Maths

We teach Maths using the National Curriculum programmes of study and all year groups follow the National Numeracy Strategy.The National Curriculum is divided into 4 key stages:

Key Stage 2 (levels 2 to 5) covers Years 3 to 6
Key Stage 3 (levels 3 to 7) covers Years 7 to 9

We have national standard assessment tests (SATs) at the end of each key stage.

Mathematics topics are divided into 3 attainment target areas

Number and Algebra
Shape, Space and Measure
Handling Data

and the skills of using and applying mathematics is integrated into these areas.

Assessment

Each of our tutors continuously assesses pupils in their group on an informal basis. There are whole year group assessment tests each term which are generally based on the next end-of-Key-Stage test.

We use the results from these formal and informal assessments to form the basis for grouping pupils.

We teach new Year 5 pupils in form groups until they have done their base-line test. The results of this and the record of their achievements in First school determine which group they will go in. Grouping helps to ensure they can work at the pace and in the style best suited to them and enable progress to be made. Changes to the groups can be made if we feel a pupil is struggling, or needs greater stimulus.

Text Books

Years 5 and 6 both use "Target Maths" whilst years 7 and 8 use "Impact Maths". These are supplemented by other schemes such as the National Curriculum Books by Vickers, Ginn, Causeway, SMP and Rayner. We also use other supplementary materials, including ICT, problem solving, practicals and tutor-devised activities.

Revision guides for both key stages can be purchased from the school.

Homework

We give our year 6, 7 and 8 pupils two Maths homework evenings a week; Year 5 get one. Year 7 and 8 pupils get sufficient work for these two sessions at once. All pupils know when their homework is due to be given in. Revision, learning tables and practicing mental strategies are given as homework from time to time, and these are usually followed by a test in class to check understanding and skills.

Homework Booklets

Our Maths homework is published in a booklet containing the majority of the exercises to be set over a period of time. Each pupil gets one - it should be kept at home and returned in good condition at the end of the term or year.

Years 5 and 6 have a termly Trevelyan Homework Book that includes information and activity suggestions for parents.
Years 7 and 8 are given homework sheets linked to their main text book.

Thinking Skills

Year 8 all have an extra Maths lesson each week aimed at developing their Thinking through Mathematics Investigations.

Casio fx83WA

Calculators

We use calculators once our pupils' pencil and paper methods are secure. They are useful for more complex calculations and are required to be used in the second paper of each Key Stage SAT.

We recommend a Casio fx83WA as this is the one we use to demonstrate in class. These can be obtained from the school at a competitive price.

Maths Club

Join our thriving Maths club at lunchtimes where the fantastic game of Numero can be learned, as well as Arithmatix and computer games such as Maths Circus.

We also offer a Mini-Bridge after-school club.

Links with First and Upper Schools

We have regular meetings with First and Upper schools to discuss coverage of the National Curriculum and Numeracy Strategy. We exchange information on pupils to ensure continuity of study when they change schools.

Parental Contact

Years 5 and 6 receive a breakdown of our termly Maths tests, giving targets for the following term.

The National Curriculum includes Level descriptions which we use for reporting pupils' achievements at the end of a Key Stage. Reports are sent home to inform you of pupils� progress within the subject and giving targets for the future.

We encourage you to visit school to discuss progress and to discover more about our mathematical activities.