Mathematics

Key Stage 4

In Years 10 and 11 we deliver GCSE Maths Higher and Foundation using the exam board AQA, Level 2 AQA Further Maths and AQA Entry Level Certificate for some students.

Key Stage 5

Curriculum Outline Level 3 Mathematical Studies 

Curriculum Outline A level (Year 12)

Curriculum Outline A level (Year 13)

Curriculum Outline Further Mathematics (Year 12)

Curriculum Outline Further Mathematics (Year 13)

Approaches to Learning and Assessment

In our Maths classrooms we use a wide variety of approaches to make all learners successful. We assess termly and produce detailed analysis for each individual based on the assessment – this ensures we can help support and further improve all our students and help them make progress.

Maths Homework Y7-11

We aim to consolidate, engage and embed understanding using Sparx Maths. It aims to improve the quality of homework being set and to support students in developing greater independence and resilience to homework completion. It supports with Retrieval practice (regularly recalling information) Spacing (revisiting topics over time) Interleaving (mixing topics instead of blocking them). Regular impactful homework can add +5 months of progress (EEF) and instant feedback has a high impact on learner outcomes. Student usernames and passwords are the same as their school email usernames and passwords.

How is Maths organised at The Cotswold School

Year 7 is split into two bands of two teaching groups. In the first week at school students do a baseline test which is marked with question level analysis so we can see every student’s strengths and weaknesses. The following week they are put into sets based on their raw Key Stage 2 results and baseline test scores.

We understand the initial setting will cause concern and anxiety for some students and parents/carers. Our aim is to ensure students are placed in the most appropriate learning environment at that point of their learning journey at the school. There is no ceiling in the Maths Department, we want every student to maximise their potential in maths. We have had many examples of students who were initially in a lower set achieving grades 7-9 at GCSE. In Year 8 and 9 students are in two bands of two teaching groups.

Students are assessed termly throughout Key Stage 3 with set changes at the end of each term, unless a decision is made by the teacher that a student is in the wrong place earlier on in the term.

At Key Stage 4 students are split into two bands with five sets in each band. Students are assessed termly.

What equipment is required in Maths?

In maths lessons you will need to have a pen, pencil and rubber together with mathematical drawing instruments (e.g. compass, ruler and protractor).

We expect all students to bring and use a scientific calculator (Casio Scientific No fx-83GTCW or fx-85GTCW) and this is essential for two of the examinations papers. The school has mathematical equipment and calculators for sale.

Supporting Individual Students

Our lessons focus on quality first teaching that support the needs of all learners through scaffolding support, fluency and mastery with challenging problems to embed a deep understanding and ensuring students make progress. All students are set weekly homework. To help with methods, use your child’s notebooks – these show the methods that are taught in the lessons and describe how to present workings.

We offer one to one support for Year 9 students on a Wednesday evening and support programmes run throughout Key Stage 3. Students are identified by the school and parents/carers are contacted.

At Key Stages 4 and 5 extensive support is given to students through the Maths coaching programme.

Maths resources used by the Mathematic Department, click the links below:

Sparx Maths

MathsPad

Extra-Curricular Opportunities

We encourage all students of all ages to take part in our extra-curricular offer. We celebrate problem solving, automaticity and proficiency.

Extra – curricular opportunities include; Maths Challenge – 680 students took part in Maths Challenges from year 7-13, this year we secured 24 Gold, 79 Silver and 171 Bronze. 16 qualified for the next round with one student qualifying for the Olympiad; Pi Challenge – previous winners have memorised 400+ digits; Bridge Club; Mathletics Club, Games Club; Rubix Cube Club; Academic Sports Day; Mr Dee’s Annual Maths Lecture; Countdown House competition and external speakers. This year saw the debut of The Cotswold School Mathletics Championship which saw 60+ students go head to head against other houses in a bid to become champion mathematicians within the school.

and 5 Gold certificates. Of the gold, 4 were invited to the Andrew Jobbings Senior Kangaroo Challenge and 1 was invited to the British Mathematical Olympiad 1 and achieved a merit.