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The Ramsey Academy

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Maths

"Maths is everywhere"

At Ramsey Academy, we believe mathematics has a wide range of everyday applications and is important to further study post 16 and ultimately to many of the career paths which our students may choose to follow.  Put simply, we believe that everyone can learn and enjoy mathematics, regardless of their background! 

Mathematics is a creative and highly interconnected discipline that has been developed over centuries, providing the solution to some of history’s most intriguing problems. It is essential to everyday life, critical to science, technology and engineering, and necessary for financial literacy and most forms of employment.  A high-quality mathematics education therefore provides a foundation for understanding the world, the ability to reason mathematically, an appreciation of the beauty and power of mathematics, and a sense of enjoyment and curiosity about the subject.

(DfE, 2021)

Studying mathematics helps students connect with the modern world and develops resilience, confidence and independence of thought which will increase the life choices that are available to them once they leave school. 

We follow a broad, balanced and inclusive curriculum, which enables our students to achieve excellence by becoming fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, and encourage mastery over mathematical concepts through well sequenced varied and frequent practice.  Students develop a solid conceptual understanding of the maths that’s been taught before they move onto more complex or advanced material.  

Work in KS3 builds up this core foundation knowledge by giving students access to a toolbox of techniques so that when students transition to KS4, they can apply this knowledge to a host of unfamiliar reasoning-based scenarios and more complex problem solving work: they are able to work out the ‘what do I do’ because they understand the ‘why’ and can recall quickly the ‘how’. 

Our progressive mathematics curriculum will give students the opportunity to: 

  • reason mathematically by following a line of enquiry, conjecturing relationships and generalisations, and developing an argument, justification or proof using mathematical language.
  • Increase their self-confidence, self-efficacy and self-esteem which will result in them being able to contribute positively to the life within our school community, their own local home community and the wider environment.
  • Be on track to achieve or exceed their projected grades 

We believe our students can really understand mathematics if they can: 

  • Describe concepts, ideas and techniques in their own words, by breaking down problems into a series of smaller steps
  • Represent it in a variety of concrete or pictorial ways
  • Explain it clearly to someone who does not have prior knowledge
  • Make up their own examples (and non-examples)
  • Communicate clearly and precisely, and justify, argue and prove concepts using correct mathematical vocabulary 

Our curriculum is adapted for children with SEND needs through physical adaptions such as large print or use of coloured paper; access adaptions such as increased exam time to allow for those who may need additional processing time; and the breakdown of topics to help cognition and understanding. 

Assessments are teacher marked, and the results used to identify misconceptions and gaps in knowledge so that future lessons can be adapted accordingly. 

KS3 

In Yr7 our curriculum builds upon KS2 progress, and by the end of the year, students have a good understanding of key areas such as place value, fractions, directed number and introduction to geometry basics including angles and constructions.  Oracy is supported through choral response of mathematical language. We have a consistent pedagogical approach throughout KS3 and use strategies such as number lines, bar models and multiplication tables to ensure consistency of teaching across all classrooms and to help when progressing onto more complex areas later. 

In Yr8, our curriculum builds upon prior learning through developing algebraic skills, and developing fluency on number proportional reasoning, ratio and standard form.  The key concepts within geometry relating to polygons and angles are explored given a solid foundation for Yr9.  

In Yr9, students develop their fluency and problem-solving skills in topics including sequences, graphs and inequalities, together with more in-depth work in Geometry (covering area, congruence, similarity and right-angled triangles). Pedagogical approaches include the use of consistent strategies (such as ratio tables) across a range of topics, to help students’ cognitive load when new areas are being introduced. 

KS4 

During Yr10 and Yr11, students follow a scheme of work that aligns with the Edexcel examination board’s GCSE syllabus.  This builds on the mathematics studied at Key Stage 3, and is organised under the same headings: Number, Algebra, Ratio, Proportion and Rates of change, Geometry, Probability, and Statistics.   The scheme of work differs according to individual class requirements (Foundation or Higher Tier) and is adapted to allow for subject knowledge gaps of each individual cohort. 

In Y11, students sit three papers, each contributing to 33.3% of the overall grade.  The first paper is a non-calculator paper, and the remaining two papers are calculator papers.  Each paper is 1 hour 30 minutes, and the examined elements consist of Number, Algebra, Ratio, Proportion and Rates of change, Geometry, Probability, and Statistics.  

All students need a scientific calculator as it is an examination requirement.

Subject Resources - Corbett Maths

Corbett Maths     

Subject Resources - Maths Genie

Maths Genie             

Subject Resources - Sparx Maths

Sparx Maths

A Parent's Guide to Sparx Maths

What is Sparx Maths?

Sparx Maths Homework is an online learning platform that creates personalised maths homework for students aged 11-16.

We believe that practice makes perfect, so each week, your child's teacher selects the topics that have been taught in class and we build a personalised set of questions to match your child's current level of understanding.

Our aim is for all children to strive for 100% completion of their homework.

By consistently using Sparx Maths, your child can build a solid foundation in maths and achieve their full potential.

 


How does Sparx Maths make sure difficulty levels are correct?

Our aim is to provide personalised, challenging and attainable homework that every child can complete each week.

We constantly monitor homework and listen to teachers, so we can match your child's understanding. Each question also has a short video tutorial to help your child if they are stuck.

By progressing through each homework on their own, with the support from you and their teacher when needed, your child will have the best opportunity to answer 100% of the questions correctly.

 


How can I help my child with their Sparx Maths Homework?

We believe your child can answer all of the questions correctly in their homework, but we know there may be times when they struggle, so how can you support your child with their homework?

Our top three tips for you and your child when using Sparx Maths...

  • Encourage them to tackle it on their own
  • Nudge them to use the support videos
  • Suggest that they start early to give plenty of time for help if they need it.

 


Why is my child encouraged to do written work as well as online?

At Sparx Maths, we believe that written work is essential in supporting your child's understanding of maths and to help them create positive habits.

We provide bookwork checks to encourage your child to do written work when they're answering questions in Sparx Maths. These checks remind students to write down the question and their working, which is really helpful if they get stuck as teachers can see where they are going wrong.

 

 Sparx Maths Student Videos

 

 

Learning Journey

Learning Journey - KS3 & KS4

Knowledge Organisers

 Downloads

 

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