Mathematics
sandbach high school
Curriculum Intentions
Vision
Our Maths curriculum will:
- Foster a love of Maths at all levels: students of all abilities should feed off the passion of their Maths teacher. They must have opportunities to see the beauty of Maths and share in ‘wow’ moments.
- Develop confident problem solvers: we must ensure that students have the confidence to apply their knowledge in new and unexpected scenarios. We will ensure they see the links between different areas of Mathematics and develop an appreciation that problem solving is a transferable skill that will serve them well in other areas of life.
- Highlight the bigger picture: our curriculum must include practical applications of Mathematics. Students need to see where Maths fits in the world including the links with their other subjects.
- Lead to academic success: our curriculum design must lead to significant progress for students of all abilities and inspire students to continue their study of Maths beyond Key Stage 5.
Curriculum Intentions
The Maths department have worked hard to develop a 5 year scheme of work that allows all students to become fluent with their skills and have strong reasoning and problem solving strategies. Whilst developing this we have collaborated with other departments across the school to ensure that students see ‘the bigger picture’. We believe that this approach, combined with passionate Maths teaching, will foster a love of learning for Maths that will lead to all students reaching their potential.
In Years 7 and 8 all students follow the same curriculum which ensures smooth transition from primary school. Lessons are designed using the teaching for mastery approach. In Years 9, 10 and 11 students are grouped based on ability.
In all year groups students sit mini unit tests throughout the course to test their understanding of current topics. Each year they also take two longer holistic examinations which require students to recall prior learning.
Throughout all years homework is set weekly using a combination of written tasks and the Sparx Maths website. In Year 11 the students prepare for their final examinations by using examination paper booklets.
Curriculum Lead
Curriculum Lead - Fiona Fishburne ffishburne@sandbachhigh.co.uk
Key Stage 3
Topics covered according to year group:
Year 7
- Sequences
- Algebraic notation
- Equality and equivalence
- Place value
- Fraction, decimal and percentage equivalence
- Solving problems with addition and subtraction
- Solving problems with multiplication and division
- Fractions and percentages of amounts
- Directed numbers
- Addition and subtraction of fractions
- Constructing, measuring and using geometric notation
Year 8
- Geometric reasoning
- Prime numbers and proof
- Ratio and scale
- Multiplicative reasnoning
- Multiplying and dividing fractions
- Working in the cartesian plane
- Representing data
- Sets and probability
- Probability and tables
- Brackets, equations and inequalities
- Sequences
- Indices
- Fractions and percentages
Year 9
- Number sense
- Angles in parallel lines and polygons
- Area and volume
- Transformations
- Measures of location
- Algebra
- Pythagoras and Trigonometry
- Number properties
- Algebraic representation
Key Stage 4
Key Stage 4
Students following the Foundation pathway will cover the following curriculum:
Year 10:
- Equations, inequalities and sequences
- Angles
- Averages and range
- Perimeter, area and volume
- Graphs
- Transformations
- Ratio and proportion
- Right angled triangles
- Probability
Year 11:
- Multiplicative reasoning
- Constructions, loci and bearings
- Quadratic equations and graphs
- Perimeter, area and volume 2
- Fractions, indices and standard form
- Congruency, similarity and vectors
- Further algebra
Students following the Higher pathway will cover the following curriculum
Year 10:
- Angles and trigonometry
- Graphs
- Area and volume
- Transformations and constructions
- Equations and inequalities
- Probability
- Multiplicative reasoning
- Similarity and congruence
- Further trigonometry
Year 11:
- Further statistics
- Equations and graphs
- Circle theorems
- Further algebra
- Vectors and geometric proof
- Proportion and graphs
Key Stage 5
Key Stage 5
A level mathematicians in Year 12 will study the following topics:
- Vectors
- Quadratics
- Equations and inequalities
- Trigonometry
- Trig identities and equations
- Data collection
- Measures of location and spread
- Representations of data
- Correlation
- Probability
- Differentiation
- Statistical distributions
- Hypothesis testing
- Integration
- Functions and graphs
- Sequences and series
- Binomial expansion
- Graphs
- Circles
- Modelling in mechanics
- Constant acceleration
- Forces and motion
- Algebraic methods
- Exponentials and logarithms
- Variable acceleration
In Year 13 they will study:
- Further sequences and series
- Further binomial expansion
- Radians
- Trig functions
- Trigonometry and modelling
- Algebraic methods
- Vectors
- Numerical methods
- Further differentiation
- Further integration
- Moments
For further information on this course see: https://www.sandbachcollege.co.uk/mathematics/
A level further mathematicians in Year 12 will study the following topics:
- Matrices
- Linear transformations
- Vectors
- Algorithms
- Graphs and networks
- Travelling salesman
- Critical path analysis
- Complex numbers
- Argand diagrams
- Series
- Roots of polynomials
- Volumes of revolution
- Proof by induction
- Algorithms on graphs
- Route inspection
- Linear programming
- Simplex algorithm
In Year 13 they will study:
- Complex numbers
- Further series
- Elastic strings and springs
- Elastic collisions in one dimension
- Hyperbolic functions
- Momentum and impulse
- Polar coordinates
- Calculus
- Differential equations
- Work, energy, power
For further information on this course see: https://www.sandbachcollege.co.uk/further-maths/
Qualifications
We follow the Edexcel specification for GCSE Maths.
More information, including the specification and course materials, can be found here:
https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/mathematics-2015.html
We follow the Edexcel specification for A Level Maths and A Level Further Maths.
More information, including specifications and course materials, can be found here:
https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-a-levels/mathematics-2017.html
We follow the AQA specification for Core Maths.
More information can be found here: https://allaboutmaths.aqa.org.uk/coremaths
Wider Curriculum
Wherever possible we find opportunities to support students and enhance our curriculum:
- Weekly Maths Clinics for all key stages
- Numeracy week and pi day
- Maths practical day
- Maths inspiration lectures
- STEM and Maths competition with local schools
- Form time intervention
- ‘Wider World’ lessons, including mathematical careers talks
Useful Links
Useful links:
- https://welcome.sparxmaths.uk/
- www.mathsppad.co.uk
- www.ttrockstars.com
- www.corbettmaths.com
- www.mathsgenie.co.uk
6 ways to help your child at home:
- Help develop a curiosity for Maths and problem solving; try to find the maths in everyday situations, encourage to explore mathematical careers and courses
- Support them in becoming independent and organised; ensuring they have the correct equipment for all lessons and they complete homework by the deadline
- In Years 7 and 8 encourage students to use TT Rockstars and Mathspad websites; these are aimed securing their numeracy skills
- Support students with using the Sparx Maths website; they can use ‘independent study’ at any time as part of their ongoing revision
- In Years 12 and 13 ensure students are completing their Independent Study packs; the most successful students get into good habits with this as soon as they embark on their A levels
- Encourage your child to enter the weekly numeracy puzzle on Edulink
