Maths Department

Ethos

We believe that, almost without exception, all pupils can do well in mathematics. However, with a suitably challenging course most pupils will need support and help at some stage. Our aim is to provide that support and guidance if it becomes necessary. We do not believe in hot-housing pupils, especially in the early years. It is vital that firm foundations are established in the early years so that we can accelerate learning further up the school. Technology, when used appropriately, can enhance learning and help to develop important concepts. As well as developing a sound grasp of mathematical concepts, skills and knowledge, pupils also need to develop problem-solving skills that enable them to tackle unfamiliar material.

Numeracy Strategy to Y5

The Numeracy Strategy provides a solid grounding in the key concepts, skills and knowledge needed to do well in mathematics. It provides a coherent and comprehensive course in mathematical foundation skills. For this reason we employ it up to Y5. Alongside this we are developing the direct teaching of critical thinking skills throughout the school to enable all pupils to solve unfamiliar problems. We are also aiming to develop the type of thinking skills needed by future scholarship candidates.

Acceleration From End of Y5 Onwards

The demands of the various 13+ examinations mean that our pupils have to reach high standards by Y8. The solid foundation our pupils have been given enables us to increase significantly the pace and difficulty from Y6 upwards. External examination results confirm the success of this approach.

Use of Technology to Support Learning

Appropriate use of technology can enhance the teaching and learning process. All the pupils use our Computer Aided Maths Instruction (CAMI) system installed on the school network. The system contains practice material in mathematics from Reception to Y8 and beyond to A-level. It keeps individual and class records, which enable teachers to monitor the development of pupils and to produce reports, helping them in their assessment and planning. Every pupil spends at least half an hour a week on the system as part of the normal timetable. Older pupils have access to the Maths Enhancement Project (MEP) website with its interactive tutorials - this site may also be accessed at home via the Internet. We have many interactive resources on the network and with the introduction of interactive whiteboards we can now bring this technology into the classroom. Last year, trials with downloading revision material from interactive whiteboard lessons onto disks to be used at home resulted in outstanding internal examination results. This is an area that we are currently developing.

The Pupil As An Independent Learner

We aim to provide the resources and support to enable our pupils to study independently. In most cases this means practice material to reinforce what is happening in the classroom. In an increasing number of cases we are able to support pupils who wish to extend their knowledge of mathematics. We are able to provide for them through our numerous networked resources, many of which can also be used at home. Tuesday to Friday mornings 08:00 - 08:35 we run an extra maths session. During this time pupils can use any of our computer resources or get one-to-one help on any maths issue - including prep - from the maths teacher on duty.