Curriculum

Mathematics

Curriculum intent, implementation, and impact

About the subject

“I’ve always been interested in using mathematics to make the world work better.”

— Alvin E. Roth

Ercall Wood Academy’s Mathematics department are driven to inspire students to be confident in mathematics. We do this by providing a welcoming environment with a curriculum that is designed to develop students’ knowledge, abilities, and problem-solving skills by applying mathematical concepts to a range of real-world situations. This is achieved by consistently reinforcing cross-curricular skills and integrating the five key strands of mathematics: Number, Algebra, Probability, Statistics, and Ratio and Proportion.

Through mastery of these strands, students will be able to break down complex problems into manageable steps, enabling them to solve, reason, and justify their solutions effectively. We encourage students to question both what they are learning and why, fostering a deeper understanding of mathematics. By developing critical thinking and cognitive skills, we aim to prepare students for the challenges of later life, helping them grow into well-rounded, capable individuals.

About the KS3 Curriculum intent, implementation, and impact

We aim for KS3 pupils at Ercall Wood Academy to become fluent in the fundamental knowledge of mathematics. Students are aware of real-life applications of mathematics, and can apply their skills to a range of situations. Our goal is ensure students are confident in their mathematical skills going into KS4.

Our spiral curriculum is designed to embed learning into long-term memory and develop conceptual understanding across number, algebra, geometry, statistics, probability and ratio and proportion. We encourage students to break problems into smaller steps to allow them to rapidly recall and apply knowledge accurately. We provide students with regular challenge in lessons and opportunities to further their learning outside of the classroom. Students’ understanding is checked throughout lessons using a range of techniques. We have dedicated problem solving lessons once a fortnight which allow students to explore financial mathematics amongst other topics.

Students know they can succeed in maths with the help of a dedicated and hard working team within the Mathematics department. We aim to inspire students to appreciate how mathematics is used daily in a variety of settings and careers.

At Ercall Wood Academy we use Sparx homework which is designed to enable students build a solid foundation in mathematics and achieve their full potential. Sparx does this by encouraging students to achieve 100% completion in the homework and by delivering personalised questions.

Homework is set every Thursday and is based on topics taught in lessons. Homework is to be completed online and the outcomes of the homework are then used in lessons.

Our mathematicians are entered for the UK maths challenge in years 7 and 8 which could lead to competing nationally.

Maths is an essential life skill and is often required for many post 16 courses and future careers. Maths can help students progress onto A-level Maths, engineering courses, education courses, health courses, apprenticeships and T-levels.

Mathematics is fundamental to many careers including:

Medical Statistician

Accountant

Environmental Statistician

Science Librarian

Data Analyst

Sports Statistician

Research Associate

Mathematical Biologist

Engineer

Pilot

Economist

Science Writer/Journalist

Astronomer

Games designer

Physicist

Data Scientist

Climate Change Scientist

Teacher

Financial Planner

Health Informatics Specialist

Meteorologist

Cryptographer

Nuclear Scientist

Computational Scientist

Business Analyst

Project Manager

Banker

Auditor

Mathematician

Investment Analyst

More careers can be found at: Careers Archives – Maths Careers

About the KS4 Curriculum intent, implementation, and impact

Our key stage 4 pupils build on their previous knowledge to further develop their fluency, mathematical reasoning and competence in solving increasingly difficult problems. We aim to deliver engaging, yet challenging lessons, that with the correct amount of support, allow students to achieve success every lesson.

Key stage 4 students are entered onto the AQA GCSE qualification. Our curriculum is regularly assessed to ensure we provide the highest quality level of challenge, metacognition and literacy without our lessons. Students are assessed after each unit and quality feedback provided with the intention of closing any gaps. Students’ understanding is checked throughout lessons using a range of techniques. We have dedicated problem solving lessons once a fortnight which allow students to explore the application of their mathematical skills.

We currently have one of the highest uptakes of Further Mathematics in the county so we know our students recognise the high standards of teaching within the department and can Our results have been improving for the previous 2 years and we indent to continue with this pattern. We aim to inspire students to see the wider uses of mathematics and aim to look into A level maths or a career in mathematics.

At Ercall Wood Academy we use Sparx homework which is designed to enable students build a solid foundation in mathematics and achieve their full potential. Sparx does this by encouraging students to achieve 100% completion in the homework and by delivering personalised questions.

Homework is set every Thursday and is based on topics taught in lessons. Homework is to be completed online, and the outcomes of the homework are then used in lessons.

Key stage 4 will also be given written homework based on past papers to aid revision.

We currently run a very successful Further Mathematics GCSE which is delivered after school once a week.

The Further Mathematics pupils also attend a Maths inspiration face-to-face show in Birmingham.

Our brightest mathematicians are entered for the UK maths challenge in year 10 which could lead onto competing nationally.

Maths is an essential life skill and is often required for many post 16 courses and future careers. Maths can help students progress onto A-level Maths, engineering courses, education courses, health courses, apprenticeships and T-levels.

Mathematics is fundamental to many careers including:

Medical Statistician

Accountant

Environmental Statistician

Science Librarian

Data Analyst

Sports Statistician

Research Associate

Mathematical Biologist

Engineer

Pilot

Economist

Science Writer/Journalist

Astronomer

Games designer

Physicist

Data Scientist

Climate Change Scientist

Teacher

Financial Planner

Health Informatics Specialist

Meteorologist

Cryptographer

Nuclear Scientist

Computational Scientist

Business Analyst

Project Manager

Banker

Auditor

Mathematician

Investment Analyst

More careers can be found at: Careers Archives – Maths Careers