Mathematics

Vision & Aims of the Mathematics Department

Central to the vision of the Mathematics Department at Wildern is that Mathematics is an enjoyable activity in which all students can participate and succeed. We aim to develop each student’s confidence and achievement in mathematics through regular practice and experience of a variety of approaches and methods. Care is taken to enhance each student’s level of mathematical thought through practical, investigational, oral, written and problem-solving activities, which also provides an appreciation of the nature, scope and power of mathematics. 

Students are encouraged to use a variety of resources including books, computers, calculators and mathematical instruments to enhance their learning. There are also opportunities for individual, paired and group work and students are encouraged to reflect on their learning and progress at key points.

Students are asked to calculate in a variety of contexts and using a wide variety of number forms (decimals, fractions, percentages, negative numbers, etc.). This is to ensure that understanding is deepened and procedural fluency is developed.  Students are helped to develop their mathematical communications skills through showing their calculations in a linked way and they are encouraged to justify their reasoning verbally and in writing. 

Students who find Mathematics to be a difficult discipline are well supported, with a variety of intervention offered to students identified as being in need of some extra support.

Mathematics is an integral part of each student’s total education and our aim is for all students to leave us as numerate individuals who are ready for their lives ahead and able to use mathematics confidently and competently wherever the need arises.

KS3

Year 7 and 8 students follow the KS3 National Curriculum.  Investigative skills are developed and accurate use of equipment is practised.  All students follow a 2 year KS3 programme of study, and sit end of key stage exams in May of Year 8.   Students are taught effective use of their own scientific calculators and how to use ICT independently to develop their understanding of mathematical concepts. 

Topics covered in Year 7:

• Autumn Term:
  • N1 - Place value, order of operations and calculations
  • A1 - Algebraic notation, simplifying expressions and brackets
  • GM1 - Lines, angles and shapes
  • N2 - Types of numbers, powers, roots, use of a calculator
  • A2 - Substitution and solving equations
• Spring Term:
  • GM2 – Measures, unit conversions and compound measures
  • P1 – Probability
  • A3 – Sequences
  • Revision for year 7 exams
  • N3 – Exploring fractions and fraction, decimal, percentage conversions
  • S1 – Collecting, representing data and calculating averages
  • SP1 – Solving problems involving area and perimeter
• Summer Term:
  • N4 - Exploring percentages, ratio and proportion
  • GM3 – Transformations
  • A4 – Functions and linear graphs
  • GM4 - Constructions and Loci

Topics covered in Year 8:

• Autumn Term:
  • GM3 - Transformations
  • A4 – Functions and linear graphs
  • GM4 - Constructions
  • N5 –Further calculator skills and exploring decimals
  • SP2 – Plans and Elevations
• Spring Term:
  • S2 – Applying averages and interpreting data representations
  • A5 - Integers, powers and roots
  • GM5 - Geometric reasoning: lines, angles and shapes
  • P2 - Applying probability and fair games
  • A6 - Sequences, functions and graphs
  • GM6 – Perimeter, area and volume
• Summer Term:
  • N6 - Fractions, percentages, ratio and proportion
  • Revision for year 8 exams
  • A7 – Formulae, identities and equations
  • GM7 – Transformations and constructions
  • S3 – Data Investigation

KS4

Students begin studying for GCSE Mathematics in Year 9 and follow the Edexcel 1MA1 syllabus. This will be tested with three terminal examinations in June of their year 11.

During the course the students revisit and extend their learning from KS3 in the five main areas of study:

• Number
• Algebra
• Geometry
• Statistics and Probability
• Ratio and Proportion

Throughout KS4 all students will be given opportunities to develop their skills in applying their knowledge to problem solving and practical tasks. 

Additionally 1:1 devices and online resources will be used to enhance learning whenever appropriate. Self study across the school is set using Sparx Maths and students are encouraged not just to complete their Compulsory work, but also to spend time using the independent learning section to help practise skills they have found difficult.

Extra-curricular and Trips

Our students enjoy a variety of opportunities to engage in mathematics outside the classroom. 

KS3 students can use and develop their strategic thinking through joining the Chess Club which runs on Monday and Friday lunchtimes in room 302.  Additionally KS3 students can use their science, maths and technology skills together in a variety of exciting projects through attending the weekly STEM club.

We run an after-school homework club on Mon, Tues, Thurs and Fri from 3pm-4pm in room 312 where one of our Maths Core Progress Assistants is available to help with any mathematics homework. On Wednesday afternoons we have “Number Crunchers” from 3pm-4pm in room 312 where several members of the mathematics department are available to offer help and support with any mathematics homework or areas of difficulty. 

In years 7 and 8 we offer entry into the UKMT Junior Maths Challenge for the most-able students in each year group. In year 9 this progresses to the UKMT Intermediate Maths Challenge. We also offer entry to the University of Southampton Maths Challenge to students in years 7-10 where we have enjoyed some pleasing success in recent years. Year 10 students have the opportunity to enjoy competitive Mathematics through the Maths Feast hosted at Barton Peveril College along with other events that vary from year to year.