Maths

Members of Staff

Ms. B. Patel: Subject Lead of Maths
Mr. F. Ali: 2 i/c Maths/Teacher of Maths
Mr. N. Musani: Teacher of Maths
Mr. M. Phythian: Teacher of Maths
Mr. A. Vali: Teacher of Maths
Mrs. C. Mitchell: Teacher of Maths
Ms. S. Walters: Teacher of Maths
Mr. I. Makda: Teacher of Maths
Mr. R. Delawala: Teacher of Maths

Studying Maths

Mathematics is the means of looking at the patterns that make up our world and the intricate and beautiful ways in which they are constructed and realised. Numeracy is the means of making that knowledge useful.

Mathematics contributes to the school curriculum by developing pupils’ abilities to calculate; to reason logically, algebraically, and geometrically; to solve problems and to handle data. Mathematics is important for pupils in many other areas of study, particularly Science and Technology. It is also important in everyday living, in many forms of employment, and in public decision-making. As a subject in its own right, mathematics presents frequent opportunities for creativity, and can stimulate moments of pleasure and wonder when a problem is solved for the first time, or a more elegant solution to a problem is discovered, or when hidden connections suddenly manifest.

It enables pupils to build a secure framework of mathematical reasoning, which they can use and apply with confidence. The power of mathematical reasoning lies in its use of precise and concise forms of language, symbolism and representation to reveal and explore general relationships. These mathematical forms are widely used for modelling situations; a trend accelerated by computational technologies.

The Aims of the Maths Department

In the Maths department, our vision is to ensure that every student, irrespective of their academic ability, gets every opportunity to become a secure mathematician. Every student should be given the confidence to question why and progress so far that they can achieve beyond their own targets. This will be achieved by the following aims:

to set challenging targets with high expectations for all pupils
to offer a variety of approaches to teaching and learning to engage and motivate pupils and demand their active participation
to smooth the transition for pupils between Key Stages and ensure progression in teaching and learning throughout their time at Lancaster Academy
to explore enrichment opportunities outside the curriculum to enhance pupils’ enjoyment of mathematics

Maths at KS3 and KS4

All students in years 7 to 11 follow a bespoke, progressive, 5-year spiral curriculum. All students have 8 hours of mathematics teaching over a 2-week timetable. Students are put into sets in all year groups.

We use an investigative way of learning mathematics, where we get students to understand the concepts of mathematics and make conjectures themselves about processes in maths. Students are encouraged to discuss their ideas and formulate their own understanding - this is followed up with set tasks and teacher led discussions. Topics covered follow the National Curriculum and GCSE specifications and include modules on:

Number
Calculations
Constructions
Ratio and Proportion
Equations and formulae
Functions and Graphs
Data Probability
Mensuration
Sequences
Angles
Transformations
Indices

Embedded in all our teaching is the ability to informally assess and adjust ensure individual pupils can make the best progress they can. Our schemes of work for each module includes a summative topic assessment at the end module. Students are actively encouraged to attempt all problems and possible solutions discussed and compared as a class as part of the feedback process.

Following each assessment, pupils receive personalised feedback on their performance detailing their successes and areas for development. The assessments we use are produced specifically for our KS3 and KS4 modular schemes of work.

Assessment and Personalised Learning

We assess students every term against the assessment criteria relevant to their ability and schemes of learning are planned to ensure progression for all individuals. Feedback to students on how to progress is therefore personalised to meet their individual needs.

Although students are organised in ability sets, there can still be a wide range of ability in the class. We aim to:

establish a classroom climate where all students feel that they can contribute, and which secures their motivation and concentration
adopt teaching strategies to keep all students suitably challenged
provide appropriate support, aids or interventions to give particular students access to the planned programme and to keep any who might fall behind in step with the rest of their class.

Strategies are quickly put into place after careful analysis of assessment data to aid progression. Examples of strategies include:

Questioning – targeting individuals or groups, open questions, encouraging students to explain strategies and methods to each other
Teaching focused at times on individuals/groups while others work independently.
Targeting teacher’s own support or the support of additional adults in the classroom.
Providing resources to support particular students especially those who need more support or who need more of a challenge
Open-ended tasks – investigations and problem solving activities which aim to mirror real life situations
Individual or small group withdrawal with a qualified mathematics teaching assistant or mathematics tutor for students who require more personalised support
After school sessions, especially for those who are close to exams

Enrichment

Selected students in years 7 and 8 are entered into the UKMT Junior Challenge and in years 9, 10 and 11 selected students are entered into the UKMT Intermediate Challenge. There are also various trips and visits arranged throughout the year.

Useful Resources/ Supporting Your Child

Parents can do lots to support their child at home with their mathematics. A list of ways to help follows:

BBC bitesize website has lots of information and help with mathematics
At home, teach your child to read the time, read timetables when you go on trains, calculate the cost the bill when you eat out, get them to weigh out food, talk about distances in metric and imperial - every little bit of maths at home helps!
Encourage your child to practice their times tables and do a little maths every day

...And please remember - maths is fun, don’t be frightened of it, encourage and tell your child they can succeed in maths!

Useful Websites

Revision

Tutorials

Interactive Applets and Games

Past Papers