Maths
What is Maths?
Mathematics is the science and study of number, structure, space, change and statistics. It is a creative and highly interconnected discipline that has been developed over centuries. In maths, students learn to solve problems through abstraction and logical reasoning. Mathematics is used throughout the world as an essential tool in many fields, including science, engineering, medicine, and the social sciences.
Why do we teach Maths at HASU?
At Harris Academy Sutton our maths curriculum aims to develop students’ mathematical confidence allowing them to become resilient learners who can solve a range of complex problems. We believe that students deserve a creative and ambitious mathematics curriculum that is rich in skills and filled with opportunities to ignite curiosity. We seek to expose them to the importance of mathematics through a universal language which underpins many other areas of the curriculum. Mathematics at Harris Academy Sutton gives students opportunities to become fluent in the fundamental concepts, reason mathematically and build resilience.
How do we teach Maths at HASU?
The maths curriculum at Harris Academy Sutton draws on the interconnected nature of mathematics. Topics are interweaved at every opportunity. Our spiralling curriculum bases future teaching on previously taught building blocks which allows students to deepen their understanding, frequently revisit content and apply their mathematical knowledge to a variety of new contexts. We carefully vary the practice questions so that mechanical repetition is avoided, and critical thinking is required. We believe that frequent and efficient retrieval of key facts and procedures will allow students the fluency and flexibility to move freely between different contexts. Students will be able to connect new ideas to concepts that have already been understood and hence draw out any misconceptions that could occur.
Each Mathematics lesson is designed to fully challenge students while still being accessible to all through differentiated teacher support. Every lesson is carefully planned by the individual teacher, allowing them to implement their own teaching styles and tailor the content of the lesson to the specific class in front of them. Fluency, reasoning and problem solving skills are developed in every lesson. Maths lessons will feature clear modelling, class discussions, assessment, and independent practice. Students will also use calculators regularly in lessons so that they become highly competent at using them effectively.
At each stage of their education, we aim to develop resilient and knowledgeable mathematicians who are well prepared for the challenges of the next stage of their mathematics journey.
How does Maths change at HASU at Key Stage 4?
At Key Stage 4, students study the AQA exam syllabus. This focuses on three key assessment objectives: mathematical fluency, mathematical reasoning and problem solving. Students will learn to apply the knowledge and skills they acquired throughout Key Stage 3 in more complex and sophisticated ways, while also learning a wide range of exciting new topics.
Our curriculum is structured to expose students to the full content of the specification over two years, with the frequent revisiting of the five key strands: number, algebra, ratio and proportion, geometry and statics and probability. In each discipline, students will understand the mathematical processes, apply these to non-routine problems, and reason and argue mathematically. As the course progresses, students will become more confident and resilient problem solvers.
Students will also be formally introduced to GCSE exam style questions and will have the opportunity to develop their exam techniques including common errors and misconceptions, layout and workings, checking answers, mastering using a calculator, command words and how to tackle wordy questions.
What exam board do we study at Key Stage 4?
Students studying Maths at HASU follow the AQA GCSE Mathematics (8300) Specification.
This specification can be found here.
