This CRST rationale explains the principles of how we have designed the curriculum for pupils and how these principles underpin how we have selected the things we want them to learn.  

This subject-specific rationale demonstrates how we have selected what we want pupils to learn and how the order has been arrived at so that pupils make progress in their learning.  We have a three–year Key Stage 3 building on Key Stage 2 and leading into KS 4 and 5. 

 

 

Our Vision for Mathematics

We aim to help the pupils at Waseley Hills develop the skills set out in the National Curriculum and to instil an appreciation of Mathematics as a beautiful, creative and highly useful discipline. 

We strive to achieve this by delivering a curriculum and that is Knowledge and Skills based that will aid the children throughout their life enabling them to make the best possible life choices.  

It is the intention of all our Mathematics staff to provide students with the confidence to tackle mathematical problems, apply mathematics to every day situations and also grapple abstract concepts which our modern way of life is dependent on. We believe that mathematics matters, that mathematics is for all and with dedication from our students, they can strive to achieve excellence. 

 

 

The content of our Curriculum for Mathematics 

In Mathematics we have three key stages which aim to build upon the key concepts in KS2 whilst also allowing for gaps in understanding to be addressed. 

Through working with Co-design CRST Mathematics teams, we have designed an evolving, challenging and robust curriculum to meet the needs of all our learners. We believe that all our students are entitled to learn the core fundamental concepts across Geometry, Number, Statistics, Probability, Algebra and Ratio. 

Our curriculum intent has been developed collaboratively with other schools from the CRST and we believe that our version of this fits the needs and entitlements of our students. Through this curriculum is our aspiration to develop expert mathematics students who have a fluent understanding of the fundamental mathematical principles.  

Please see the Curriculum Map for details of topics.

 

Mathematics and KASE

Knowledge and Skills: 

To understand mathematical concepts, you have to be able to apply them. So, Knowledge and Skills are equal partners in our mathematics curriculum. 

For the first year in KS3, we start with Algebra in Year 7 which is a new skill for most students and a part of the curriculum that is interleaved throughout the whole of year 7. This allows students to have a fresh start with mathematics with topics that do not rely too heavily on numeracy. Later through the year, key concepts about number, geometry and statistics are delivered. In Years 8 and 9, these units are built upon using a spiral design that builds on prior learning. 

In KS4 our students are encouraged to become EXPERTS in applying their skills and knowledge to solve problems and tackle abstract ideas. All students in both Higher and Foundation tiers will be taught the key concepts of Number, Algebra, Geometry, Ratio, Probability and Statistics. Students on the higher course will take these ideas to further depth. 

Across all the key stages we want our students to be able to communicate their mathematics by using keyword and correct logic whether through oracy or their written work.  

 

Attributes and Experiences:

To enable our learners to be fluent and proficient in mathematics we want students to have the following: 

Attributes: our mathematics curriculum challenges pupils to develop their resilience and ability to reason. We seek for our students to always try and take risks and reflect from that experience. We want our students to welcome challenge and enjoy the process of hunting down a correct solution. 

Experiences: the curriculum is designed so that pupils will experience tactile “hands on” maths which will help concrete some mathematical concepts and help take mathematics from paper and into the world. 

Following the philosophy of Co-design will enable us to reach our goals with our curriculum and maintain the development of excellent lessons for our students.  

 

Inclusion 

We value inclusion and make sure that all our students are taught the fundamentals of the curriculum across all the key stages. Our KS3 curriculum contains within it the national curriculum plus elements that add further depth to help students enjoy and feel challenged. Through this bespoke curriculum we can help all students improve their mathematical understanding. 

Overview and Assessment Information – ongoing work on this. 

Please refer to the subject Curriculum and Assessment Overview document for an overview of specific topics and assessments.  

Assessment timeframes can be found in the subject Scheme of Assessment.