Mathematics 

Aim

‘Good Mathematics is not about how many answers you know. 

It’s about how you behave when you don’t know.’

Welcome to the WRA Mathematics department. Our core aim is to provide a broad and balanced Mathematics education that equips all of our pupils with the skills they need for life beyond the Academy. We have integrated problem-solving, reasoning and the use of technology into our curriculum to ensure that our pupils develop not only their numerical and mathematical skills but also resilience, independence and the ability to communicate their ideas effectively.  

Curriculum structure: 

Key Stage 3

Pupils in Years 7 and 8 are set across two half-year groups. They follow either the Extension, Core or Support scheme of learning dependent upon their ability. All schemes of learning include the study of the following:

• Number
• Ratio and Proportion
• Algebra
• Geometry and Measures
• Statistics and Probability

Key Stage 4

Pupils in Years 9 to 11 are set across the whole year group and follow either the Higher or Foundation Edexcel (Pearson) GCSE course.

Both courses require pupils to have the following skills:

• Use and apply standard methods
• Reason, interpret and communicate mathematically
• Solve problems within mathematical and other context

Our schemes of learning include the following five areas of study, which are spread over the 3 year course:

Higher Tier GCSE (grades 9-4):

Number 15%

Ratio, Proportion and Rates of Change 20%

Algebra 30%

Geometry and Measures 20%

Statistics and Probability 15%

Foundation Tier GCSE (grades 5-1):

Number 25%

Ratio, Proportion and Rates of Change 25%

Algebra 20%

Geometry and Measures 15%

Statistics and Probability 15%

The final GCSE Mathematics assessment consist of three written papers, each 90 minutes long. One paper is non-calculator, two papers are calculator.

Homework and Assessment 

In Years 7-10, homework is set weekly and includes a combination of online tasks - MyMaths, Mathspad or Dr Frost - and written pieces of work.

In Year 11, homework is set weekly and takes the form of written, retrieval tasks to build up core skills and methods in preparation for the GCSE examination.

We assess pupils regularly, through classwork, homework, low-stakes tests and formal assessments. In combination, these provide class teachers with an accurate picture of every pupil’s strengths and areas for improvement. Written feedback is provided regularly alongside a SAIL task designed to improve understanding of a particular aspect of the course.

Key Stage 5

The course aims to enable students to:

• Understand mathematics and mathematical processes in a way that promotes confidence, fosters enjoyment and provides a strong foundation for progress to further study.
• Extend their range of mathematical skills and techniques.
• Understand coherence and progression in mathematics and how different areas of mathematics are connected.
• Apply mathematics in other fields of study and be aware of the relevance of mathematics to the world of work and to situations in society in general.
• Use their mathematical knowledge to make logical and reasoned decisions in solving problems both within pure mathematics and in a variety of contexts, and communicate the mathematical rationale for these decisions clearly.
• Take increasing responsibility for their own learning and the evaluation of their own mathematical development.

We follow the Edexcel (Pearson) specification, which includes the study of both Pure Mathematics (67%) and Applied Mathematics (33%):

Pure Mathematics

• Proof
• Algebra and functions
• Coordinate geometry in the (x, y) plane
• Sequences and series
• Trigonometry
• Exponentials and logarithms
• Differentiation
• Integration
• Numerical methods
• Vectors

Applied Mathematics

Section A: Statistics

• Statistical sampling
• Data presentation and interpretation
• Probability
• Statistical distributions
• Statistical hypothesis testing

Section B: Mechanics

• Quantities and units in mechanics
• Kinematics
• Forces and Newton’s laws
• Moments

The final A Level Mathematics assessment consist of three written papers (two Pure, one Applied), each two hours long.

Useful Links

www.mymaths.co.uk

www.drfrostmaths.com

www.corbettmaths.com

www.mathsgenie.co.uk

www.mathspad.co.uk  

Staff within Mathematics: 

Ms A. Scott Subject Leader for Mathematics ascott@westonroad.staffs.sch.uk 

Mr A Clifford Assistant Subject Leader for Mathematics aclifford@westonroad.staffs.sch.uk

Mr M. Culverhouse Teacher of Mathematics mculverhouse@westonroad.staffs.sch.uk

Mr N. Everill Assistant Headteacher/Teacher of Mathematics neverill@westonroad.staffs.sch.uk

Mrs H. Harrison Teacher of Mathematics hharrison@westonroad.staffs.sch.uk

Mrs L. Pringle HLTA Mathematics lpringle@westonroad.staffs.sch.uk

Mrs N Smith Teacher of Mathematics nsmith@westonroad.staffs.sch.uk