Maths v2 MathsLR-17 Cotswold School Open Day 2022-67

Mathematics

Our aim is for Cotswold School students to enjoy Mathematics and to be enthusiastic about their Maths learning. We want to inspire an inquisitive mindset within the subject by creating a maths curriculum that is engaging and creative, with the national curriculum at its core.

The Mathematics department is made up of a team of 13 maths specialists who are passionate about teaching their subject. We aim for students to think logically, critically and accurately and to understand how Maths works; for them to be confident, independent and creative in their learning and problem-solving abilities.

Regardless of their starting point, all students have access to this curriculum and understanding for all. Students are taught in a supportive environment where they feel comfortable to ask for help. We ensure explicit instruction is evident in all lessons to develop understanding and fluency in all skills. All lessons begin with reviews to develop automaticity across the whole curriculum. We want to consolidate, engage and stretch learning in every hour with dedicated practice and regular low stakes and high stakes assessing through chapter reviews and assessments. We work on facts, formulae, concepts, principles and rules, leading to methods and procedures to encourage students to reason and problem solve – this underpins our Mathematics vision that every child matters in Mathematics.

Ultimately, we want our students to be given the best opportunity to achieve the best that they can.

Curriculum

Key Stage 3

Maths

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

In Years 12 and 13 we offer AQA A Level, Further A Level Maths and AQA Core Maths.

Maths is an extremely popular choice at the Sixth Form with courses to meet every learning need.

An extensive support system is put in place to support STEP/ MAT examinations prior to university.

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.

How is Maths organised at The Cotswold School

Year 7 is split into three bands of three 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 linear sets spread across the whole year group.

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.

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 and this is essential for two of the examinations papers. The school has mathematical equipment and calculators for sale.

Packs are available for sale at the Year 7 transition evening.

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.

We offer one to one support for Year 9 students on a Wednesday evening. Intervention 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 from intervention groups and one to one.

Extra-Curricular Opportunities

The Maths department run a Games Club and Card Club at lunch times. Students are entered for the UKMT Maths Challenges at junior, intermediate and senior level. Our students enjoy the challenges and many move on to Olympiad and Kangaroo level. We have maths lectures presented by our Head of A Level Maths, Mr J Dee, which are open to all staff and students. We are hoping to run a Key Stage 3 trip to Bletchley Park this year. Year 12 A Level students also volunteer to support Year 10 students with their GCSE studies.