Maths

Maths will go beyond the calculation of numbers. Students develop problem solving skills, precise communication and mathematical reasoning. Lessons will meet all learners’ needs, allowing them to experience Maths through physical, visual and abstract models.

The Maths teaching team brings a range of backgrounds, experience and interests to Amery Hill. Teachers are always willing to support any student that needs help. ‘Education for life’ is at the heart of how and why we teach Maths: we equip students with the knowledge and skills to use Maths confidently and fluently in adult life.

KS3 Curriculum

Students study the topics of number, algebra, proportion, geometry, statistics and probability. The emphasis is on encouraging students to think; to understand the key concepts, select appropriate Maths and to explain their reasoning. This helps develop secure procedural knowledge.

Students’ progress is assessed through termly tests, building up to a formal end-of-year examination. We use three tiers of test (Consolidation, Foundation and Higher) with the intention that all students get a positive experience, completing tests that are accessible to them.  In addition, students’ understanding of each topic is assessed less formally through the course of each year.

Year 9

In Year 9 we place particular emphasis on the key mathematical skills that are required in other areas of the school curriculum. A focus on percentages, rounding, standard index form, statistics, gradient, Pythagoras's theorem and trigonometry helps students in a range of subjects; most notably the sciences.  Assessment continues as per KS3, although students begin to experience more challenging assessments in preparation for GCSE.

GCSE Study

Students continue to study the key curriculum areas from KS3, although greater emphasis is placed on proportional reasoning and algebraic techniques. The new GCSE requires students to apply their understanding of Mathematics to solve non-routine or unfamiliar problems; as a result lessons are challenging with significant focus on “thinking through a problem”.

Students’ progress is regularly monitored through the use of assessment tests every half-term, with comprehensive internal exams towards the end of Year 10 and around Christmas in Year 11. Students are entered for the AQA 8300 specification, at either Foundation or Higher tier.

Students can include GCSE Statistics as one of their option choices. This builds on the statistics elements covered within GCSE Maths to include greater study of topics including risk, normal and binomial distribution, seasonal variation, standard deviation and much more. This GCSE course is helpful for students who are likely to study maths, business or science disciplines at Sixth Form College and so far has a 100% grade 9-4 pass rate.

The most able students in KS4 may study for an extension course (either the OCR Free Standing Mathematics Qualification in Additional Mathematics, or AQA Level 2 Further Maths). This is partially taught in additional sessions, as well as in lessons. These students are not entered for GCSE early, as the extension courses will develop students' algebraic skills and so can help students convert GCSE grade 7 or 8 into the top grade 9.

Some students may complete the Entry Level Certificate in addition to GCSE.  This qualification has a strong focus on numeracy, and is an excellent way to support students who are aspiring to achieve grade 2 or 3 at GCSE Maths.

Maths results are always among the strongest at Amery Hill, with progress measures consistently well above national figures.