Maths is a core subject, compulsory for all students to study to GCSE. A Grade 4 pass in Maths is an essential prerequisite for all future employment and further study opportunities. Mathematics provides the foundational skills necessary for understanding and engaging with various other subjects, including science, technology, engineering, and economics. These skills are crucial for students’ overall academic development and success Math encourages logical reasoning, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. These skills are not only vital for academic achievement but also for making informed decisions in everyday life.

Mathematics teaches perseverance and the ability to tackle complex problems, fostering a mindset of lifelong learning and curiosity. These attributes are valuable in all areas of life.

At Alsop High School, we strongly believe that every student is capable of experiencing success in mathematics. 

Every student has the right to enjoy the benefits a strong mathematical education can offer such as opportunities for further education, career progression and social mobility by preparing students for all aspects of adult life. 

Our maths curriculum prioritises developing student confidence and fluency in mathematics and emphasises the need for students to understand that mathematics requires the application of knowledge and skills in both familiar and unfamiliar contexts. Topics are interleaved from the very beginning of our mathematics journey to embed this approach from the outset. 

We believe all students deserve an ambitious and equitable curriculum which is designed to support them to achieve their full potential regardless of their starting point. Our approach of ‘High Challenge, Low Threat’ demonstrates our commitment to developing deep problem solving and reasoning skills whilst supporting students who struggle to engage in mathematics or have elevated levels of anxiety towards maths. We aim to develop resilient learners whilst ensuring the appropriate support and scaffolding is in place to support students. Teachers ensure this support is in place by carefully planning every lesson to meet the needs of the students in their class. Live modelling, formative assessment and independent practice are crucial elements of this approach and are embedded across every lesson. 

The curriculum we offer recognises and celebrates the connected nature of mathematics, and the hierarchical nature of each of its strands. Building blocks of knowledge are retrieved and new content built upon these to ensure every student has an equitable opportunity for success.  

Therefore, from the very beginning students discover how maths can be used to explain the world around them, exploring the WHY rather than just the HOW. This is further complemented by our enrichment programme exploring the interconnected worlds of Maths and History, Art, Science, Computing and others. 

On entry to Year 7 our curriculum prioritises securing the fundamental building blocks of mathematics by covering key number content. These topics are essential prerequisites to enable students to access future content. Whilst students will have an understanding of this content from KS2, it is important to establish that this knowledge is secure so that students’ knowledge can be deepened further, ensuring all students are suitably challenged. 

Our curriculum leverages the interconnected nature of mathematics. The spiralling nature of the curriculum is designed to help students build a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts over time. This means that students encounter the same concepts at increasing levels of complexity as they progress through their education whilst ensuring they have a solid foundation before moving on to more advanced topics. When revisiting topics, teachers will also identify and address any gaps or misconceptions through ‘Building Block’ lessons.

During years 7-9,  students are introduced to a broad range of mathematical topics. The focus is on developing fluency in fundamental concepts, reasoning mathematically, and solving problems. In years 10-11, students prepare for their GCSE exams. The curriculum continues to spiral, with a greater emphasis on applying knowledge to more complex and sophisticated problems. Students are also introduced to new topics that build on their KS3 learning.

The curriculum emphasises the connections between different areas of mathematics. By seeing how various concepts interrelate, students develop a more holistic understanding of the subject.

The spiralling curriculum is designed to make mathematics more accessible and engaging for students, helping them to become confident and competent mathematicians who are well-prepared for the next stage of their mathematical journey whatever that may be.

We aim to make mathematics enjoyable and accessible for all students. We have a centralised program of lessons which is tailored by our teachers to meet the needs of their individual class, ensuring that every student receives the appropriate amount of challenge to further their understanding based on their learning needs.

  • Interwoven Topics: We ensure that topics are interwoven, helping students see the connections between different areas of mathematics.
  • Spiralling Curriculum: Our curriculum is designed to revisit and build upon previous knowledge, reinforcing learning and aiding retention.
  • Varied Practice: Practice questions are carefully varied to avoid mechanical repetition and encourage critical thinking.
  • Frequent Retrieval: Regular retrieval of key facts and procedures helps students develop fluency and flexibility in their mathematical thinking.
  • Differentiated Support: Each lesson is tailored by the teacher to meet the needs of the specific class, ensuring that all students are challenged and supported.
  • Comprehensive Lessons: Lessons include clear modelling, class discussions, assessments, and independent practice. Students also use calculators regularly to become proficient in their use.

Teachers regularly use formative assessment methods during lessons to check for understanding, address misconceptions and ask probing questions to ensure a deep and rich understanding of the lesson content.

Students are also asked to self-assess their work so they may gain a strong insight into their own strengths and areas they need to priorities for improvement.

Teacher regularly use live marking within lessons and provide support, encouragement and feedback to students in real time.

Furthermore, we regularly assess progress through a series of summative assessments each half term which will contain questions on both recent topics and previously covered topics. This spaced learning retrieval practice has been shown to help students secure and retain learning.

Twice per year students will complete a more in-depth assessment which covers a broader range of topics. Each student is provided detailed feedback from these assessments with a personalised list of topics to inform their future learning.

We use the Sparx learning platform for our Maths homework. Students will complete 30-60 minutes of homework per week (dependent on year group). This will be a blend of topics covered in recent lessons, and spaced retrieval of previous topics. Sparx is a ‘smart’ platform which remembers student responses, identifying areas for support and providing more questions and helpful videos based on individual need – supporting students to achieve their full potential.

We offer a range of enrichment opportunities through after school clubs, enriching and problem-solving challenges, UKMT competitions and school visits.

Mathematicians are highly sought after due to their exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities.  The analytical rigor and problem-solving prowess of mathematicians make them indispensable in these fields and beyond. Their ability to think logically and quantitatively allows them to tackle challenges and innovate in numerous professional environments. These skills make them versatile and well-suited for a diverse array of industries. Here are some key sectors where their expertise is particularly valuable:

  • Finance: Mathematicians excel in roles such as financial analysts, actuaries, and quantitative analysts. They use their skills to model financial markets, assess risks, and develop investment strategies.
  • Technology: The technology sector benefits greatly from mathematicians, especially in areas like software development, cryptography, and algorithm design. Their ability to create and optimize complex algorithms is crucial for developing innovative tech solutions.
  • Healthcare: Mathematicians contribute to biostatistics, epidemiology, and medical research. They analyse data to improve patient outcomes, model the spread of diseases and optimize healthcare operations.
  • Education: Mathematics graduates often pursue careers in education, teaching at various levels from primary school to university. They play a vital role in shaping future generations of thinkers and problem solvers.

Additional industries are:

  • Engineering: Applying mathematical principles to design and optimize systems and structures.
  • Data Science: Analysing large datasets to extract meaningful insights and drive decision-making.
  • Operations Research: Using mathematical models to improve efficiency and productivity in businesses.
  • Consulting: Providing expert advice on complex problems across various industries