Mathematics
Vision
At Birchwood, we believe mathematics and numeracy underpin human thought and logic and are integral in understanding the human condition and the world around us. Our maths team are passionate about our subject and want to pass on our love of mathematics to create enthusiastic and confident maths students who take their skills into other subjects such as science, geography, music and art – as well as their home, community and eventually their working environment.
We strive to ensure that all students have access to high-quality, engaging mathematics instruction with ambitious expectations for all. Our aim is to provide a curriculum rich in knowledge, literacy and support that allow students to become strong critical thinkers who can apply mathematical reasoning to solve problems, both in the classroom and within wider contexts.
We want students to develop their mathematical application and resilience whilst having a sense of enjoyment and curiosity about our subject. We believe in the use of technology to engage our students and we use this as a tool to cultivate active engagement in lessons and with the subject, more broadly.
We strive to produce students who are confident to pursue mathematics beyond secondary school whilst increasing the life chances of all our students by equipping them with the numeracy skills to be confident, financially literate citizens of the modern world.
How do we build on what students learn at KS2?
We want to ensure that our students are thoroughly supported in their transition from KS2 to KS3 in maths, building on their knowledge from Primary school as well as introducing them to new, exciting areas of mathematics.
Students will use their understanding of KS2 mathematics to further explore
– Place Value, Powers and Roots
– Lines, Angles and Shape
– Data Handling
– Fractions, Decimals and Percentages
– Ratio
– Length, Area and Volume
– Transformations
– Construction and Loci
In addition, students are introduced to concepts such as probability and averages and their curriculum has as a strong emphasis on the development of the use of algebra which is developed and interleaved throughout their learning.
Students use SPARX maths and retrieval starters to help embed their knowledge and procedures. They continue to develop their understanding of key mathematical terminology, studying 60 key vocabulary words and prefixes in each year group and are introduced to the world of careers that mathematics can lead them into.
How do we cover the KS3 National Curriculum and beyond?
In years 7-9 the KS3 National Curriculum forms the basis for everything studied whilst laying the foundations for what students will study at GCSE.
In addition, students begin to study for the GCSE Statistics qualification that they will sit in the summer of Year 10. This qualification helps to develop students understanding of the application of maths in the world around them and is beneficial in developing the literacy skills needed in applying their knowledge to contextual questions in examinations in all subjects. Our Parvis Magna students also complete the Entry Level Mathematics qualification in Year 9 to strengthen their confidence in their mathematical abilities.
Beyond the curriculum we offer students
– One hour of independent maths retrieval per week through SPARX maths homework
– Optional TARGET and XP Boost homework
– UKMT maths club at lunch time
– UKMT Team Challenge competition
– UKMT challenge tests in school
– Mathematical Education on Merseyside homework competitions in school holidays
– Board Games Clubs at lunch time
What do we cover in KS4 and how do we aspire towards KS5?
At KS4 students build on the foundations set in KS3 to complete a rigorous GCSE EdExcel maths curriculum in order to complete the Foundation or Higher maths papers in Year 11.
In addition, all students outside of our Parvis Magna classes, undertake the GCSE Statistics examination in Year 10.
Students are given the option to complete the EdExcel Further Maths Level 3 Certificate alongside their studies and it is our hope that these students will go on to complete A/S or A Level maths at KS5.
We strive to ensure that all students are equipped to continue their studies beyond High School and have the life skills to be socially aware, numeracy literate members of society.
