Maths
At Grange Park, our aim is to develop ‘a sense of enjoyment and curiosity about the subject’ (National Curriculum 2014). We are also dedicated to equipping our pupils with skills to use in the real world. Pupils are regularly encouraged to solve problems involving time and money. The staff in the Maths department keep up to date with the latest research in Maths, and are involved in marking up to GCSE level to ensure we are providing our students with the most up to date teaching strategies.
Intent
The intent of Maths at Grange Park is to ensure that every student has an individualised learning pathway to maximise their full potential. We implement this by nurturing a can-do attitude by providing a safe learning environment with small class sizes allowing students to flourish. In each class, pupils are taught in small groups. Each group has a programme of study tailored to their ability. We make great use of a variety of software, websites, games, real-life materials and kinaesthetic apparatus (Numicon) to engage students and help understanding of basic numeric skills
Implementation
During KS2 pupils follow the White Rose Scheme of learning, which is adapted and personalised to enable each child to succeed. A variety of concrete and pictorial resources are used to develop each child’s understanding of number, as well as the concept being taught. To further develop their fluency and their confidence, times tables and arithmetic skills are taught as an additional discreet lesson.
During KS3, pupils follow the White Rose Maths Scheme of learning. This is differentiated by group to allow all pupils to succeed. This scheme of work sets up all students to access both GCSE Mathematics, and GCSE Statistics. Where appropriate, other routes will be considered such as Level 1 Maths and Entry Level Certificates.
During KS4 there are two pathways which pupils can follow. Both pathways set pupils up to gain both a GCSE in Statistics (Year 10) and GCSE Mathematics (Year 11). The routes differ in terms of ensuring that pupils are working at the appropriate level – foundation or higher.
The accreditations we use can be used interchangeably allowing us the flexibility to be able to move pupils between pathways if they begin to excel, or even struggle. We do not cap learning and therefore will make group changes where it will work best for the pupil.
KS5 pathways will change each year depending on the qualifications the pupils have received previously. We will always push the pupils to the next appropriate course/level as detailed at KS4.
Impact
The impact of Maths at Grange Park can be seen by our rising outcomes. Pupils are more independent in their learning and are all leaving with a set of suitable accreditations for their next steps.
For further information about our Maths curriculum, please contact our Head of Maths, Miss Carolyn Underhill.