Mathematics

Why do we teach mathematics?

A good understanding of mathematics equips people with the skills needed to navigate life and work whether that is managing money, telling the time, solving problems or many other skills that can be acquired through the study of mathematics.

Intent

Our aim is for all our students to acquire a deep, long-term, secure and adaptable understanding of the subject.  In order to do this they must be able to:

Rapidly and accurately recall and apply facts and concepts.
Develop the confidence to reason mathematically.
Develop the ability to apply mathematics to solve problems and to test hypotheses.

All our staff are committed to raising the standards of numeracy of all our pupils, developing their ability to use numeracy skills effectively in all areas of the curriculum and the skills necessary to cope confidently with the demands of further education, employment and adult life.

Maths is a fundamental part of everyday life that has been developed over centuries. It supports other curriculum subjects and teaches necessary skills for adulthood.

Implementation

We recognise that pupils will arrive to lessons with many different experiences of school and education and that the impact of past or current trauma may also determine and influence how much they can engage with the curriculum. Our topics are broken into steps and each student will work at the most appropriate step for them at that time. Pupil’s social, emotional and mental health can vary and fluctuate and as a result, the level of challenge is modified and adapted according to pupil’s individual needs.

Key Stage 3 and 4 students will learn:

Autumn: Numbers and the number system, probability, ratio and proportion, transformations

Spring: Algebra (expressions), collecting and representing data, measuring, equivalence.

Summer: Algebra (equations), averages and range, sequences, calculating, properties of shape.

Impact

All Year 11 students are entered for Edexcel Entry Level Mathematics, and most are entered for Edexcel GCSE. We want every young person to leave ACE in year 11 with a mathematics qualification.

Successful learning raises the self-esteem of learners. We believe that by enabling all learners to access the curriculum and experience success in Mathematics, we are contributing to increasing their successes both in and out of school.

Mathematical concept or skill has been mastered when a child can show it in multiple ways, using the mathematical language to explain their ideas. The specific skills and approaches required to problem solving will also equip students for the workplace, further education and for life after school.

Subject related web sites

Curriculum Plans:

Mathematics Curriculum Map