Mathematics is fundamental to the development of our students and their preparation for the world beyond their time at St. George’s.
We believe that all students have the potential to succeed in the subject, and as such, we have devised a challenging curriculum that promotes enjoyment alongside opportunities for stretch and challenge at all levels.
By teaching for understanding, rather than instruction and relying on memorisation, our students are empowered and encouraged to think independently and apply their knowledge to unfamiliar situations.
The seven key skills consistently embedded throughout their journey are: creativity, critical thinking, communication skills, collaboration skills, reasoning skills, reflection and problem-solving skills. Through studying Mathematics at St. George’s we want our students to garner an appreciation of the beauty and wonder the subject holds.
At Key Stage 3, our students study the new National Curriculum, centred around the five main pillars of Number, Algebra, Ratio & Proportion, Geometry & Measure, and Probability & Statistics. Upon starting in Year 7 our students follow White Rose Maths using the pedagogical philosophies associated with a mastery approach. Once our students enter Year 9 they begin to prepare for their GCSE qualification. In doing so, we can provide opportunities for periodic consolidation, as well as self and collaborative challenges, embedded throughout the curriculum over these initial three years at the school.
Students will sit various ‘checkpoint’ assessments which are placed throughout their studies in order to break up their learning into manageable chunks. Frequent end of topic preps provide excellent opportunities to prepare for such assessments.
Breather lessons and UKMT lessons are built into our curriculum to allow students the opportunity to consolidate their knowledge thus far and collaboratively work through problem tasks respectively.
Students are not grouped by ability in Year 7. They are banded at the start of Year 8, based on their attainment and attitude during Year 7. A further review takes place before entry into Year 9, after which each student’s placement is regularly monitored and reviewed.
Prep is typically set twice a week – students may be asked to consolidate their learning through further practice, prepare and review work for the next lesson, or complete on-line tasks.
Additional Opportunities
Our department is passionate about Maths and we always try to pass this on through teaching and the activities that we arrange for students including:
- UKMT Maths Challenges
- Herts for Learning Team Challenges
- Mathsfest Trip
- Collaborating with other local schools in further problem solving
We celebrate success with photographs, certificates and badges.
Key teaching websites used:
- https://www.mymaths.co.uk/
- https://vle.mathswatch.co.uk/vle/
- https://amsp.org.uk/
- https://www.mathsnet.com/
Exam board sites:
