Mathematics

Head of Maths: Mr J. Ahmed

CURRICULUM VISION

Our intent is to give all students, whatever their starting points, the chance to think and behave mathematically. We reject the notion that “some people just can’t do maths”. All students are encouraged by the belief that by working hard at mathematics they can succeed and that making mistakes is to be seen not as a failure but as a valuable opportunity for new learning.

In particular our students will:

be challenged, if they grasp ideas quickly, by deeper analysis of the lesson content and apply the content in new and unfamiliar problem-solving situations
develop the core values of respect and willingness to assist others, in a classroom environment that helps students to understand that mistakes are a natural part of the learning process
use correct mathematical language and articulate their thoughts verbally
feel a sense of progression in their mathematics regardless of their starting point
recognise that practice, home learning and quizzing is an important part of their learning
work towards quick and efficient recall of facts and procedures
show flexibility to move between different contexts and representations of mathematics

CURRICULUM PROVISION

What is Mathematics?

Mathematics is beautiful, enriching and challenging. Pure mathematics gives us the tools to look for patterns in the real world. Mathematics is a habit of mind. The mathematics developed in this century will be the basis for the technological and scientific innovations developed in the next. The thought processes, the ways of looking at things, the habits of mind used by mathematicians, computer scientists and scientists will be mirrored in systems that will influence almost every aspect of our daily lives.

Why do we study Mathematics?

If we want to empower our students for life after school, we need to prepare them to be able to use, understand, control and modify a class of technology that doesn’t yet exist. That means we have to help them develop genuinely mathematical ways of thinking. The uses of mathematics go well beyond the subject itself and it is the foundation of many other subjects such as engineering, computer science, physics and many other disciplines.

What do we study?

As well as developing an understanding of number, algebra, geometry, statistics and probability, students are given opportunities to notice patterns. They will make deductions, predictions and look at logic. There is a strong emphasis on problem solving throughout each year group.

To view a full summary of our Mathematics curriculum please click here for KS3 and here for KS4

To view information about Mathematics A level at The Green School Sixth Form please click here and for Further Mathematics A level please click here

CURRICULUM IMPLEMENTATION

How do we study Mathematics?

Mathematics is taught using a mastery approach. The time we spend on a topic will vary until students have grasped the essential ideas and are ready to progress. There is an emphasis on problem solving through out Y7 to Y11. We use frequent low stakes quizzing and revision to ensure ideas are frequently revisited and knowledge is retained. We also use Mathswatch to allow students to study independently. Home Learning is set twice a week

Presentation of work

Each unit will start with a unit checklist for self- assessment and each end of unit has a feed forward sheet to allow for student reflection. Students use green pen to mark for self assessment. Titles and dates are not required for all lessons as some lessons will be a continuation of ideas encountered before. We also encourage students to make sketches and mistakes so rigorous attention is not paid to presentation.

Home Learning

Home Learning is used to help with retrieval practice. This is so that students can recall previous knowledge to help with future learning.
We also use Mathswatch.

Co-curricular activities

We participate in the UKMT challenges
We run a top set enhancement class in our Year 9 enrichment period.

How parents/carers can support their children

Having a positive attitude towards maths and not saying, “well I was never any good at maths!”

The Green School for Boys