Mathematics

Introduction

Pure Mathematics is, in its way, the poetry of logical ideas.

Mathematics is a core subject and you will study it throughout your five years at Broughton Hall Catholic High School. Maths is everywhere around us in the world and whether you choose to study beyond GCSE level or not, being numerate and capable of managing such things as money, time and arithmetic are essential life skills.

Your lessons will teach you many transferable skills such as the ability to process information and to problem solve. Lessons will include a wide range of activities sometimes working in groups and at other times independently. Your teachers are all passionate about Maths and want to share this with you. There are opportunities to get involved with extra-curricular activities events in maths. Each year we try to find new opportunities to develop your understanding of Maths. You can get involved in local events within our city or national projects such as the UKMT Challenges.

Our Key Stage 3 curriculum provides pupils with an opportunity to continue to develop the Mathematic skills that are essential for everyday life and the next stage of their education. The curriculum builds on knowledge and skills developed at Key Stage 2 with a focus on developing pupils reasoning and problem solving skills whilst providing regular opportunities for pupils to recall and consolidate prior learning. We aim to give pupils regular opportunities to develop fluency through independent practice as well as the opportunity to develop reasoning and problem-solving skills justifying and proving their solutions along the way. Pupils will be able to develop their Mathematical ideas making links with other subject areas. Key Stage 3 Mathematics significantly contributes to pupils cultural capital development through the interconnection of Mathematical ideas and concepts with a focus on how Mathematics can be applied to the real world. Our curriculum is fully inclusive with high expectations for all pupils. By the end of Key Stage 3 all pupils need to be able to move fluently between Mathematical ideas and concepts. The Curriculum plan is clearly set out with a focus on the sequence and structure of how subject content is taught.

At Key Stage 4 our curriculum continues to provide pupils with an opportunity to develop the Mathematic skills that are essential for everyday life and the next stage of their education whilst building on knowledge and skills developed at Key Stage 3. Pupils will continue to develop fluency, mathematical reasoning and demonstrate problem solving skills. They should also apply their Mathematical knowledge wherever relevant in other subjects and real life. Key Stage 4 Mathematics significantly contributes to pupils Cultural Capital development through the interconnection of Mathematical ideas and concepts with a focus on how Mathematics can be applied to the real world. Our curriculum is fully inclusive with high expectations for all pupils. By the end of Key Stage 4 Mathematics all pupils need to be able to move fluently between Mathematical ideas and concepts. The Curriculum plan is clearly set out with a focus on the sequence and structure of how subject content is taught.

Subject content at A level Mathematics is split into three main areas, Pure Mathematics, Mechanics and Statistics. These modules are all initially studied during Year 12 and are delivered through a series of units focusing on building new concepts and ideas step by step as well as allowing regular opportunities for consolidation prior learning. These skills are then extended to further study during Year 13. A level Maths significantly contributes to pupils Cultural Capital development through the interconnection of Mathematical ideas and concepts with a focus on how Mathematics can be applied to model situations in the real world. Problem solving is used in a variety of context with pupils reasoning and justifying their Mathematical ideas. We aim to prepare all pupils for further study and employment in a wide range of disciplines involving the use of Mathematics.

Staff

Mr P Devine - Head of Department
Mrs V Ashworth - teacher of Mathematics
Ms L Draper - teacher of Mathematics
Mr A Doyle - teacher of Mathematics
Mr G Jones - teacher of Mathematics
Ms A Taylor - teacher of Mathematics

Programme of Study KS3

Our Key Stage 3 curriculum provides pupils with an opportunity to continue to develop the Mathematic skills that are essential for everyday life and the next stage of their education. The curriculum builds on knowledge and skills developed at Key Stage 2 with a focus on developing pupils reasoning and problem-solving skills whilst providing regular opportunities for pupils to recall and consolidate prior learning. We aim to give pupils regular opportunities to develop fluency through independent practice as well as the opportunity to develop reasoning and problem-solving skills justifying and proving their solutions along the way. Pupils will be able to develop their Mathematical ideas making links with other subject areas. Key Stage 3 Mathematics significantly contributes to pupils' cultural capital development through the interconnection of Mathematical ideas and concepts with a focus on how Mathematics can be applied to the real world. Our curriculum is fully inclusive with high expectations for all pupils. By the end of Key Stage 3 all pupils need to be able to move fluently between Mathematical ideas and concepts. The Curriculum plan is clearly set out with a focus on the sequence and structure of how subject content is taught.

During Year 7, pupils cover topics within four strands of Mathematics. Number covers basic skills in the core areas like fractions and decimals; Shape and Space includes transformations, angles and measurement. We introduce you to Algebra first and Handling Data looks at probability and how we can analyse and display data.

The Year 8 curriculum builds on the previous year's work in all four strands of Mathematics. Algebra includes equations and expressions. Handling Data looks at statistics and interpreting graphs and charts. Number explores the links between Percentages, decimals and fractions, and we meet negatives numbers and squares/square roots. Shape and Space develops your understanding of area and volume and more complex angle work.

Year 9 continues to build on the previous years' work in all four strands of Mathematics. Algebra includes equations, inequalities, graphs and sequences. Handling Data looks at Probability and dealing with data. Number goes into more depth with indices and standard form. Shape and Space introduces circles, Pythagoras' Theorem and prisms.

Programme of Study KS4

Head of Department: Mr P Devine
Contact email address: devinep@broughtonhall.com
Specification: Edexcel
Qualification: GCSE Mathematics

Mathematics is a core subject and you will study it throughout your five years at Broughton Hall Catholic High School.

Maths is everywhere around us in the world and whether you choose to study beyond GCSE level or not, being numerate and capable of managing such things as money, time and arithmetic are essential life skills.

Your lessons will teach you many transferable skills such as the ability to process information and to problem solve. Lessons will include a wide range of activities sometimes working in groups and at other times independently. Your teachers are all passionate about Maths and want to share this with you.

How is the course structured & assessed?

Exam Board: Edexcel
No. of Exams: 3

In Year 10 and 11 Pupils study the objectives required for their Maths GCSE. There are two levels of entry - Foundation, which targets grades 1-5 and Higher, targeting grades 5-9.

Both tiers cover topics based on the following areas:

• Number
• Algebra
• Ratio and Proportion
• Geometry and Measure
• Statistics and Probability

The course encourages students to develop confidence in Maths. We like pupils to recognise the importance of mathematics in their own lives and in society and promote a positive attitude towards the subject. The Maths curriculum that we deliver provides a strong mathematical foundation for students go on to study mathematics at A level and degree level.

The course is assessed at the end of year 11 by completing 3 papers. Paper 1 is non calculator and the Paper 2 and 3 are calculator. Each paper is 90 minutes long and contains 80 marks. A grade is taken from the total amount of marks from all 3 papers.

What can these qualifications lead to?

Majority of sixth forms, colleges, apprenticeships and employers look for a grade 4+ in GCSE mathematics. Pupils who do not achieve a grade 4 at GCSE in year 11 will be required to resit their GCSE at post 16 education or employment to allow them another opportunity to do so.

Having a GCSE in mathematics shows that pupils have demonstrated desirable skills such as:

• Problem solving
• Analysing and interpreting data
• Communication
• Logical thinking
• Attention to detail

At Broughton Hall we are very passionate about promoting women in STEM related careers which are currently more male dominated. Having a successful maths GCSE can allow our pupils to work towards careers such as engineering, accounting, mechanics, computer programming, aircraft technician, interior designer, medical practitioner and many more.

Programme of Study KS5