Subject Leader: Mrs J Barham
Subject Teachers: Mrs H Brown, Mr L Winter, Mr J Cason, Mr S Jenner, Mr C Bethel, Mr S Lewis, Mrs R Rajaratnam, Miss C Mower, Miss L Cracknell, Mrs L Askew
Exam Board: Edexcel
Intent
The intention is to develop students’ mathematical skills and knowledge, through oral, written, graphic and practical work. This should be in a manner which encourages confidence, enabling the individual to apply skills to both every day and theoretical situations in order to find solutions to problems. We aim to develop each student’s ability and confidence to cope with practical aspects of everyday life at work, at home and in social activities.
Implementation
The main areas of study are:-
- Number
- Algebra
- Ratio, Proportion & Rates of Change
- Geometry & Measures
- Probability
- Statistics
At all possible opportunities the students are encouraged to improve their skills in talking mathematically to develop precision, reasoning, articulation and clarity. Practical activity features regularly in classwork, so that techniques can be learned and developed through application to real situations.
Impact
Studying mathematics profoundly effects the lives of students’ by developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills that are essential in both academic and real-world contexts. It fosters logical reasoning and the ability to approach challenges methodically, skills that are transferable to various careers and daily decision-making. It cultivates perseverance and a growth mindset as students tackle complex problems and learn from their mistakes. Beyond academics, mathematics empowers students to understand financial literacy, data interpretation, and technology ,thus equipping them for a rapidly evolving world.
Ultimately, mathematics is not just a subject but a foundation for lifelong learning and informed, effective participation in society.
Maths in Each Stage
Mathematics is a core subject that is studied throughout students’ academic lives. Students gain excellent mathematical developments that underpin the technological and information revolution that has transformed the modern world, and the subject is far more valuable than just an important tool for scientists, engineers, and financial analysts.
Mathematics is the study of patterns and structure. Mathematicians are key individuals in such a wide variety of roles in today’s world because of their ability to think abstractly and to generalise concepts. These skills define the intention of the Mathematics curriculum at Knole Academy. At K3, we follow the Mathematics Mastery Scheme of Work.
We aim for students to become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics and practice with varied, increasingly complex problems over time to develop conceptual understanding and apply knowledge accurately. Students can reason using correct mathematical language to construct arguments and justify them confidently. Eventually, they will become creative problem solvers.
“Mathematics is a more powerful instrument of knowledge than any other that has been bequeathed to us by human agency.” – Descartes
At our most basic level, we all need to be able to understand and apply skills in arithmetic; in our increasingly technological world, this is even now more essential; it is the common language of all disciplines and is the language which technology and computers communicate with us and with themselves.
The GCSE syllabus starts in year 10 and is for all students who must review and extend their knowledge and skills. The course follows the Edexcel Syllabus. The assessments of this subject are in the form of three examinations (two calculators and one non-calculator), sat at the end of the course in year 11. The papers are offered at two levels, foundation and higher. Students will continue to work in the six areas of the National Curriculum. GCSE texts are used to supplement the teaching of key topics that have appeared in past papers.
For our students to develop, they must recognise the value of mathematics, primarily intellectual engagement and development, which will see them into the future with understanding and competency in mathematical knowledge and deductive skills essential in today’s world.
“Mathematics is not just another language . . . it is a language plus logic. Mathematics is a tool for reasoning.” – Richard Feynman
Examination Information
Exam Board: Edexcel
Qualifications: GCSE Mathematics (9-1)
The papers are offered at two levels, foundation and higher.
Paper 1 (33.3%)
Externally assessed. 1 hour 30 minutes. 80 marks.
- Written examination papers with a range of question types
- No calculator is allowed
- Number
- Algebra
- Ratio, proportion and rates of change
- Geometry and measures
- Probability
- Statistics
Paper 2 (33.3%)
Externally assessed. 1 hour 30 minutes. 80 marks.
- Written examination papers with a range of question types
- Calculator is allowed
- Number
- Algebra
- Ratio, proportion and rates of change
- Geometry and measures
- Probability
- Statistics
Paper 3 (33.3%)
Externally assessed. 1 hour 30 minutes. 80 marks.
- Written examination papers with a range of question types
- Calculator is allowed
- Number
- Algebra
- Ratio, proportion and rates of change
- Geometry and measures
- Probability
- Statistics
Enrichment/Extra Curriculum Opportunities
- After school GCSE revision clubs
- Lunchtime homework club
- Maths Interhouse Challenge
- UKMT Maths Challenge
Maths Future Paths
Students can progress further to IB Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or IB Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation.
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