Maths

During their first year at The Abbey School, pupils are supported in consolidating their knowledge and then to develop their skills. They will all have 5 lessons per week.  The main focus is on the three strands of Number; Shape and Measurement and Using and Applying. These are linked directly to our assessment framework. Pupils will be assessed throughout the year and the topics follow the blocks outlined below.
 
We spend time to establish key areas of strength and areas in which they require support. We can then personalise their learning to help them. Where appropriate, we are able to provide intervention for specific pupils who may need additional support.  We have a range of multi-sensory resources, manipulative teaching tools and ICT resources to help make all maths lessons inclusive, accessible and above all fun!    
 
Some students may remain on a topic until they are confident with it and are able to progress. Using and applying maths is essential in helping pupils see maths in real-life situations and maths games are used to foster a positive attitude to maths and to  reinforce skills. Pupils are given homework, once a week, to help establish whether the skills they acquire are achieved independently and without support. 
 
Each week, 3 lessons are devoted to either Number Skills and Arithmetic or Shape and Measurement in turn (so 3 blocks of each over the half term) and the other 2 lessons are devoted to Using and Applying these.
 
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. 

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   

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.