Welcome to the Mathematics Department 
2022 - 2023

 

Mr David Griffiths
Mathematics Curriculum Leader

The Team:

Mrs Meg Lucas                              Assistant Curriculum Leader
Miss Robyn Shadbolt                 Lead Practitioner in Mathematics
Mrs Kathryn Uffindell               Classroom Teacher
Ms Lesley Danks                           Classroom Teacher
Mrs Linda Hustler                       Classroom Teacher
Mr Tony Parks                                Classroom Teacher

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Introduction to the Department:

In the Mathematics Department, we aim to help students build confidence in using mathematical skills and processes and applying them in problem-solving.  We endeavour to help make the transition from Primary to Secondary school as smooth as possible.  We use KS2 SATS results and other assessments to ensure that students are working at the right level of work and challenge to reach their full potential.

Key Stage 3 Information:

In Key Stage 3, we are constantly developing our curriculum to make it dynamic and relevant to the students we teach.  Our KS3 curriculum has five main strands: Number, Algebra, Ratio and Proportion, Geometry, and Statistics.

Topic 1 – Number

Students will cover all the basics of number – from arithmetic methods, negative numbers, powers, rounding, primes.

Topic 2 – Algebra

Students will be introduced to algebra from using variables to represent unknowns, writing expressions, using formulae, proving identities and be able to perform arithmetic skills with variables.

Unit 3 – Ratio and Proportion

Students will use fractions to represent amounts of a whole and perform arithmetic skills with fractions. Be able to convert between fractions, decimals and percentages. Use fractions, percentages, decimals and ratio to solve proportional reasoning problems.

Unit 4 – Geometry

Students will become competent with measuring and calculating angles including on parallel lines and in polygons. To be able to name and know the properties of all polygons, identify symmetry and calculate their area. Use mathematical instruments to perform constructions.

Unit 5 – Statistics and Probability

Students will collect, represent and interpret data using mathematical diagrams and average calculations. Use probability to solve problems. 

These topics are studied in both year 7 and 8. The focus in year 8 is to consolidate and deepen students’ knowledge in these areas. 

Alongside these topics, students will also be introduced to regular investigations looking at different aspects of maths and problem-solving. These are designed to stimulate, extend and challenge students, encouraging them to embrace the different facets of the Eggar’s Learner.

Homework is set weekly and will be a combination of lesson consolidation activities and revision of previous topics.

Key Stage 3 Overview:

Assessment in Key Stage 3 Maths

In KS3, students will be assessed in two ways:

• Informally using checkpoint activities. These are designed to assess levels of understanding on the current topic of study and are used to identify any areas of difficulty.  
• Formal assessments occur 3 times a year. Assessment 1 – Topic 1 only. Assessment 2 – Topics 1, 2 and 3.  Assessment 3 – All topics.

Key Stage 4 Information

At Key Stage 4, students enter one of two pathways, Higher or Foundation, based on their potential and their endeavour throughout Key Stage 3. There is a considerable overlap in the content of these 2 pathways. This allows plenty of time for students to master the skills needed before a final decision on which tier they will sit for the exam in Year 11 has to be made.

Homework is set on a weekly basis, both to consolidate current learning and to revise different topics.

Assessment in KS4 Maths:

In KS4,students will take a larger summative assessment at least once a term, with smaller assessments taking place at the end of each topic. Their attainment will be measured against the exam board’s GCSE criteria and students will be able to use their feedback from the assessment to know which areas to improve on.

KS4 results and ongoing assessment will determine which tier of assessment band your child will be entered for. This tier may change during KS4 depending on a student’s individual progress. 

Year 9:

In year 9 we have moved to the White Rose scheme of work.  This helps students more in relating the maths to real life situations and starts to prepare them for the problem-solving questions in the GCSE examination.

Years 10 and 11:

In years 10 and 11, students enter one of two pathways, Higher or Foundation, based on their potential and their endeavour throughout years 9, 10 and 11. There is a considerable overlap in the content of these 2 pathways, but work covered early in the higher tier is not covered until later in the foundation tier. 

A final decision on which tier they will sit in May/June of Year 11 will be made in year 11, we endeavour to get the students on the correct course as soon as we can.

Homework is set on a weekly basis, both to consolidate current learning and to revise previous topics.

Examination Boards used:

We use the Edexcel exam board for Mathematics and Statistics

Other Information:

Students from all years take part in the National Challenge run annually by the UK Mathematics Trust, and we also send students to local Maths challenges, competing against other schools.