Maths
- Details
- Category: curriculum
- Published on Monday, 25 February 2013 12:33
- Written by Administrator
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KS3 – Year 7 and Year 8
Pupils in Year 7 and Year 8 are taught in sets appropriate to their ability. They both follow the KS3 scheme of work.
Each of the four classes in KS3 has 6 lessons per fortnight each of 1 hour duration and homework is set once each week. The homework is expected to take up to 30 minutes to complete for pupils in Year 7 and up to 35 minutes for pupils in Year 8.
KS4 – Year 9, Year 10 and Year 11
In years 9, 10 and 11, students are taught in sets appropriate to their ability and follow the two-tier GCSE course. Generally the top 2 sets follow the higher tier and the 2 lower sets follow the foundation tier work. We have 5 sets in years 10 and 11 and entry for pupils in the middle set is decided by the teacher, in collaboration with the pupils. Higher or foundation entry will depend on the ability of the pupils in each cohort.
Homework at KS4 is expected to take 40-45 minutes to complete. Homework can take the form not only of written work but also of research, revision, an ongoing investigation or any other suitable form.
Pupils’ achievements are constantly monitored and any pupil outperforming teacher expectations in a set will be considered for movement to the next group up in ability. Reviews are carried out on a regular basis each term but pupils may be moved up or down at any time seen appropriate after discussion with the Head of Department.
Provision of Supportive Education
Pupils in Year 7 are taught in groups appropriate for their ability. Each group has at least one teaching assistant, who, in liaison with the class teacher, will help to support those pupils with learning difficulties. The SENCO is involved in all decisions relating to support for individuals, or groups within the classroom. Numeracy sessions are provided for those pupils in need of additional support.
From Year 8, pupils with learning difficulties are placed in appropriate sets with smaller numbers, to facilitate a learning situation, where staff can give more individual attention. We strive to keep numbers low in set 4 in KS3 and set 5 in KS4. Withdrawal from lessons is only considered when work is clearly well beyond a pupil’s reach. We firmly believe that every pupil should have the opportunity for full continuity, progression and belonging. For a very small minority of pupils who cannot access the GCSE work, we provide an alternative qualification; the Entry Level Certificate in mathematics. This is currently available to pupils at levels 1, 2 and 3.
High attaining pupils in key stage 4 have the opportunity to take fast-track maths. They complete the GCSE course by the end of Year 10 and then study for the Free Standing Maths Qualification (FSMQ) in Year 11. This qualification is a foundation for further study, helping bridge the gap between GCSE and A’ level.
KS4 Examinations
The decision for GCSE entry level is made on an individual basis after careful monitoring and discussions between the each class teacher and their individual pupils. GCSE exams can be taken in November or June.
External examinations are the responsibility of the head of department in conjunction with the school examination officer.
