Maths

What are the key features of the programmes of study?

Mathematics is about understanding how and why numbers work, and underpinning this, is the use of numeracy skills such as arithmetic. In order for students to be numerate and demonstrate understanding of key mathematical concepts, a cyclic mastery scheme of work is taught through Years 7 - 9. The mastery scheme is divided up into pathways, which are linked to the ability level of each student’s Maths set. Alongside the mastery scheme work, a range of starters is used to help improve numeracy including mental strategies and recap and reinforce prior learning.

What will my child study in Year 7?

In Year 7, each half term has a topic focus: Number 1, Algebra 1, Geometry 1, Number/Algebra 2, Geometry 2 and Statistics.

What will my child study in Year 8?

In Year 8, each half term has a topic focus: Number 1, Algebra 1, Geometry 1, Number/Algebra 2, Geometry 2 and Statistics. The same cycle of topics are taught in Year 8, but with increasing complexity and depth of understanding in line with the ability level of the Maths class.

What will my child study in Year 9?

In Year 9, each half term has a topic focus: Number 1, Algebra 1, Geometry 1, Number /Algebra 2, Geometry 2 and Statistics. The same cycle of topics are taught in Year 9, but with increasing complexity and depth of understanding in line with the ability of the Maths class.

How is my child assessed?

Students are assessed each half term through their pathway homeworks and termly through holistic assessments. Personal Learning Checklists (PLC) are issued in advance of the termly assessments, which detail the topics students should revise in preparation. Homework tasks are set to produce revision cards or Mathswatch homework based on the PLCs. Some assessments will be undertaken as an open book assessment, whereby students will be able to use their prepared revision cards. The assessments help prepare students for Key Stage 4 and are graded using the new GCSE grades of 1 - 9.

How are the teaching groups organised?

Students are taught in like-minded classes from the start of Year 7. We formally assess Year 7 students early in the Autumn Term to ensure that students have been appropriately placed into classes based on their skill set and potential.

What equipment is needed?

It is vital that students always come to their Mathematics lessons prepared with the following equipment: pen, pencil, ruler, eraser,mini white board pen, scientific calculator, protractor and compasses. These items are on sale daily from the Maths office throughout the school year, before 8.45 am and after 3.15 pm.

GCSE MATHEMATICS at KS4
Examination Board: EDEXCEL Course Number: 1MA1

What is the course about?

The GCSE course will continue to develop your ability to answer mathematical problems by providing you with more core mathematics skills, both directly from teacher input and exploration in class. Through discussion and debate, we will challenge your thinking and develop your mathematical skills in a way that builds a deeper, broader understanding and confidence. You will be encouraged to ask yourself more questions, and to seek teacher help whenever you are unsure or need reassurance.

What skills and ideas will I learn?

The topic areas covered in this qualification are: Number, Algebra, Ratio, Proportion and Rates of Change, Geometry and Measures, Statistics and Probability. All students will develop confidence and competence with the following skills: numerical calculation, mathematical representation and interpretation, selecting appropriate mathematics methods, logical reasoning, classifying, generalising, understanding pattern and relationships in mathematics.

How is the course assessed?

There are two tiers of entry, and the qualification will be graded on a nine-grade scale from 9 to 1 using the total mark across all three exam papers where 9 is the highest grade. The Foundation Tier will cover Grades 1 to 5 and the Higher Tier Grades 4 to 9. Each Tier has three equally weighted written examination papers at either Foundation or Higher Tier. Paper 1 is a non-calculator assessment and a calculator is allowed for Paper 2 and Paper 3. Each Paper is 90 minutes long. All three exam papers are taken at the end of Year 11.

What will the course allow me to progress to in the future?

Mathematics is, alongside English, the subject that most courses and employers ask for as a minimum requirement. GCSE Mathematics is a requirement for progression to a wide range of courses at Level 3. All students who do not achieve a 4 grade have to continue to study for a qualification in Mathematics post-16 whether they are in work, education or training. Students who are gifted in Mathematics will also take GCSE Statistics and GCSE Further Mathematics as part of their GCSE Mathematics course. Post 16, if you wish to take the subject further, a GCSE Mathematics Grade 6 or above gives you access to study A-Level Mathematics, which would provide you with an excellent basis on which to apply to universities for a wide range of courses. If you are aiming for any career in the fields of business, engineering, science, technology, or academic life, A-Level Mathematics will be a definite advantage.

GCSE FURTHER MATHEMATICS at KS4

Examination Board: AQA Course Number: 8360

What is the course about? 

The GCSE course will continue to develop your ability to answer mathematical problems by providing you with more core mathematics skills, both directly from teacher input and exploration in class. Through discussion and debate, we will challenge your thinking and develop your mathematical skills in a way that builds a deeper, broader understanding and confidence. You will be encouraged to ask yourself more questions, and to seek teacher help whenever you are unsure or need reassurance.

What skills and ideas will I learn?

The topic areas covered in this qualification are: Number recall; Algebra recall; Geometry recall 1 and Geometry recall 2; Functions; Matrices; Rationalisation and the Factor Theorem; Quadratic sequences and limiting values; Solving equations; Simultaneous equations; Inequalities; coordinate Geometry; Equations of circles; Indices; Calculus; Trigonometric ratios and Identities and proof. All students will develop confidence and competence with these skills bridging the gap to A Level Mathematics.

How is the course assessed?

Paper 1 is a non-calculator assessment of 1.5 hours and Paper 2, a calculator paper, is 2 hours in length. Both exam papers are taken at the end of Year 11.

What will the course allow me to progress to in the future?

Mathematics is, alongside English, the subject that most courses and employers ask for as a minimum requirement. Further Mathematics, would provide you with an excellent basis on which to apply to universities for a wide range of courses if you are not going to take your mathematical learning any further than GCSE. If you are aiming for any career in the fields of business, engineering, science, technology, or academic life, A-Level Mathematics will be a definite advantage and Further Mathematics GCSE will have already given you a head start over other students.
 

At The Angmering School, we use Sparx Maths as our dedicated homework platform for one hour each week. Students are assigned compulsory homework tasks that are designed to support and reinforce the material covered in lessons. The expectation is that students achieve 100% on their homework, ensuring a thorough understanding of the topics. If students need additional support, we offer homework help sessions where they can receive guidance to complete their tasks.

For more information about how Sparx Maths supports students and parents, please visit the Sparx maths parents page https://sparxmaths.com/ parents/