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Maths

Mathematics Curriculum Intent 

Mathematics at The Abbey School offers a broad range of mathematical experiences designed to provide pupils with the understanding, skills and knowledge to deal with everyday situations and live an independent life. Our Mathematics curriculum is tailored to the ability of the individual student with content based on the National Curriculum, Entry level, Functional skills and GCSE qualifications.  

Many of our students start The Abbey with a lower level of mathematical ability than their mainstream peers, but we are committed to help every pupil reach their full potential in the subject. We deliver maths through a range of interactive activities, age appropriate resources and varied teaching styles to best suit the learning needs of our students.  

Our Mathematics curriculum aims to provide students with the mathematical skills, knowledge and understanding to: 

  • use Mathematics in everyday real-life situations, enabling them to be as independent, autonomous and employable as they can possibly be in their adult life. 

  • interpret and analyse information which will enable them to solve problems and make informed decisions. 

  • access studies in the different areas of our curriculum. 

  • enable access to appropriate further studies post 16. 

 

All students’ Mathematical ability is assessed on entry to the school and each student is assigned a level on the Abbey Progress Scale (APS). This informs the Mathematical curriculum learning pathway they will follow through their time at the Abbey. 

Year 7

The aims of the curriculum are:  
 

  • To provide knowledge, skills and understanding of concepts.
  • To develop problem solving techniques and to apply maths to real life situations.
  • To support students towards their transition into Years 8/9
  • To develop independence in their learning.
  • To help students understand their targets and how to help them progress.
  • To make Mathematics enjoyable, accessible and fun. 

 

Year 8 & 9

There are five Maths lessons each week dedicated to strands within the Maths Curriculum. We incorporate problem solving and mental maths skills into lessons to help students apply their knowledge.

The lessons are studied in 4 blocks of 3 weeks each, each term:   

Block 1 covers Number Skills and Arithmetic

Block 2 covers Exploring Geometry 

Block 3 covers Handling Measures and Statistics  

Block 4 covers Understanding and Applying Fractions   

 

Algebra, ratio and proportion are incorporated when all other topics are secure or to extend and challenge some pupils through differentiated teaching.   

The Maths programme is covered over a two-year cycle. In year 2, we reinforce the learning achieved in year 1 to consolidate their knowledge, skills and understanding. Where required, the curriculum is tailored to the individual needs of the child. 
 
The aims of the curriculum are:

  • To continue the enjoyment of mathematics and to consolidate previous knowledge 
  • To continue to develop problem solving techniques and to apply skills to  a range of  real life situations 
  • To develop techniques in solving mathematical problems. 
  • To develop the use of mathematical language. 
  • To acquire the mathematical skills necessary in preparation for future life in the workplace, home or at leisure. 

 
Topics covered over the two-year period:

  • Number and Place Value
  • Addition and Subtraction
  • Multiplication and Division
  • Fractions
  • Decimals
  • Percentages
  • Measurement
  • Geometry
  • Statistics
  • Algebra, Ratio and Proportion   

Year 10 & 11

QUALIFICATION:  Edexcel Functional Skills Entry Level 1 to Foundation Skills Level 1 or 2 GCSE Mathematics (Grade 1 to 9)
 
Functional Skills Maths Overview of content: 

  • Representing by using mathematics - selecting the mathematical methods to use in a situation.
  • Analysing situations mathematically – processing and using  mathematics in different contexts.
  • Interpreting and communicating solutions to problems.
  • Coverage of mathematical content in number, measure  and statistics.
  • Basic calculator skills.

Students are assessed in Years 10 and 11. Students complete written tests that are assessed internally for Entry Levels 1 to 3. Students compete on-line tests for  Functional Skills Level 1: these are assessed externally.

 
GCSE Maths - Welsh Joint Education Committee (WJEC)
 
Students with an aptitude for Maths work within the Foundation Tier covering grades 1 to 5.  These students take the two written GCSE papers in Year 11 (one calculator and one non-calculator).  

The aim of this course is for students to:

  • Develop knowledge, skills and understanding of mathematical methods and concepts
  • Acquire and use problem-solving strategies
  • Select and apply mathematical techniques and methods in mathematical, every day and real-world situations
  • Reason mathematically, make deductions and inferences and draw conclusions
  • Interpret and communicate mathematical information in a variety of forms appropriate to the information and context

The content covers a range of topics: Number, Algebra, Geometry, Measure and Statistics.