Rowhill School

Mathematics

The Department seeks to give pupils a broad balanced Curriculum that seeks to build on their knowledge and skills. These are underpinned by the following:

  • Teaching to the top, looking to identify and fill gaps in pupils' knowledge

  • To equip students to think mathematically and to be able to combine skills to solve problems

  • To create lifelong learners

  • Expose students to how maths is used in the wider world

  • To use responsive teaching to meet individual pupil need

The Maths Department strives to provide enriching opportunities to encourage enjoyment of and an enthusiasm for the learning of maths for everyone. We aim to provide our students with the mathematical skills that are necessary for success, providing the stepping stones to successful pathways post Rowhill.  

Our chief aim is that all students will develop their mathematical potential, promoting fluency in application of reasoning skills to complex mathematical problems both in real life and abstract situations.  

We encourage students to work alone, together and in groups, to talk through mathematical problems and so achieve a deep understanding of the subject as is set out by the programmes of study from the Department for Education. 

KS3 (Year 7, 8 and 9)

In years 7, 8 & 9 we look to give pupils the tools to access the subject with a view to preparing them for a return to mainstream so they can be successful in the subject. At the start of the academic year we take KS3 through a maths toolkit which covers the building blocks of Maths so that this can be added to throughout the year both in school and within future pathways.

The Department seeks to build confidence in pupils’ skills and knowledge so they can strive to reach mastery on the subject in line with the National Curriculum and Age Related Expectations for each year. This will be achieved through the use of individualised strategies to find a potential pathway for pupils to access the subject.

KS4 (Year 10 and 11)

Year 10 & 11 follow the AQA exam board for the Mathematics GCSE. The Department seeks to give pupils the confidence and the ability to develop their mathematical skills, building up their resilience to prepare them for their GCSE’s and life after school.

The Department teaches to the top with an inter-leaving program, which incorporates all areas of maths and revisits them throughout the year. We constantly review and identify gaps in pupils knowledge using individualised strategies in lessons alongside homework to best prepare pupils for their GCSE’s.

There will be mocks (two for Year 11, and one at the end of the year for year 10) to build up their confidence in tackling the GCSE and help track their progress so that they can achieve the best grade possible. After each mock an individual analyser will be given to them so that pupils can identify their areas of strength and weakness.  Pupils progress will be tracked in their books and are encouraged to give themselves personal targets to achieve the best grade possible. Pupils are actively encouraged to contribute to lessons both verbally and through workings in their book.

An after school maths club is available to Year 11s to help prepare them for their GCSEs, please speak with a member of the Maths Department about this.  

Useful Information

The Department recommends the CGP KS3 Maths workbooks for foundation or higher. These can be found on their website (https://www.cgpbooks.co.uk/secondary-books/ks3/maths ) or on Amazon.

All Year 11 students will be provided with a revision guide and workbook to further aid their learning and will be given these during the Autumn Term. The Department recommends that students use the following websites for studying:

BBC Bitesize: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/z8sg6fr (Topic revision with review questions)

Corbett Maths: https://corbettmaths.com/ (Has video guides for topics, topic questions as well as a useful set of revision cards (Foundation and Higher) – note these do cost £10.99 and can be purchased on the website)

Mr Barton Maths: http://www.mrbartonmaths.com/students/ Similar to Corbett but has additional links to other videos and resources for various topics.

On Maths : https://www.onmaths.com/ (Has online practice papers that are marked as you go, alongside specific topic revision)