Mathematics

Maths Curriculum Intent

Mathematics GCSE Exam Board: Edexcel

The vision of the FBS Maths department is that all our students leave us with the mathematical knowledge, skills and confidence to support them in being successful in their chosen career path and everyday lives. We also seek to foster an enjoyment of the subject and an appreciation of the power and beauty of Mathematics which pervades so much of the world around us.

In keeping with the national curriculum for Mathematics, we aim to ensure that all pupils:

• Become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, including through varied and frequent practice with increasingly complex problems over time, so that pupils develop conceptual understanding and the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately
• Reason mathematically by following a line of enquiry, conjecturing relationships and generalisations, and developing an argument, justification or proof using mathematical language
• Can solve problems by applying their mathematics to a variety of routine and non-routine problems with increasing sophistication, including breaking down problems into a series of simpler steps and persevering in seeking solutions

The Maths learning journey of our students strives to incrementally build upon prior learning from primary school through a coherent and appropriately sequenced series of learning opportunities providing the appropriate level of challenge and support to all our students.

Our key stage 3 curriculum is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in the fundamental knowledge and skills within each strand of Mathematics. It’s content deliberately favours depth over breadth to allow sufficient time to develop fluency and conceptual understanding upon which all later learning is built.

Mathematical models, visual representations and manipulatives are used to support conceptual understanding whilst fluency is supported through deliberate question practice and frequent knowledge retrieval quizzes. Students are given the opportunity to apply their skills in context and to develop their mathematical reasoning.

In key stage 4 these knowledge and skills are further built upon with more emphasis on problem solving of increasing complexity. Students are encouraged to develop their analytical skills, to make links between different areas of the subject, and to be creative in their reasoning and choice of strategies.

Frequent knowledge retrieval quizzes continue throughout the course to embed learning and final examination preparation includes past paper question practice and a focus on exam technique.

We are ambitious for all our students and have high expectations of what they can achieve. Through building upon prior learning we are committed to ensuring that all students are supported in connecting, deepening and advancing their understanding to ultimately achieve their potential in the beautiful subject that is Mathematics.

Please email Ms Davis at m.davis@friern.barnet.sch.uk if you have any questions regarding Mathematics.