Implement
Our curriculum is flexible, broad and balanced.
The curriculum map is sequenced with fewer topics each week, term or year, putting depth before breadth. We find that spending longer on each topic enables pupils to really think and talk about the mathematics they are learning. We sequence concepts and methods so that previously learnt ideas can be connected to new learning. There is a focus on sequencing knowledge:
- Declarative knowledge, which will help pupils to develop automatic recall of key facts
- Procedural knowledge, which should be used as a bridge to more formal methods
- Conditional knowledge, which should come after pupils are fluent with the relevant facts and methods.
Collaborative curriculum planning lies at the heart of what we do in the department. We implement our approach through high quality teaching delivering appropriately challenging work for all individuals with a focus on fluency, reasoning and problem solving.
We encourage resilience and acceptance that struggle is often a necessary step in learning.
Work is supported by weekly homework assignment and regular opportunities to rehearse are important to transform initial moments of success to long terms memories.
There is a great focus on familiarity of facts and methods so that these can be reliably used when solving problems later on.
Content is revisited regularly so that learning can be consolidated. Each time students revisit an area, they are exposed to more complex content, building on what they have already learnt and encouraged to make connections between ideas and topics . We ensure the level of challenge is high enough for the most able, with scaffold and support available for students who need it.
All pupils have access to various forms of online support including MathsWatch and Dr Frost.
There are regular testing opportunities and assessment points throughout the year using a variety of prepared tests to ascertain progress. Pupils are awarded numerical grades from 1- to 9+ termly, following internal assessment.
Work packs are made available on MS Teams for all your groups to be used for revision or when pupils are self-isolating.
As a department, we offer opportunities for individual and team competition through the UKMT in years 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12/13. We provide access to Maths inspiration events for our highest achieving KS4 students (UCL).
Through our curriculum we introduce students to the stories of some of the most influential Mathematicians throughout history and the impact that their work has had on the world we live in. Real life applications of Mathematical ideas are made explicit to students whenever possible.
We offer KS5 students visits to local universities. They also have access to problem solving courses and STEP courses provided through the AMSP.
We continuously strive to better ourselves and frequently share ideas and things that have been particularly effective. We also take part in training opportunities and networking events.
