Maths

Maths Key Stage 3

Mathematics is essential to everyday life, critical to science, technology and engineering, and necessary for financial literacy and most forms of employment. A high-quality mathematics education therefore provides a foundation for understanding the world, the ability to reason and generalise mathematically, an appreciation of the beauty and power of mathematics, and a sense of enjoyment and curiosity about the subject. The Secondary Mathematics curriculum at the Dean Trust builds on the National Curriculum whilst following a ‘Mastery’ pedological approach by placing greater emphasis on problem-solving and on deepening pupils’ understanding. We aim to develop fluency in the fundamentals of mathematics, including through varied and frequent “intelligent practice” with increasingly complex problems over time, so that pupils develop the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately as well as conceptual understanding.

Maths Key Stage 4

The KS4 Mathematics curriculum at the Dean Trust is designed to seamlessly move on from and build upon the KS3 curriculum whilst focusing on problem-solving and on deepening pupils’ understanding . Recap and retrieval actiities regularly ensure fluency in the core skills of mathematics. We strive to allow pupils to reason mathematically by following a line of enquiry, conjecturing relationships and generalisations, develop mathematical arguments and proofs and make conclusions based on logical inferences. Our intention is also for pupils to solve problems by applying their mathematics to a variety of routine and non-routine problems with increasing sophistication, including breaking down problems into a series of simpler steps and persevering in seeking solutions. As such, resilience is a crucial skill that we will be cultivating in pupils. Where pupils encounter misconceptions the aim of the curriculum is to enable them to articulate these using correct mathematical language and notation. Pupils also need to be able to utilise technology effectively, such as scientific calculators, to perform increasingly complex problems (as well as having strong written and mental mathematical skills, not instead of). As the repertoire of mathematical skills that pupils possess grows, they become more able to solve increasingly more complex problems. They are more able to apply mathematics to model real life, and unfamiliar situations. Our curriculum prepares pupils for further learning in mathematics and mathematical careers, should they choose that pathway, and ensures that all pupils become functionally numerate citizens.