Mathematics

Intent

Mathematic teachers are striving for all students to be successful and enjoy the subject, irrespective of their prior experience. Students will be encouraged to see the link between topics across the curriculum, as well as their application to problems, which can include a real-life emphasis.
Students are being prepared for studying the subject at GCSE, in the Sixth Form and beyond. They will appreciate its relevance to the world of work, in particular, where problem-solving strategies are needed to tackle tasks where the correct approach is not immediately clear.
As well as being knowledge with their application, students will need to adopt a risk-taking approach in order to make an initial attempt. They will need to be reflective of the solution, or progress made towards one, and ensure their final answer is communicated in a mathematically coherent manner.

Implementation

The programmes of study are designed in order to ensure success for all students. Topic content that has been previously encountered is reviewed before being further built upon. Students will complete a unit test each half-term in order to assess their understanding of the content that has been covered most recently. These tests will also include revision questions on previously covered topics.
The setting structure is employed to guide students to the appropriate level of challenge, given their previous attainment. Mathematics teachers will provide differentiation where appropriate. A degree of flexibility in terms of set assignment exists in order to cater for changes in levels of attainment.
Opportunities are provided beyond the curriculum in order to inspire a curiosity and love of the subject. These include, but are not limited to: UKMT and Olympiad competitions, Whiz-Kid competition, promoting Newnham College and Royal Institution events, and supporting students wishing to study extra Maths qualifications.

Impact

Students will develop a confident understanding and knowledge of Mathematics and be able to apply this to familiar and unfamiliar situations. They will use logical reasoning to solve problems and be able to recognise patterns. Students will be able to see links between topics and solve problems connecting different topics. They will gain a deeper understanding of the mathematics by being able to represent ideas in different ways and be able to move fluidly between them. They will be able to use and understand specialist Mathematical terms, being able to explain and justify a mathematical solution. Students will be ready to study Mathematics in the sixth form and beyond.