“I enjoy the challenge that Maths gives you and the thrill that you get when you solve a problem." (Student from Year 9)
“This year at Bishop Stopford my Maths skills have improved immensely. A year ago I never would have dreamed that I would be where I am in Maths now. The teaching is incredible and really well planned. They make the lessons enjoyable – so much easier to remember.” (Student from Year 7)
Mathematics
Mathematics is “essential to everyday life, critical to science, technology and engineering, and necessary for financial literacy and most forms of employment” (National Curriculum).
Our Maths team has high ambitions for all students, in line with our School's Intent. Our curriculum:
- Is ambitious, academic and knowledge driven;
- Secures students' basic skills and provides the foundation for future success;
- Develops numerate students who are creative, self-regulating and resilient.
We also recognise the importance of students appreciating the sheer beauty of our subject. We want our Maths delivery to be challenging, relevant and fun for all students across the School.
The aims we have for our students are fully aligned with the aims of the National Curriculum:
- Become fluent in the fundamentals of Mathematics;
- Reason mathematically e.g. giving reasons, explaining answers, developing a “proof”;
- Solve problems by breaking down a question and applying their mathematical knowledge.
Key Stage 3
Students' learning builds on Key Stage 2 foundations. There is a high challenge start to Year 7 focussing on algebra. Students are taught in groups and learn at a challenging pace appropriate to their progress levels.
By Year 9, our ambition is for all students to be highly numerate, adept at problem solving and have a confident grasp of the fundamentals
The Key Stage 3 Maths Curriculum Plan can be found at the bottom of this page.
Key Stage 4
Students study for either Foundation or Higher Tier GCSE Maths – both of which are assessed by examinations at the end of the courses. They will sit one non-calculator paper and two calculator examination papers. All students enter Edexcel Linear (1MA1), either at Foundation Tier or Higher Tier.
The Key Stage 4 Maths Curriculum Plan can be found at the bottom of this page.
Enrichment
We offer Maths Help sessions during lunch hours to support students across all key stages in their learning. KS3 is on Tuesday, KS4 is on Wednesday and KS5 is on Thursday.
We also use a variety of online platforms to compliment in-class learning.
Additionally:
- Some students in Years 7 to 10 have the opportunity to participate in Junior and Intermediate Maths Challenges.
- Problem-solving sessions are held for higher tier students in Year 11.
Head of Faculty - Mr D Gay
