“Mathematics is not about numbers, equations, computations or algorithms: it is about understanding.”
– William Paul Thurston
Powerful Knowledge in Mathematics
Our curriculum aims to empower students to develop and apply problem solving skills focusing predominantly on the powerful and overarching mathematical components: proportional reasoning, geometrical reasoning and graphical representations.
Our aim is to encourage students to develop mathematical behaviour, as such, our curriculum encourages students to develop a deeper understanding to make links across curriculum areas and foster a mastery approach.
Curriculum Features
At all levels, students are provided with opportunities to behave mathematically. The emphasis is on empowering students to notice, make connections, explain, justify, conjecture, prove.
We adopt a Mastery approach with one set of mathematical concepts and big ideas for all. We encourage students to deploy particular models to support their development (ratio tables, area model, graphing) as well as draw a pictorial representation to make sense of a given situation.
Challenge is provided through depth rather than acceleration. These beliefs are in line with the National College of Excellence in Teaching Mathematics (NCETM) principles of teaching for Mastery.
Inclusion
Through quality first teaching, we promote an inclusive culture in which every student has the opportunity to succeed in Mathematics. We maintain high expectations for all, recognising individual needs and removing barriers to learning without reducing mathematical ambition or challenge. Adaptation means removing barriers, not removing challenge. Our aim is for every student to access an ambitious Mathematics curriculum, develop independence and confidence, and see themselves as a successful mathematician.
All students are fully integrated into Mathematics lessons through high-quality adaptive teaching, including carefully sequenced clear instructions, use of mathematical models, representations, scaffolding and skilful questioning. These support in the reduction of unnecessary cognitive load, providing scaffolding and developing independence and metacognition. Mistakes and misconceptions are used positively to develop understanding, resilience and confidence.
Targeted intervention is used where necessary and its impact on progress is monitored. Strong links with the SEND team ensure that teachers are knowledgeable about the needs of individual students in their classes, as well as meeting the emotional and physical needs of students, modifying materials and resources as necessary. We remove physical barriers through appropriate seating, adapted mathematical equipment, digital resources and assistive technology where required. Adjustments to activities such as graphing and geometrical construction ensure physical needs do not prevent students from developing and demonstrating their mathematical understanding.
Mathematical language is taught explicitly. Predictable routines, positive relationships and sensitive questioning create an environment where students feel safe to participate and make mistakes. We recognise and address mathematical anxiety, building confidence while maintaining appropriate challenge and high expectations.
Deconstruction of vocabulary and worded problems begins collectively as students develop the necessary skills and strive for independence. Appropriate processing time is provided. Through structured questioning, students explain and justify their mathematical thinking and develop oracy skills. Training of and continuous dialogue with support staff maximises impact on students.
Co-curricular Enrichment
Students will be offered a wide variety of opportunities and experiences that widen their appreciation of mathematics and the world around it. These may include:
- Developing an appreciation of some aspects of finance and more creative mathematics
- Participation in national competitions such as the UK Mathematics Individual Challenge and Team challenges
- Mathematics circle clubs – AXIOM
- Code breaking week, My Money week, Number Day (NSPCC), Fibonacci Day, World Maths day, Pi day.
- Mathematics in different cultures
- Opportunities to further explore mathematical ideas with key exponents in the mathematics community
- Students will be encouraged to read extracts around mathematics.