Maths

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 non-routine problems with increasing sophistication, including breaking down problems into a series of simpler steps and persevering in seeking solutions.

At St Egwin’s CE Middle School, our intent, for all pupils is to develop these skills within a mathematical learning community to bring out each individual’s inner mathematician and celebrate the habits of a mathematician – pattern spotting, experimenting, describing, guessing, conjecturing and visualising. By developing students’ mathematical literacy, we aim to give all students the communication skills to become excellent problem solvers. To us, literacy in mathematics means developing a student’s structured speaking, vocabulary, writing, and reading to help them solve mathematical problems.

Understanding links between different areas of mathematics and making connections with other subjects, whilst learning about mathematical concepts, our pupils develop their logical thinking skills which will aid problem solving in all areas of life.

In order to realise our vision, our carefully sequenced curriculum will provide pupils with opportunities to:
-be exposed to a thorough and robust Maths curriculum
-develop sequential skills, building on prior learning and preparing for future challenges in Key Stage 4
-experience instruction and rehearsal of new information, interleaving and regular retrieval of skills
-work in a variety of ways for example in pairs, groups, individually and access technology using appropriate software
-be reflective in their practice and complete regular student voice questionnaires to ensure the intent suits the interests and needs of students
-gain enjoyment through a growing self-confidence in their ability
Throughout Year 6 pupils will be given the opportunity to master new methods and develop fluency through a variety of approaches including reasoning and problem-solving. Emphasis is placed on pupils’ mental arithmetic skills as well as their ability to carry out more complex calculations without the use of a calculator. Year 6 pupils have two written home works each week.

Throughout Year 7 and 8 pupils will continue to build on key stage 2, developing connections across mathematical ideas to improve fluency, recall and the ability to apply their mathematical reasoning in solving increasingly complex problems. They should also apply their mathematical knowledge in science, geography, computing and other subjects. Year 7 and 8 pupils have one homework each week.

At KS3 pupils require a scientific calculator, we recommend the Casio FX83/85 GT-X.

The impact of our curriculum will be evidenced in:
-our pupils’ enthusiasm and motivation for the subject which is displayed both in and out of the classroom
-our pupils’ work and their progress as evidenced in their written and oral work.
-pupil discussions and interviewing pupils about their learning
-tracking of standards and progress against curriculum requirements with short topic-based, formative assessments and regular longer summative assessments These assessments monitor progress and identify when intervention and additional support is required

By the end of Year 8 we want to make sure our students can confidently and independently use the knowledge and skills they have learnt at St. Egwin’s. They should be confident, resilient and competent mathematicians, equipped with the skills needed for their future mathematical journey.

We hope the passion for mathematics of both the department and individual teachers will inspire the mathematicians of the future and enable pupils to see the importance of mathematics as well as the enjoyment it can bring.