Strategic Lead for Maths: Mrs N. Robinson
Second in Maths Department: Mrs E. Dacres
"The essence of mathematics is not to make simple things complicated but to make complicated things simple."
S Gudder
Mathematics at Scissett Middle School is not just about numbers. It is about having fun investigating mathematical ideas in many different ways. Pupils will have the chance to develop their Maths skills and confidence both in and out of lessons. This includes Maths clubs and regional and national competitions.
Click here to see how British Moral Values are taught in Maths.
Course Content
We follow national guidelines as the basis for our schemes of work. The modules we teach usually last for two weeks with additional time planned in for review and assessment. Pupils will cover work on number, calculations, geometry and measures, handling data and algebra. They will also practise using and applying skills in mathematics in a variety of contexts therefore developing the functional aspect of Maths. We show pupils a range of methods so that they can find one that they can use and understand.
Year 6
In Year 6 Mathematics pupils will cover work on Number, Geometry and Measures, Statistics and Algebra; all subject content is based on the National Curriculum for Mathematics and split into modules. The Year 6 curriculum is taught using a ‘Mastery Approach’, which reinforces pupils’ fluency and develops their conceptual understanding through reasoning and problem solving. Pupils are encouraged to discuss, think and make connections which deepens their understanding.
These modules are:
- Place Value
- Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication and Division
- Fractions
- Position and Direction
- Decimals
- Percentages
- Ratio and Proportion
- Measurement
- Algebra
- Properties of Shape
- Statistics
The pupils will also be given an opportunity to explore aspects of financial mathematics.
Year 7
In Year 7 Mathematics pupils will cover work on Number, Algebra, Geometry and Measures and Statistics. All subject content is based on the National Curriculum for Mathematics and split into modules that will take approximately two weeks.
These modules are:
- Working with Place Value
- Lines and Angles
- Using Factors, Multiples and Primes to work with Fractions
- Introducing Algebra
- The Probability Scale
- Using Measurements
- Formulae, Sequences and Graphs
- Fractions, Decimals and Percentages
- Ratio
- Properties of Shapes and Solids
- Equations
- Transformations
- Representing and Interpreting Data
- Arithmetic modules will also be covered
Pupils will also be given the opportunity complete tasks of an investigative nature and learn about financial issues. Some of the Maths lessons will relate to how Maths is relevant in the world of work and will give them an insight into how Maths is used in different Careers.
Year 8
In Year 8 Mathematics pupils will cover work on Number, Algebra, Geometry and Measures and Statistics. All subject content is based on the National Curriculum for Mathematics and split into modules that will take approximately two weeks.
These modules are:
- Place Value and Properties of Number
- Sequences and Relationships
- Fractions, Decimals and Percentages
- Geometrical Reasoning
- Percentages
- Ratio and Proportion
- Linear Equations: Graphically and Algebraically
- Accuracy with Perimeter, Area and Volume
- Using Averages, Range and Relationships to Describe Data
- Formulae and Equations
- Constructions, Congruence and Similarity
- Probability, Sets and Unions’.
Pupils will also be given the opportunity complete tasks of an investigative nature and learn about financial issues. Some of the Maths lessons will relate to how Maths is relevant in the world of work and will give them an insight into how Maths is used in different Careers.
Classroom Resources
We have a wide range of resources to do this, including: text books, calculators, graphical calculators, computers, interactive whiteboards and practical equipment including Maths games. We use a range of manipulatives in lessons, including Numicon and Cuisenaire Rods.
Organisation
Maths is taught in sets, where pupils are roughly grouped according to the levels they are working at and their potential. This enables the staff to tailor the lesson content to the needs of the group and ensure that all pupils achieve the best they can. We have a team of highly experienced teachers who all work together to provide the best lessons possible. Intervention sessions are available to help pupils who are struggling or who need extra support. All Year 6 teachers have Intervention lessons, so they are able to give extra help to the pupils in their group as necessary.
The Maths setting structure is staggered to ensure that pupils have every opportunity to achieve their potential. We believe that having an overlap between the groups ensures that there are high expectations for all pupils. Pupils in all groups will be taught the same content, but the pace may differ between the sets.
Some examples of our setting structures are shown below.
How do we assess progress?
Whilst SATs and tests are important we don’t regard them as the only way to assess pupils. We assess pupils regularly in class to make our Teacher Assessment judgements. In Year 6, pupils sit a practice SAT paper every term; their scores are tracked and the pupils make progress towards their target. In Year 7 and 8, pupils complete end of module tests which assess the year objectives. There are 28 objectives in Y7 and 30 in Y8. There are a variety of questions on each test, they start easier with ‘Almost’ questions, then ‘Met’ and finally ‘Enhanced’; to achieve the year group standard, pupils should aim to get ‘Met’ on these assessments. Opportunities are given for pupils to have another go at meeting any objectives that they didn’t achieve first time.
How do pupils know how they are doing?
Each pupil receives a progress booklet which is used in lessons so that pupils can track their own progress; they have targets that they are working towards and any assessments or tests are recorded in these booklets. Pupils know how the topics progress in Maths and understand that work covered in Y6 will be built upon in Y7 and 8 with more difficult questions and contexts. Pupils are encouraged to be independent learners and in Y7 and 8 they write their own notes and revision cards; they recap topics regularly with activities built into the schemes of work to review prior learning.
Further extension and enrichment opportunities
Pupils can go to the ICT room during the first half of lunchtime to complete any homework, they can also use the computers to go on MyMaths, TT Rockstars or SATs Companion (Y6). Maths teachers are available at lunchtime should pupils need help with homework.
Competitions and Challenges
Pupils have an opportunity to take part in the UK Junior Maths Challenge, where we have been quite successful over the last few years with pupils from Years 6, 7 and 8 receiving a number of gold, silver and bronze certificates. We usually have pupils who do so well that they qualify for the next round. The Junior Maths Challenge is aimed at pupils in Year 8 or below in England and Wales and is run by the University of Leeds. The challenge involves answering 25 multiple choice questions in one hour and is sat in school under normal exam conditions.
We take part in the Team Maths Challenge, also run by the University of Leeds, where we take a team of 4 Year 8 pupils to York to compete against other schools. We have also had successes competing in local competitions at Shelley College and Honley High School in recent years.
The STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Maths) club is being run again this year, with pupils working on projects involving all the STEM subjects.
Numeracy Mentors
Year 8 Numeracy Mentors help a group of Year 6 pupils with their times tables during AR time; last year there were 19 Numeracy Mentors and around 30 Year 6 pupils. They were given an opportunity to practise the times tables that they struggle with; each Year 6 has a set of cards which they revise from, each one with a different times table on it.
The Year 6 pupils are timed using a stopwatch to see how quickly they can recite a set of times tables, when significant progress has been made they are given rewards and set a harder challenge next time. Progress is monitored using a booklet.
At the end of the school year, the Year 6 pupils will be given a reward for attending and completing their times tables.
Careers in this subject
- Accountancy
- Aerospace & defence
- Automotive
- Biosciences
- Business support services
- Chemicals
- Construction
- Consultancies
- Education
- Engineering
- Environment
- Exploration geophysics
- Financial services
- Food & drink
- Government
- Healthcare
- Insurance
- IT & computing
- Media
- Metals & minerals
- Operational research
- Pharmaceuticals
- Recruitment
- Academic research
- Science
- Telecoms
- Transport/travel
British Moral Values
Click here to see how British Moral Values are taught in Maths at Scissett Middle School.
Resources
If you would like to help your child with their Maths or find ways of helping them to practice their Maths, the following websites are recommended:
For Parents
Oxford Owl
Family Maths Toolkit
For Pupils
| BBC Bitesize KS2 Maths BBC Bitesize KS3 Maths Maths Is Fun Maths Zone Top Marks |
MyMaths TT Rockstars Maths Playground Bar Modelling Help SATs Companion |