Maths
Mathematics is a universal language that enables understanding of the world. It is an integral part of the curriculum. Beyond the study of numbers, shapes and patterns, it also provides important tools for work in fields such as engineering, physics, architecture, medicine and business. It nurtures the development of a logical and methodical mindset, as well helping to inculcate focus and the ability to solve all manner of problems. Attainment in the subject is also the key to opening new doors to further study and employment.
The whole-school curriculum operates at three levels and addresses pupils’ academic, personal and social development. The three individual elements of learning provide a different component to the education of every pupil. Intellectual, personal and social maturity will be the goal of these structured layers of learning at the school. There are three guiding elements which are brought to life in the mathematics curriculum:
- Educational excellence:
- Mathematics’ teachers engender an appreciation of the beauty and power of mathematics and a sense of enjoyment and curiosity about the subject
- Character development:
- Mathematics’ teachers nurture a logical and methodical mindset and help pupils to reason and solve problems.
- Quiet focused mathematical scholarship is also promoted
- Service to communities:
- Mathematics’ teachers promote teamwork and collaboration in the classroom when solving problems.
- Pupils are encouraged to use their mathematical skills in everyday life and recognise how they underpin advances in science and technology
Pupils learn to:
- Become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, including through varied and frequent practice with increasingly complex problems over time, so that pupils develop conceptual understanding and the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately.
- Reason mathematically by following a line of enquiry, conjecturing relationships and generalisations, and developing an argument, justification or proof using mathematical language.
- Can solve problems by applying their mathematics to a variety of routine and nonroutine problems with increasing sophistication, including breaking down problems into a series of simpler steps and persevering in seeking solutions.
The following principles underpin the mathematics curriculum:
- Essential declarative knowledge that outlines the key facts, formulae, conventions and symbols to be learned to secure automaticity.
- Procedural knowledge that outlines the most efficient and accurate methods. There is an appropriate balance between procedures that rely on derivation and those that train recall. It helps pupils to layout calculations and algebraic notation systematically and legibly. It enables them to work in the abstract and to work with accuracy and speed.
- Conditional knowledge that supports atomicity. It links facts and methods before deploying them to problem solving. Pupils are taught to recognise the deep structure of problem solving.
Year 7
Year 7 focuses on finding and filling any gaps from KS2 and establishing a strong grasp of the number line, fractions, and decimals. Introductions to KS3 algebra and shape are gradual, the aim is to slowly build confidence.
Number | Algebra and Proportion | Geometry 1 |
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Geometry 2 | Graphs | Probability & Data |
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Year 8
Year 8 focuses on building on the algebra and shape introduced in Y7. Graphs, sequences, and probability are also explored at higher levels and connections between different branches start to be made. Students are given time to build on declarative knowledge across the many areas of mathematics.
Number | Algebra and Graphs | Proportion |
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Geometry 1 | Geometry 2 | Probability & Data |
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Year 9
Year 9 focuses on developing strong procedural skills on the parts of the curriculum covered so far. Confidence and accuracy in calculation and manipulation are emphasised as well as articulating reasons and linking different methods and ideas. Advanced ideas around ratio and proportion, inequalities and data handling are explored. Reinforcing and using mathematical concepts and notation help build a strong foundation for the higher-level maths to come.
Number | Algebra | Proportion |
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Geometry | Graphs | Probability & Data |
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Year 10
Year 10 focuses on investigating some of the most advanced parts of the curriculum. Higher level trigonometry, surds, quadratic equations and data handling techniques are studied, and intentional time is given to explore concepts in detail. Students begin to articulate ideas mathematically and make links to previous learning clearly.
Number | Algebra | Proportion |
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Geometry | Graphs | Probability & Data |
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Year 11
Year 11 focuses on making and building connections between the different branches of mathematics to help solve high level problems. All topics covered are multi-layered and draw on a strong understanding of many areas of the curriculum. Students are required to communicate mathematically using established notation and ideas as they will in any further study of the subject. Students understanding and knowledge is deepened and there is also a clear focus on the use of the subject in the real world.
Number | Algebra | Proportion |
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Geometry | Graphs | Probability & Data |
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Edexcel GCSE Mathematics 1MA1
Paper 1:
Overview | Focus |
Written examination papers with a range of question types No calculator is allowed 1 hour and 30 minutes (both Foundation and Higher tier papers) 80 marks available |
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Paper 2:
Overview | Focus |
Written examination papers with a range of question types Calculator allowed 1 hour and 30 minutes (both Foundation and Higher tier papers) 80 marks available |
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Paper 3:
Overview | Focus |
Written examination papers with a range of question types Calculator allowed 1 hour and 30 minutes (both Foundation and Higher tier papers) 80 marks available |
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This qualification fills the gap for high achieving students by assessing their higher order mathematical skills, particularly in algebraic reasoning, in greater depth, thus preparing them fully to maximise their potential in further studies at Level 3. It offers the opportunity for stretch and challenge that builds on the Key Stage 4 curriculum and is intended as an additional qualification to the GCSE Mathematics, rather than as a replacement. The content assumes prior knowledge of the Key Stage 4 Programme of Study and covers the areas of algebra and geometry, which are crucial to further study in the subject, in greater depth and breadth. This qualification places an emphasis on higher order technical proficiency, rigorous argument and problem solving skills. It also gives an introduction to calculus and matrices and develops further skills in trigonometry, functions and graphs.
The AQA Level 2 Certificate in Further Mathematics is an un-tiered Level 2 linear qualification for learners who:
- either already have, or are expected to achieve, grades 7, 8 and 9 in GCSE Mathematics
- are likely to progress to A-Level study in Mathematics and possibly Further Mathematics
Number | Algebra | Coordinate Geometry (2D) |
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Calculus | Matrix Transformations | Geometry |
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Our enrichment activities aim to open young people’s minds to the breadth and depth of Mathematics. Our pupils take part in the UKMT maths challenge, where they compete against pupils across the country. The challenge encourages mathematical reasoning, precision of thought and fluency in using basic mathematical techniques to solve interesting problems. Alongside the UKMT we take our best students to compete in universities against the best of other schools in maths competitions.
Our students see the importance of maths and take part in themed days such as Number Day and Pi Day! Where we sometimes hold global maths lessons with external visitors.
Our students are dedicated to their cause of becoming great mathematicians and we want to acknowledge that by taking students on reward trips for the ones who perform best on the SPARX homework platform.
Maths is a subject that opens many doors for pupils. Examples of careers include Data Scientist, Actuary Statistician, Games Designer, Education, Engineering, Business and Finance, Banking, Accountancy, Scientific careers, such as Medicine. Some of the skills we develop in Maths lessons to help pupils prepare for a career in a Mathematical field include:
- Self-management – Readiness to accept responsibility, flexibility, time management, readiness to improve own performance
- Team working – Respecting others, co-operating, negotiating/persuading, contributing to discussions
- Problem solving – Analysing facts and circumstances and applying creative thinking to develop appropriate solutions
Application of numeracy – Manipulation of numbers, general mathematical awareness, and its application in practical contexts
Mathematics:
- Edexcel GCSE Maths | GCSE Maths Specification | Specification: Level 1/2 GCSE (9-1) in Mathematics (pearson.com)
- Sparx Maths | Homework & Revision Platform | sparxmaths.uk/student?s=edenboysschoolbolton
- Corbett Maths | Practice questions by topic | Videos and Worksheets – Corbettmaths
- First Class Maths | Revision | GCSE (Edexcel) | 1st Class Maths
- Maths Genie | GCSE Past Papers and Questions by topic | Maths Genie – Free Online GCSE and A Level Maths Revision
- Maths Made Easy | GCSE Revision | Edexcel GCSE Maths Revision | Past Papers | Tests | Worksheets (mmerevise.co.uk)
Further Mathematics:
- Resourceaholic | Resourceaholic: Certificate in Further Maths
- Corbett Maths | Further Maths – Corbettmaths
- 1st Class Maths | Revision | L2 FURTHER MATHS | 1st Class Maths
- The Maths Society | Video lessons | GCSE Further Maths Revision | welcome (mathsociety.org.uk)