Within Maths, students follow a mastery scheme of work to ensure core understanding of the underlying principles of mathematics. With such a large number of feeder schools, we have found students are at a variety of levels within their maths education. Many students arriving at Heathfield know a number of ‘processes’ but not necessarily the understanding behind these key concepts. As a result, students find linking topics and problem solving more difficult in later years. This has led to the introduction of a mastery curriculum to enable students to develop a deep understanding of the underlining principles of mathematics, and to be able to apply these skills across a variety of disciplines. Mastery supports pupils from all starting points in exploring and explaining mathematical ideas and developing their own connections, before developing these into a working understanding of key mathematical concepts. Pupils who develop this flexibility of thinking within maths are more readily equipped to meet the demands of the new GCSE curriculum.
Most of the students transitioning from primary school will be familiar with a mastery approach to mathematics, which allows an easy transition into KS3 where the focus is to really deepen their understanding of the key concepts within mathematics and explicitly develop to interwoven links within each of the topics covered. Students are exposed to the relevance of what they are learning through linking other subject matters and real-life contexts.
Within year 9 students begin the transition towards the KS4 curriculum in order to fully prepare students for year 10 and 11. Within year 9 students continue to build upon the skills they have learnt within KS3 with a focus on content and application. Interleaving of topics continues and students start to be exposed to some of the lower order topics within the KS4 curriculum.
Year 10 emphasises ratio and proportion, algebraic sequences, and indices. Students revisit statistics, focusing on sampling and averages, and explore geometry topics like perimeter, area, and volume. Algebra extends to linear, quadratic, and cubic graphs, while number topics include accuracy and bounds.
Year 11 further develops algebra, particularly linear graphs, and revisits ratio and proportion with fractions, decimals, and percentages. Geometry encompasses properties of shapes, angle facts, and Pythagoras’ theorem with trigonometry. Statistics includes sampling, averages, and range, while algebra covers real-life graphs and trial and improvement.
Throughout both key stages, regular revision, assessment points, and DIT (directed independent time) sessions provide opportunities for students to consolidate their learning and assess their progress.
