Mathematics

Mathematics

At Alder, we endeavour for all students to have a positive experience of maths and to feel successful in their learning within our subject. Learning is sequenced to build cumulative understanding across the five areas of maths: Number, Algebra, Geometry, Probability & Statistics, and Ratio & Proportion.  

“Mathematics, rightly viewed, possesses not only truth, but supreme beauty.”  (Bertrand Russell) 

Our curriculum is ambitious and strives for all students to have a secure understanding of the knowledge needed to both succeed in GCSE mathematics, in turn, opening doors later in life, and as a foundation for other subjects that rely in part on mathematical thinking, such as Science, Geography and Technology.  

“Mathematics is a more powerful instrument of knowledge than any other that has been bequeathed to us by human agency.”  (René Descartes) 

To achieve our vision, lessons are planned centrally to a high standard to ensure a consistent experience for students across different teaching staff and on their journey from Y7 to Y11. Lessons follow the Alder Stages of Learning and provide opportunity to develop mathematical thinking through discussion, reasoning and problem-solving.  

 

Mathematics Curriculum at Alder

 

Independent Learning

Students will be regularly recommended independent learning tasks to complete to help them know and remember more.  

All students will be expected to complete a Sparx Maths task each week which provides an opportunity to recall and practice knowledge from the taught curriculum. Sparx contains videos to support students on each skill, self-marks to provide instant feedback and automatically adapts to the level the student is working at. Any queries relating to Sparx should be directed to Miss Rayson.  

Students should also monitor ClassCharts for other independent learning activities such as practice exam papers, pre-learning for upcoming lessons or revision for checkpoints and assessments.  

 

GCSE Examinations

Students at Alder will sit their GCSE maths paper with the OCR exam board. Revision guides and practice workbooks can be purchased through ParentPay in line with the content to be examined.  

The maths GCSE is comprised of three exam papers, two calculator and one non-calculator.  

Students must have their own scientific calculator for their entire time at Alder as these are used frequently in lessons. We recommend the Casio FX-83GTCW model, as this is approved for use in examination. These can be purchased through ParentPay.  

 

Additional Maths

Additional maths is an extra qualification that some students can achieve at the end of Year 11. It is a stepping stone towards studying maths at A-Level and gives students an insight into how maths is taught post-16. It extends learning from GCSE, stretching the most able students, while introducing new concepts which refine previously learned techniques. The lessons are one hour per week after school and aimed at students who have a passion for maths and enjoy a challenge.

The qualification is a Free Standing Maths Qualification – Level 3. This is equivalent to a higher-level GCSE but takes many parts from the mathematics AS curriculum. It is assessed by a single 2-hour exam during or slightly after the typical GCSE examination period. Link to the additional maths specification

 

Mathematics Team