Mathematics
Head of Department: Mr S Ready - readys@wellandparkacademy.com
Our curriculum is designed to ensure that all learners are able to make progress and achieve their full potential in Mathematics. We want all students to leave Welland Park Academy competent in numeracy. They will leave with the skills ready to function in life. Our more able Mathematicians will also be equipped with skills required for post-16 studies e.g. A-Level Mathematics.
Year 7 students will be placed into groups which is most appropriate for their rate of learning. We continuously monitor individual progress in order to ensure that students are in the correct teaching group and are challenged appropriately.
Years 7-9 will learn the same strands of work but more able groups will move on at a faster rate. Students who are less confident will be given more time to consolidate their learning before moving on. GCSE students follow the Pearson Edexcel syllabus. These are differentiated by Foundation and Higher Tier. The schemes are set out to promote confidence, fluency, problem solving and progression.
GCSE students will be entered for the appropriate tier of entry. This will be initially determined at the end of Year 9 but further changes will be made throughout Years 10 and 11.
Assessment details:
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9-1) in Mathematics (1MA1)
Enrichment Opportunities:
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Look out for Miss Aslett’s Monthly Maths Mind Twister!
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The more able Mathematicians will be entered for the Junior and Intermediate Mathematics challenges, with follow on challenges for those who do extremely well. Students will also be able to enter team Maths challenges hosted by other schools in the county.
Resources for GCSE Mathematics students - AMSP
3. Some students in Years 10 and 11 will also have the opportunity to study GCSE Statistics (however spaces are limited). The most able students may also have the opportunity to study for the Level 2 certificate in Further Mathematics (again spaces are limited and is dependent on staff capacity to run the course).
Edexcel GCSE Statistics (2017) | Pearson qualifications
AQA | Mathematics | AQA Certificate | AQA Certificate Level 2 Further Mathematics
4. Students who are considering A-Level Mathematics may be invited back for A-Level taster sessions in the summer term after their GCSE exams.
5. Students will also have opportunities to consider the use of Maths in our local context. For example, students will consider the interest associated with loans, as well as the implications of being in debt. This will be covered within topics such as percentages, but also within specially organised events (e.g. Finance and Problem Solving Days).
Careers in Maths
Most jobs and careers use maths in some way! It is particularly useful in accountancy, banking and finance, management, environmental sciences, construction, engineering and manufacturing, medical technology, and science and research.
As well as the mathematical skills that are learnt, students develop important problem-solving strategies requiring the use of logic, creativity, resilience, imagination, lateral thinking and determination.
