Teacher Team

• Miss M Lazenbury – Curriculum Lead
• Mr C Birch - Second in Department
• Mr P Barker
• Mr T Joyner – Vice Principal
• Mrs A Havelock
• Mr P Taylor – Assistant Vice Principal
• Miss G Hosier
• Mr E Sibanda
• Mrs P Manrai
• Mr T Adams - Vice Principal
• Mr B Bolahke

Introduction

Mathematics plays a vital role in opening doors to a wide array of promising career opportunities. A study by PayScale highlights that mathematics is a common factor in the top 15 highest-earning degrees, demonstrating its crucial role in education and beyond. Whether students aim to pursue apprenticeships, A-Levels, or enter the world of work, a solid foundation in mathematics is essential.

Beyond its academic value, mathematics fosters problem-solving skills, resilience, and logical thinking, all of which are key to success in both professional and personal life. At our school, we aim to cultivate a genuine interest in mathematics through a combination of formal instruction and individualized learning experiences. Feedback is tailored to each student to guide their progress, and regular assessments are used to measure understanding.

Key Stage 3

 Students in Years 7-9 follow a three-year Key Stage 3 (KS3) program designed to lay a solid mathematical foundation. They receive eight hours of mathematics instruction per fortnight, during which they explore a range of topics, with a strong emphasis on number and algebra, as these are the most widely applicable skills in everyday life. The focus is on mastering the basics before moving on to more complex areas such as geometry, probability, statistics, and ratio and proportion.

Key Stage 4

At Key Stage 4 (KS4), students in Years 10 and 11 continue to build on their KS3 knowledge, moving toward their GCSEs. In Year 10, they receive eight hours of mathematics instruction per fortnight, which increases to nine hours in Year 11 to provide additional time for GCSE preparation. All students follow the Edexcel GCSE (9-1) course. Lessons are designed to ensure that the full syllabus is covered, with regular assessments, including lesson plenaries, end-of-topic tests, and formal exams, helping to identify and fill any gaps in knowledge.

From the beginning of KS4, students are taught how to approach GCSE exam questions with confidence. The final GCSE assessment includes three papers: one non-calculator and two calculator papers, graded according to the new 9-1 system.

Home learning and additional support

Homework is assigned weekly through the Sparx online platform, a powerful tool that offers how-to videos and self-marking assessments to support student learning. Parents and carers play a crucial role in ensuring that homework is completed to a high standard and encouraging students to seek help when needed.

In addition, weekly study sessions are available to support students who may be struggling, and Year 11 students can attend weekly revision sessions, which are extended to holiday periods as exams approach. Students can also access valuable resources through websites like SparxMaths (www.sparxmaths.com) and Maths Genie (www.mathsgenie.co.uk).

Through these structured programs at KS3 and KS4, we aim to help all students develop a deep understanding and appreciation for mathematics, equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need for success.