Mathematics
At Brook Green we believe that everyone can actively engage in, enjoy, and make progress in their Mathematical learning. Every student will work on many Mathematical topics, working at their ability level, stimulating their Mathematical curiosity and ensuring they have a firm foundation and understanding of Mathematics,
We have a dedicated Mathematics team consisting of two specialist Mathematics teachers, teachers from other curriculum areas and a specialist Higher Level Teaching Assistant who specialises in Maths intervention work.
We seek to create a supportive learning environment in which we make great use of worksheets, books, websites, games and real–life materials to engage students and help them in a way that best suits their needs and help them not only to reach their maximum academic potential but also to develop a lifelong passion for Mathematics.
Alongside the Mathematics lessons that students attend five times a week there is an extensive interventions programme. All year 7 students are given one to one tuition, once a week for at least 2 terms of the academic year. Other one to one intervention for students from any year group are completed when requested by class teachers. One to one sessions are used for monitoring and assessing student’s progress and for giving them extra confidence in Mathematics. Students can be given work from the teacher to reinforce work being completed in the classroom or it can be of a catch-up nature making sure students can embed knowledge needed in order to progress further. Or it can be of an extension nature which will challenge their abilities further and enhance their enjoyment of Mathematics.
Key Stage 3 Information and Assessment
Year 7 students are given a base line assessment in the September when they arrive. They are then placed by ability into 2 sets. This enables us to deliver the best possible teaching by providing suitably skilled teachers and relevant resources to each classes needs. Years 8 and 9 have 3 classes per year group. Teachers work from easy-to-follow schemes of work that allow students to work in all topics of mathematics, including number, algebra, shape, measuring and data handling. Students are given assessments at the end of each term. Their results are recorded and graded using our bespoke Stages Grid. This allows us to monitor progress and discover any misconceptions students have.
Key stage 4 Information and Assessment.
At Key Stage 4 we follow two Mathematics courses depending on the level that the student is working at. Entry Pathways Mathematics allows students to develop an understanding of how math’s is relevant to everyday life. Students develop a knowledge and understanding of basic mathematical ideas and skills for using and applying mathematical ideas in real life situations. This course is 100% coursework and is completed during Years 10 and 11.
Our GCSE Mathematics curriculum allows students to develop knowledge, skills and understanding of mathematical numbers and concepts, including number, algebra, ratio, geometry, measures, statistics, and probability. Assessments are given at the end of each topic.
This GCSE is graded by the new 9 to 1 system where a 1 represents a pass and a level 4 is equivalent to the old grade C. We currently enter students into the Foundation exam, which consists of 3 exams all of which have a duration of 1 ½ hours.
QUALIFICATION/S: WJEC Entry Level Pathways (all) EDEXCEL GCSE (Majority)
Mathematics Home Learning
It is always important to keep refreshing Mathematical knowledge at home. You can practice times tables, work out the cost of shopping or look for shapes in the natural world. If you are baking or cooking allow the student to measure out the ingredients, workout cooking time and what time to remove from the oven. this will not only reinforce measure work but will show how we use measure and time in activities we do every day. If you are doing any DIY allow your child to help. once again let them measure things. Any sort of painting or floor covering is s great way to show how we use area.
Using maths at home with loved ones can be fun and gives us a small chance to enjoy maths and build up our knowledge and more importantly confidence in the subject.
Websites
There are 1001 websites that promote maths learning. The vast majority of these are excellent and can use interactive games to allow the student to have fun whilst learning. Here are some recommended websites;
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/z6vg9j6 BBC Bitesize.
https://www.mathsgenie.co.uk/gcse.html Excellent site for GCSE revision
http://www.mrbartonmaths.com/students/ Video lessons, worksheets, plus loads more.