essential skills which are required in everyday life. Pupils complete projects whereby events are budgeted and planned for, hence making trips to local retailers using public transport after having planned for any logistics. This in turn promotes Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural and includes all students.

All pupils in Maths will leave with at least an Entry level or GCSE Maths qualification. Some EAL and the majority of SEND pupils will take the Entry Level exam and then move onto the GCSE qualification. High ability students will leave a GCSE in Mathematics and a GCSE in Statistics, some students also study Additional Mathematics, which is a free-standing qualification, and Level 2 Further Mathematics, which allows students to gain some UCAS points and exposure to A Level Mathematics.

Cultural capital is evident within the Maths department as students are exposed to different technologies to aid their learning, for example training pupils to use graphical calculators, through the means of carrying out complex calculations, checking graphical representations and utilising various other functions, that enables students to check their work. The graphical calculators are used across the Key Stages from year 9 all the way through to year 13.

Seating plans are data rich which informs teachers’ planning. Teaching assistants are used effectively so that pupils with needs can access the curriculum, in Maths we have a TA who solely works with Maths. Students are exposed to careers leading on from studying Mathematics, by attending days at universities where people from industry share their experiences and journeys into their professions.

We strongly uphold “success for all through hard work and harmony”.

KS3 Topics

We follow the Pearson Maths Progress Core textbook and cover the following topics froms year 7-9.

• Analysing and designing data
• Number Skills
• Expressions, functions and formulae
• Decimals and measures
• Fractions and percentages
• Probability
• Ratio and probability
• Lines and triangles
• Sequences and graphs
• Transformations
• Area and volume
• Statistics, graphs and charts
• Expressions and equations
• Ratio
• Lines and angles

Pearson Partnership

Casio Partnership