Mathematics

Intent

To have an ambitious curriculum that will both develop the student’s mathematical knowledge and skills but also promote and strengthen student’s curiosity, resilience, and resourcefulness.

Students come to lessons knowing they are expected to be challenged to think and be an active participant in developing their learning to help them become successful problem solvers.

Overall, students to have a positive experience of studying maths throughout their secondary experience that ultimately will result in them being equipped with the necessary skills for life beyond school.

Implementation

Scheme of work

As a department we continually renew and refine our curriculum so it secures progress and delivers outstanding outcomes for all. Our curriculum is broad, balanced and ambitious. We have carefully constructed a coherent sequence of topics with suggested phasing to allow for students to have a coherent experience but also to allow staff to use their professional judgement and have the flexibility and freedom to deliver content to meet our student’s needs. Assessment is used intelligently; it informs our curriculum design and teaching to support student progression.

Ethos

Through our curriculum and high quality teaching we want students to develop a deep understanding, be able to make links across topics and have the confidence to apply their knowledge to a wide range of problems. Staff strive to create a positive and inclusive environment, whilst demanding high expectations of all to allow every student to secure progress.

Our curriculum is delivered by professionals with well-developed subject expertise. In lessons, students will be active participants in carefully constructed lessons that are designed to challenge and build success. Staff know their students well, and this combined with their deep pedagogical knowledge allows us to create lessons which are challenging, relevant and engaging. Effective questioning, a wide range of intelligent activities and regular feedback are deployed to ensure students have a rich experience of maths. Students will be exploring and using multiple approaches and different representations. Methods of recall and retrieval of core knowledge are woven through the curriculum to strengthen accuracy and fluency of processes and skills. Staff are committed to supporting students develop the basics, including reading, writing and oracy within maths.

All staff work collaboratively to share best practise and secure improvement. Staff regularly engage in profession development both within school and externally.

Impact

Students immerse themselves in their lessons, enriching them with a range of knowledge and skills across the curriculum and, as a result, achieve well. This is reflected in our results from national examinations.

Ultimately, our curriculum develops the whole child. Our students will leave Woodroffe as resilient, lifelong learners with the necessary maths skills to prepare them to move into further education, employment or training.

Evidence:

• Our data suggests students are successful learners.
• Positive feedback about the experience within maths from parents (parents evenings, emails), students (pupil interviews, parents evenings) and trainee teachers.
• Regular learning walks demonstrating that staff have created positive learning environments in which students are consistently engaging.
• Through our Maths Hubs work and other schools wanting to collaborate and work alongside us.