Maths
Mathematics is a creative and highly inter-connected discipline, developed by humankind over millennia. It has provided solutions to some of history’s most intriguing problems and offers glimpses of how we may come to understand the universe. It is essential to everyday life, vital to science, technology and engineering, and necessary for financial literacy and most forms of employment. A high-quality mathematics education therefore provides a foundation for understanding the world, the ability to reason logically, an appreciation of the beauty and structure in the world and universe, as well as igniting a lifelong sense of wonder about the subject.
“The essence of maths is not to make simple things complicated, but to make complicated things simple.”
S Gudder
Course description
At Key Stage 3 students study a variety of mathematical areas, consolidating and extending basic topics in numeracy, data handling, probability, number patterns, algebra and graphs. Throughout, pupils will be encouraged to develop their numerical fluency, ability to reason mathematically and problem-solving. In Year 7 and 8 the students follow a scheme of work that delves into their understanding of fundamental concepts and then extends these ideas to take in advanced techniques and challenging applications. This method means that students develop a secure grasp of the key ideas and can tackle the more complex problem-solving questions with confidence. This approach is vital for the new rigorous GCSE which demands a much deeper grasp of mathematics than before.
Assessments
Students are assessed approximately at the end of each half-term, giving a thorough and detailed track of their progress over time. As a result, we can address any difficulties quickly and effectively and can also celebrate successes on a regular basis.
Ways to help my child succeed
Ensure your child has access to a revision guide and access to the internet. Discuss their weekly homework with them and maybe ask them to teach you what they’ve learned that week. Remind your child that the only way to revise maths is to practice maths.
Sparx Homework
At Key Stage 3 the students will complete Sparx tasks for homework. These are online Maths questions linked to the work your child will have been doing in lessons. It adjusts to the student’s ability level so they always have just the right amount of challenge and success. Each homework should take around 30 mins to complete, and you can keep track of your child’s progress through regular emails (which can be switched off if desired!).
Each question has a help video linked to it but any student wanting extra help can attend the Sparx Support Sessions available in school (timetable of these to come out in September). These sessions allow students to work through their homework with a teacher present and address any issues as soon as they arise. Because of this support, we expect students to achieve 100% each week as this will have a significant positive impact on their learning.
Students, parents/carers, and teachers have responded very positively to Sparx and it is now embedded into our Maths provision at Archbishop Holgate’s School.
Please visit the website for more information: https://sparxmaths.com/
Knowledge Organisers
Delta Trust have produced some great Knowledge Organisers that could be used at home to supplement topics covered in school. Each one details key facts & methods as well as suggesting some Hegarty tasks that could be done for further practise. Set 1 is broadly aimed at Y7, Set 2 at Y8 and Set 3 at Y9. A great resource to support your child at home – there’s even a mini quiz you could do with them for each topic.
Set 3 – Knowledge Organisers (F)
Set 3 – Knowledge Organisers (H)
Useful websites
www.bbc.com/bitesize/subjects/zqhs34j
Mathematics is an interconnected subject – pupils need to be able to move fluently between different representations of mathematical ideas. The programme of study for key stage 4 is organised into distinct domains, but with a consistent development of the connections across mathematical ideas. They will build on learning from key stage 3 to further improve fluency, mathematical reasoning and competence in solving ever-more demanding problems. They will also be given opportunities to apply their mathematical knowledge wherever relevant in other subjects and in financial contexts.
“Mathematics is the music of reason.”
James Joseph Sylvester
Course description
Students will further develop their skills across all areas of mathematics. At key stage 4 the main foci will be: number; algebra; ratio & proportion; geometry & measures; and statistics. The recent reforms of the Mathematics GCSE have increased the amount of content and the level of demand for both Foundation and Higher levels. This means that the pupils will have a real opportunity to stretch themselves and tackle problems previously only seen at A Level. The question style has also been revamped, with a heavier focus on applying mathematical skills in unfamiliar contexts. As such students can expect lots of practice in deconstructing challenging problems and developing strategies for approaching questions where the path to the solution is not obvious.
The final assessment consists of three 1.5 hour exams. The first is non-calculator, while the second and third are both calculator papers. The marks are equally weighted between the three papers, meaning that calculator skills are even more important than previously. The exam is now graded from 1 to 9, with 9 being the strongest grade. A grade 4 is considered a standard pass (equivalent to a C). A grade 7 is equivalent to an A, a grade 8 to an A* and a grade 9 is only awarded to the top few percent of candidates. The Foundation paper covers grades 1 to 5, while the Higher paper goes from grades 4 to 9.
Exam board
Past papers
qualifications.pearson.com/en/support/support-topics/exams/past-papers.html
Assessments
Students are assessed at the end of each half term with a full GCSE paper, meaning that progress is very closely monitored. As a result, we can address any difficulties quickly and effectively and celebrate successes on a regular basis.
Ways to help my child succeed
Ensure your child has access to a revision guide and, if possible, access to the internet. Discuss their weekly homework with them and maybe ask them to teach you what they have learned that week. Encourage them to complete practice papers (as they become available) so that they are confident in what the exam will look like. Remind your child that the only way to revise maths is to practice maths.
Hegarty Maths
All students have an account on www.hegartymaths.com which is a fantastic resource for supplementing their in-school learning. The whole maths curriculum (KS3&4) is covered and students have access to tutorial videos, worked examples and practise questions for all topics covered. They can also track what they’ve covered and which areas they need more practise on. Below is a Home Support Guide and some revision lists.
Hegarty Maths – Home Support Guide
GCSE_Revision_Foundation (Grades 1to5)
GCSE_Revision_Crossover (Grades 4&5 only)
GCSE_Revision_Higher (Grades 5to9)
Useful websites
The AQA Level 2 Certificate in Further Mathematics is an Level 2 qualification (equivalent to a GCSE) for learners who either already have, or are expected to achieve, grades 9 – 7 in GCSE Mathematics and are likely to study mathematics at A-Level. It is delivered in parallel to the GCSE Mathematics and offers an additional qualification.
“Mathematics is, in its way, the poetry of logical ideas.”
Albert Einstein
Course description
This is a demanding and rewarding qualification aimed at those comfortable with the GCSE content and keen to take their studies further. It is perfect preparation for those keen to study A Level Mathematics or Further Mathematics, and will support them in maximising their potential at this level.
Not only does it introduce new content beyond that studied for the GCSE, but it also requires a deep understanding of the skills already acquired, using them to tackle problems in a huge range of settings. The content assumes prior knowledge of the Key Stage 4 programme of study and covers the areas of algebra and geometry, which are crucial to further study in the subject, in greater depth and breadth.
This qualification places an emphasis on higher order technical proficiency, rigorous argument and problem solving skills. It also gives an introduction to calculus and matrices and develops further skills in trigonometry, functions and graphs.
This qualification places an emphasis on higher order technical proficiency, rigorous argument and problem solving skills. It also gives an introduction to calculus and matrices and develops further skills in trigonometry, functions and graphs.
Exam board
Past papers
https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/mathematics/aqa-certificate/further-mathematics-8365
Assessments
Students studying for this qualification with have half-termly assessments from the end of Year 10, establishing that they are coping with the extra demand and highlighting any areas that need reviewing.
External exams are sat at the end of Year 11. They consist of two 1 hour 45 minute papers (non-calculator and calculator) of 80 marks.
Ways to help my child succeed
Ensure your child has access to a revision guide and access to the internet. Encourage them to complete past papers so that they are confident in what the exam will look like. Remind your child that the only way to revise maths is to practise maths.
Useful websites
www.mrbartonmaths.com/students/aqa-level-2-certificate-in-further-mathematics/furthermaths.org.uk/gcse
https://amsp.org.uk/