Through the curriculum in Maths we aim to develop independent and resilient pupils who will have the skills required to become successful members of the community and gain qualifications that enable them to progress along their chosen path. Our aim is that pupils become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, develop strong problem-solving skills and can apply their skills and knowledge to a range of context including in other subject areas such as science and geography.

All year groups follow the 5-year White Rose Maths programme of learning. The programme is designed to build on from KS2 and prepare pupils for KS5 and above. The emphasis is on the fluency of the basics and depth of learning rather than breadth. Pupils are challenged through problem solving, interleaving and application of skills. Pupils who are not fluent consolidate their learning through extra practice in the form of bridging tasks, reteaching where necessary and out of class Sparx Maths activities.

Knowledge retrieval is a strong aspect of our Maths lessons, this is to ensure pupils commit any new knowledge and skills to long term memory. The aim of this is to support fluency and to ensure that knowledge accumulation is cumulative thus allowing pupils to integrate new knowledge into larger concepts and develop a depth of knowledge.

Within lessons there is focus on developing the pupils tier three vocabulary which is key to the study of mathematics at all levels. Vocabulary checks are included in all starters to develop mathematical vocabulary and comprehension.

New content is delivered in small steps allowing pupils to secure the fundamentals before progressing to the next step. Where appropriate we use; I do, we do, you do to ensure pupils have full worked examples and to help them process and build confidence with new material. Variation theory within maths lessons is used to support pupils with making connections and spotting patterns and thus leading to a deeper understanding. Use of non-examples and boundary examples allow pupils to see the limits of a concept and demonstrate a full understanding.

Pupils are given timely feedback to enable them to make changes that will improve their progress. A variety of methods are used to give feedback, some during lessons such as live marking and verbal feedback and some between lessons such as use of exit tickets and book checks.

By the end of KS3 pupils will have developed the knowledge and skills necessary to be able to study the subject at KS4. All pupils will have an appreciation of maths and its importance of life outside the classroom. Pupils will be fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, be able to reason mathematically and will be able to solve problems by applying their knowledge and skills to a range of context. Pupils will have developed conceptual understanding with the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately.

At the end of key stage 4 pupils will be prepared for the next stage of their life. They will have the skills and qualifications required for whatever path they choose whether that’s employment, apprenticeship or KS5 study and beyond.