Maths

Staffing List

Mr Roll - Teacher of Mathematics (Head of Maths)
Mr Ledington - Teacher of Mathematics (Second in department)
Mr Roberts - Teacher of Mathematics (Lead Practitioner - Maths)
Mr Alderman - Teacher of Mathematics
Mrs Bilton - Teacher of Mathematics
Mr Cooper - Teacher of Mathematics
Mr Homewood - Teacher of Mathematics
Mrs James - Teacher of Mathematics
Mr Moore - Teacher of Mathematics

Vision Statement:

The mathematics department strives to give students the confidence to acquire and use mathematical skills that will stand them in good stead throughout their lifetime. The department seeks to achieve excellence in the teaching and learning of mathematics, in order for the students to make significant progress, irrespective of their prior attainment in this interesting and varied subject.

As a core subject, studied by all students throughout their time at school, we believe maths is one of the most important and interesting in the curriculum. Wherever you look in the world there is maths and we aim to equip students with the knowledge and, more importantly, the skills to fully participate in our information driven society.

It is our purpose in teaching mathematics, to:

  • Encourage confidence, enjoyment and challenge to all students in the learning of mathematics irrespective of prior attainment;
  • Provide a curriculum that builds on prior knowledge and consolidates previous work, in order to improve long term recall of key information and processes;
  • Develop students’ ability to solve problems in a variety of contexts, building their confidence to tackle unfamiliar problems in new situations;
  • Develop an understanding of the language and notation associated with mathematics, enabling them to think mathematically and communicate mathematically in a subject that has extensive real life applications;
  • Make students aware of the use of mathematics in everyday life and to build awareness and skills related to financial matters that will be important to them as they develop into young adults.

KS3 and KS4 Maths Curriculum Maps

Groups are set by ability providing suitable challenge matched to student’s abilities. Students still have the opportunity to move sets during each year as required. At Key Stage 3 all students follow the National Curriculum.

Students will be taught to develop fluency, reason mathematically and to solve problems. The strands that the curriculum is separated into are given below however in mathematics all areas are interlinked and not exclusive of each other.

  1. Number
  2. Algebra
  3. Geometry and measure
  4. Ratio, proportion and rates of change
  5. Probability
  6. Statistics

During the year students in Year 7, 8 and 9 follow a structured and varied mathematics programme split into units of work. A number of units are followed each half term.

The level of study is matched as closely as possible to students’ abilities and students will follow one of three pathways. Students can move between pathways as necessary in order to ensure that the level of challenge is matched to their needs and abilities.

Each year students’ knowledge in a particular area is consolidated and extended.

Assessments at regular points throughout the year, usually each half term, assist in determining students’ progress and understanding and provide feedback in order to identify areas for improvement. These assessments are also intended to expose students to situations that will help them to prepare and develop examination techniques in preparation for actual GCSE examinations in year 11.

Groups are set by ability providing suitable challenge matched to student’s abilities. Students still have the opportunity to move sets during Key Stage 4 as required, however we try to maintain continuity for the duration of the key stage if applicable and where possible. At Key Stage 4 students study a curriculum content in the AQA (1-9) Mathematics GCSE Specification 8300.

This AQA GCSE qualification in Mathematics is designed for all students. It is diverse in the content that is covered, engaging and intends to equip students with the right skills ready for their future destination, whatever that may be. The course is intended to allow students to engage with, explore, enjoy and succeed in maths.

GCSE Examination Papers

Paper 1: non-calculator

  • Written paper: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • 80 marks
  • 33⅓% of the GCSE

Paper 2: calculator

  • Written paper: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • 80 marks
  • 33⅓% of the GCSE

Paper 3: calculator

  • Written paper: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • 80 marks
  • 33⅓% of the GCSE
GCSE Mathematics Examination Tiers

GCSE Mathematics has a Foundation tier (grades 5 – 1) and a Higher tier (grades 9 – 4). Students must take three question papers at the same tier. All question papers must be taken in the same series (in May/June of year 11). Students will be entered for the exams at the appropriate tier, decided by the student and their teacher. Every student has access to at least grade 5 at GCSE.

For more information, please follow the link below:

https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/mathematics/gcse/mathematics-8300/specification-at-a-glance

CGP revision guides, workbooks, and flash cards: ensure that you purchase materials for the correct level (higher or foundation) and for the correct specification for your child (AQA 9-1 GCSE Maths). Opportunities to buy revision guides through the school are available to students and their parents early in year 10.

BBC Bitesize: ensure that students use content aimed at the correct level for their year and key stage.

Revision resources on Mymaths and other websites listed below (GCSE students).

TCS SharePoint – Students (Student Portal) – Subjects – Maths will provide subject links to GCSE revision resources for the Higher and Foundation Tiers. Downloadable content and other revision media are available here. Within these areas Students will find some useful resources particularly for GCSE revision, details of which will be communicated to parents and students at the appropriate time prior to the summer examinations. Students will need to use their school ICT username and password to access TCS SharePoint and Teams. 

Additionally the following may prove very useful:-

www.mymaths.co.uk (Main homework website and a revision area)

www.ttrockstars.com (Times tables rock stars website – use mymaths login)

www.mathsgenie.co.uk (GCSE Revision Section)

www.mrbartonmaths.com (Free revision and help for students)

www.corbettmaths.com (Lots of resources for revision and practise)

www.mathedup.co.uk  (GCSE Takeaway section)

www.cgpbooks.co.uk (KS3 and KS4 Revision, workbooks, revision cards and more)

www.drfrostmaths.com (Resources KS4/5 Revision area for higher students)

  • Encourage your child to read around the subject - looking at mathematics articles in the news or reading interesting articles related to mathematics in newspapers.
  • Encourage them to visit fun websites related to maths and maths based games.
  • Ensure your child is using the revision materials to prepare for unit tests and exams.
  • Check they are doing their homework, ask to see it.  Log in as them on mymaths and look at their results and encourage them to have another go and seek help from their teacher if necessary.   
  • Test their general numeracy skills especially their times tables skills, can they recall these reasonably quickly up to 12 x 12?
  • Test their mathematical skills, and ensure they have memorised key facts, equations and processes.
  • Encourage the weekly production of mind maps or revision cards, and completion of practice exam questions especially during KS4.
  • Students should make use of mark schemes to check any practice papers or exam questions they have completed so that they can identify where they have gained and lost marks - a great deal can be gained from unpicking questions and understanding what marks are awarded for.

Each lunchtime at least one member of the mathematics department is available to help with homework where necessary.   Mathematics staff are happy for students to ask for help with any particular topic or problem that they are having difficulties with.  We have an open door policy where students can seek support if they feel they need to.

On a Wednesday after school, for about an hour and on a Wednesday lunchtime students can come to the maths department with any specific difficulties that they may be having with a topic in order to get some advice and extra guidance.

A maths logical thinking games club is available for Year 7 and Year 8 students to attend one lunchtime each week

Some able Year 9 students attend the Quirky Maths club at one of the local colleges (Queen Mary’s College) during the year.    A selection of Year 8 students take part in UK Mathematics Challenge which is a national competition.

Intervention lessons for small groups of students are run as required, in order to support those who need additional help with their mathematics

Further information

For more details, please contact Mr Roll, Head of Mathematics, at: c.roll@testbourne.school