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Mathematics

Curriculum Intent

Mathematics provides a deep conceptual understanding of the world, enabling students who apply concepts accurately to approach and solve unfamiliar problems with confidence.”

The Mathematics Curriculum Area vision

  • For all pupils to really enjoy and have a positive attitude towards Mathematics so that they can appreciate the power and beauty of the subject.
  • For all pupils to develop a deep and secure knowledge to enable them to become inquiring thinkers and achieve their maximum potential.
  • For all pupils to develop mathematical fluency and the ability to reason mathematically.
  • For all pupils to have confidence in approaching a variety of problems.
  • For all pupils to become keen to take risks and make mistakes; they then learn from these mistakes in order to progress.
  • For all staff to promote excellence in teaching and learning throughout the school.
  • For all staff to work together within the curriculum area and share our good practice amongst ourselves and with other curriculum areas.

Maths is offered as:

  • Core subject Years 7, 8, 9, 10 &11
  • IB Application and Interpretations Year 12 & 13 (Standard and Higher)
  • IB Analysis and Approaches Year 12 & 13 (Standard and Higher)

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Key Stage 3 Mathematics

Curriculum Overview

Students at Key Stage 3 have 7 hours per fortnight following the White Rose Maths scheme of learning, allowing for the transition from primary school to GCSE.

 Term 1Term 2Term 3Term 4Term 5Term 6
Year 7Algebraic Thinking:

 

· Sequences

· Understand and use algebraic notation

· Equality and equivalence

 

 

Place value and proportion

 

· Place value and ordering integers and decimals

· Fraction, decimal and percentage equivalence

 

 

Applications of Number

 

· Solve problems with addition and subtraction

· Solve problems with multiplication and division

· Fractions and percentages of amounts

Directed number

 

· Four operations with directed number

Fractional thinking

· Addition and subtraction of fractions

 

 

 

Lines and Angles

 

· Constructing, measuring and using geometric notation

· Developing geometric reasoning

 

 

 

Reasoning with Number

 

· Developing Number sense

· Sets and probability

· Prime numbers and proof

 

 

Year 8Proportional reasoning

 

· Ratio and scale

· Multiplicative change

· Multiplying and dividing fractions

 

 

Representations

 

· Working in the Cartesian plane

· Representing data

· Tables and probability

 

 

Algebraic techniques

 

· Brackets, equations and inequalities

· Sequences

· Indices

 

 

Developing Number

 

· Fractions and percentages

· Standard index form

· Number sense

 

 

Developing Geometry

 

· Angles in parallel lines and polygons

· Area of trapezia and circles

· Line symmetry and reflection

 

Reasoning with Data

 

· The data handling cycle

· Measures of location

 

 

 

Year 9Reasoning with Algebra:

 

· Straight-line graphs

· Forming and solving equations

· Testing conjectures

Constructing in 2 and 3 dimensions

 

· Three dimensional shapes

· Constructions and Congruency

 

Reasoning with Number:

 

· Numbers

· Using percentages

· Maths and money

 

Reasoning with Geometry

 

· Deduction

· Rotation and translation

· Pythagoras’ Theorem

Reasoning with Proportion

 

· Enlargement and similarity

· Solving ratio and proportion problems

· Rates

Representations

 

· Solve problems using graphs, tables and algebra

 

 

Year 7

Year 7 pupils have 7 lessons a fortnight and are taught in house groups. Pupils will begin to build on the mathematical skills from Key Stage 2 and extend their understanding of number, algebra, geometry and statistics whilst developing fluency in number They will begin to develop mathematical reasoning through problem solving activities throughout their lessons and mathematical enrichment lessons. These lessons take place once per term and focus on allowing pupils to explore areas of mathematics and be able to communicate and explain ideas in written work and investigations. Pupils interested in solving extra problems outside of lessons are invited to Parallel Maths to extend their learning in an engaging way. Pupils with a strong track record in the department will also be invited to participate in the Junior Maths challenge.

Year 8

Year 8 pupils have 7 lessons a fortnight and are taught in mixed ability groups. Pupils will begin to build on the mathematical skills from Year 7 and extend their understanding of number, algebra, geometry and statistics whilst developing fluency in number and algebra. They will become more familiar with reasoning through problem solving activities in lessons and mathematical enrichment lessons. These lessons take place once per term and focus on allowing pupils to explore areas of mathematics and be able to communicate and explain ideas in written work and investigations. Pupils interested in solving extra problems outside of lessons are invited to Parallel Maths to extend their learning in an engaging way. Pupils with a strong track record in the department will also be invited to participate in the Junior Maths challenge.

Year 9

Year 9 pupils have 7 lessons a fortnight and are taught in mixed ability groups. Pupils will continue to extend their understanding of number, algebra, geometry and statistics and continue developing fluency but there will be a much stronger emphasis on mathematical reasoning through problem solving activities throughout their lessons and mathematical enrichment lessons. These lessons take place once per term and focus on allowing pupils to explore areas of mathematics and be able to communicate and explain ideas in written work and investigations. Pupils interested in solving extra problems outside of lessons are invited to Parallel Maths to extend their learning in an engaging way. Pupils with a strong track record in the department will also be invited to participate in the Intermediate Maths challenge.

The skills learned during Key Stage 3 allow pupils to use and apply the standard techniques of mathematics, to reason, interpret and communicate mathematically and to solve problems within mathematics and other contexts. Students are provided with a solid foundation to enable them to be successful in Mathematics later.

Assessment

Assessment in Mathematics consists of written examinations with both a non calculator and calculator element  There is one formal assessments per term which will be followed by a whole class feedback lesson.  Pupils are set home learning weekly via our online platform and teachers will feedback using this method, as well as providing verbal feedback in the class room during lessons.

Further Reading/Resources

  • Alex’s Adventures in Numberland by Alex Bellos
  • Cabinet of Mathematical Curiosities by Ian Stewart
  • The Num8er My5teries by Marcus du Sautoy
  • How Many Socks Make a Pair?: Surprisingly Interesting Maths by Rob Eastway
  • The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon
  • The Penguin Dictionary of Curious & Interesting Numbers by David Wells
  • The Calculus Wars by Jason Socrates Bardi
  • The Code Book by Simon Singh
  • The Simpsons and Their Mathematical Secrets by Simon Singh
  • Humble Pi: A Comedy of Maths Errors by Matt Parker
  • 50 Mathematical Ideas You Really Need to Know by Tony Crilly
  • The Indisputable Existence of Santa Claus by Dr Hannah Fry

Key Stage 4 Mathematics

Curriculum Overview

Students at Key Stage 4 have 7 hours per fortnight studying the Edexcel GCSE Mathematics qualification. 

 Term 1Term 2Term 3Term 4Term 5Term 6
Year 10

Congruence, similarity and enlargement

Non right angled trigonometry

Delving into data

 

Angles and bearings

Volume and surface area

Probability

Expanding and factorising

Circle theorems

Vectors

Representing solutions

Simultaneous equations

Numerical reasoning

Manipulating expressions

Gradients and lines

Non linear graphs

Using graphs

Changing the subject

Functions

Year 11

Multiplicative reasoning

Geometric reasoning

Algebraic reasoning

Transforming and constructing

Using and describing

Show that…

RevisionRevisionRevision 

 

 

Year 10

Year 10 pupils have 7 lessons a fortnight and are taught in mixed ability groups. Pupils will have a solid foundation from Key Stage 3 and will now extend their understanding of number, algebra, geometry and statistics and continue developing fluency but there will be a strong emphasis on mathematical reasoning through problem solving activities throughout their lessons and mathematical enrichment lessons. Pupils will begin developing links between topics. These lessons take place once per term and focus on allowing pupils to explore areas of mathematics and be able to communicate and explain ideas in written work and investigations. Pupils with a strong track record in the department will also be invited to participate in the Intermediate Maths challenge.

Year 11

Year 11 pupils have 8 lessons a fortnight and are taught in mixed ability groups. Pupils will have developed fluency in key skills and will now be focussing much more on the application to problem solving and using mathematical knowledge from a range of topics to solve more complex problems. Year 11 will focus on finishing the content of the GCSE and revision of the course. Pupils in set 1 will also study the AQA Level 2 Certificate in Further Mathematics. Pupils with a strong track record in the department will also be invited to participate in the Intermediate Maths challenge.

Throughout Key Stage 4 pupils are provided with a solid foundation for further academic and vocational study. All units of work taught provide the opportunity for pupils to hone and enhance mathematical skills, knowledge and understanding in order to help them progress to a full range of courses in further and higher education including Level 3 mathematics courses as well as undergraduate and Level 3 courses in other disciplines such as biology, geography and psychology, where the understanding and application of mathematics is crucial. The skills learned during these two years allow pupils to use and apply the standard techniques of mathematics, to reason, interpret and communicate mathematically and to solve problems within mathematics and other contexts.

Assessment at GCSE

  • Paper 1 – Written examination paper with a range of question types.
    • No calculator is allowed
    • 1 hour and 30 minutes
    • 80 marks available
  • Paper 2 – Written examination paper with a range of question types.
    • Calculators are allowed
    • 1 hour and 30 minutes
    • 80 marks available
  • Paper 3 – Written examination paper with a range of question types.
    • Calculators are allowed
    • 1 hour and 30 minutes
    • 80 marks available

All papers are equally weighted and contribute to 33.3% of the total mark awarded

Further Reading/Resources

Reading List

  • Alex’s Adventures in Numberland by Alex Bellos
  • Cabinet of Mathematical Curiosities by Ian Stewart
  • The Num8er My5teries by Marcus du Sautoy
  • How Many Socks Make a Pair?: Surprisingly Interesting Maths by Rob Eastway
  • The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon
  • The Penguin Dictionary of Curious & Interesting Numbers by David Wells
  • The Calculus Wars by Jason Socrates Bardi
  • The Code Book by Simon Singh
  • The Simpsons and Their Mathematical Secrets by Simon Singh
  • Humble Pi: A Comedy of Maths Errors by Matt Parker
  • 50 Mathematical Ideas You Really Need to Know by Tony Crilly
  • The Indisputable Existence of Santa Claus by Dr Hannah Fry

Film List

In addition to reading, there are some fantastic films inspired by mathematics and most are available on Amazon Prime or Netflix:

  • The Man Who Knew Infinity (2015)
  • Pi (1998)
  • X + Y (2015)
  • Good Will Hunting (1997)
  • The Imitation Game (2014)
  • A Beautiful Mind (2001)
  • The Oxford Murders (2008)

Key Stage 5 Mathematics

Curriculum Overview

Students at Key Stage 5 follow either the Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations or the Mathematics: Analysis course as part of the IB Diploma.

Applications and Interpretation Standard Level

 Term 1Term 2Term 3Term 4Term 5Term 6
Year 12Exponentials and Logarithms

 

Functions

Geometry

 

Trigonometry

Sequences and Series

 

Statistics

Probability

 

Probability Distributions

Differentiation

 

Further Statistics

Internal Assessment work
Year 13Differentiation

 

Modelling Real Life Phenomena

IntegrationRevision

 

 

Analysis Standard Level

 Term 1Term 2Term 3Term 4Term 5Term 6
Year 12 Algebra and Functions

 

Trigonometry

Exponentials and Logarithms

 

Geometry

Sequences and Series

Differentiation

 

Summarising Data

ProbabilityDifferentiationCorrelation and Regression

 

Internal Assessment work

Year 13Discrete Probability Distributions

 

Further Differentiation

Integration Revision

 

 

   

 

 

Applications and Interpretation Higher Level

 Term 1Term 2Term 3Term 4Term 5Term 6
Year 12Exponentials

 

Functions

Geometry and Trigonometry

Matrix Algebra

 

Sequences and Series

Complex Numbers

Differentiation

 

Statistics

Vectors

 

Probability

Modelling Real Life Phenomena

 

Probability Distributions

Graph Theory

 

Internal Assessment work

Year 13IntegrationFurther Statistics Revision

 

 

   

 

 

Analysis Higher Level

 Term 1Term 2Term 3Term 4Term 5Term 6
Year 12Algebra and Functions

 

Binomial Expansion

Counting Principles

Complex Numbers

 

Trigonometry

VectorsProbabilityProofs and LimitsDifferentiation

 

Internal Assessment work

Year 13IntegrationProbability Distributions Revision   

 

 

Year 12

Sixth form students follow the IB Diploma and choose to study either the Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations or the Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches course. Both pathways offer standard level and higher level and students are encouraged to study the course that will suit their future needs.

Applications and Interpretations is based around the principles studied in mathematics and allows for a development of the understanding of key mathematical concepts with an emphasis in statistical testing and techniques and decision mathematics. Analysis and Approaches is based firmly within the discipline of pure mathematics and students are provided the opportunity to employ and refine their powers of abstraction and generalisation.

All courses require the use of a Graphical Display Calculator.

At the end of Year 12, pupils will begin their Internal Assessment and will complete this over the summer holidays.

Year 13

In Year 13 pupils will begin the year by finalising their Internal Assessment based on teacher feedback. They will then focus on completing the course and revising up until the final examinations.

Assessment at IB

Applications and Interpretation:

Type of assessmentFormat of assessmentTime (hours)Weighting of final grade (%)
External SLHLSLHL
Paper 1Compulsory short-response questions based on the syllabus1.524030
Paper 2Compulsory extended-response questions based on the syllabus1.524030
Paper 3Two compulsory extended-response problem-solving questions 1 20
Internal     
ExplorationProject based on students own research15152020

Analysis:

Type of assessmentFormat of assessmentTime (hours)Weighting of final grade (%)
External SLHLSLHL
Paper 1Non Calculator1.524030
Paper 2Calculator1.524030
Paper 3Two compulsory extended-response problem-solving questions 1 20
Internal     
ExplorationProject based on students own research15152020

Further Reading/Resources

If you have an iPad or iPhone, go to iTunesU or download the iTunesU app. Now you have access to millions of courses but check out the following powerful courses to prepare you for IB maths:

The Open University offers:

  • Introducing Geometry: Angles and Shapes
  • Exploring Mathematics: a Powerful Tool
  • Exploring Mathematics: Maths in Nature and Art

The University of Nottingham:       

  • Pre-University Mathematics

Oxford University:                          

  • The Secrets of Mathematics

University of Warwick: 

  • Why Beauty is Truth-A Short History of Symmetry

The University of Sheffield: 

  • Mathematical Skills-  Exponentials and Logarithms
  • Mathematical Skills – Straight Lines and Simultaneous Equations

British Values

British Values in Mathematics

· Respect civil and criminal law in Mathematics: students are taught to think morally and to distinguish between right and wrong in the classroom in the Mathematics lessons with regards to behaviour. The department follow the school behaviour policy using rewards and sanctions when appropriate. The staff give a clear reason why they are being issued.

· Acceptance and engagement with fundamental British values of democracy: we actively promote the fundamental British values of democracy through enrichment lessons and Internal Assessment work at IB. Pupils are free to choose their own subject for the exploration at IB, but many students at RGS who are interested in politics and carry out advanced statistical techniques on mock elections.

· Contribute positively to life in Modern Britain, students actively contribute positively: RGS enters national competitions such as the UKMT Maths challenges. Pupils also become more aware of the financial world and the world of work by studying taxation, pay day loan companies and best buys in supermarkets.