"Mathematics is not about numbers, equations, computations or algorithms: it is about understanding” (William Paul Thurston.)

Intent

At Magdalen Court School we aim to provide a safe, positive learning environment where our learners feel they belong, can believe in themselves, developing confidence and resilience as learners. We support them to achieve the desired outcomes to be successful in their next steps on the path to the world of work and independence, well-prepared for life and adulthood, who are keen to make a difference to the world they live in.

Maths learning develops our learners’ skills in deduction, reasoning, problem-solving and overcoming challenges, supporting them in their personal and educational development.

Through our Maths curriculum, we aim to enable every learner to achieve their best possible level of accreditation, in order to take the next step on their journey to adulthood. Our intent is that pupils will be:   

• Numerate and able to manage their finances. 
• Able to apply literacy skills to communicate their mathematical thinking.
• Aware of the real-life application of maths. 
• Logical thinkers who can break down problems to solve them. 

Implementation

Our curriculum is designed so that all students learn about similar topics at the same time; the pace at which students move through units, and level of stretch, is dictated by the students and teacher. Differentiated example lesson pathways throughout each unit support staff to ensure every child is supported and challenged.

Pupils receive consistent teaching approaches and assessment processes regardless of their individual needs or pathways; ensuring they enjoy learning in maths, believe in their ability to solve problems and have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

We use a combination of ActiveLearn – Power Maths and White Rose Maths through Key Stage 2 and 3 to ensure that our learners have a well-structured and supported maths curriculum which will enable them to learn at the level that meets their identified next steps.

The White Rose scheme of work has been adjusted to enable multiple levels of learning to take place in any classroom, meaning that each topic can be resourced for multiple levels of learning with ease. We aim to support each learner to make progress through the curriculum areas whilst also filling in any knowledge gaps they may bring with them to our school.

Teachers pre-assess each learner for each new unit, enabling us to establish what prior knowledge the learners bring with them and aim class teaching to complement existing knowledge and gap-fill where necessary. At the end of each unit, post-unit assessment demonstrates progression achieved.

At Key Stage 4 our learners follow a personalised pathway. In Maths this could mean iGCSE, Functional Skills, or Entry level qualifications. We also offer the opportunity to choose an additional GCSE in Statistics, which gives a chance to use Maths in real-life and vocational situations. We have selected these courses as those most likely to support our learners to the best possible level of accreditation.

Impact

We believe our curriculum prepares all pupils to be sufficiently numerate for the mathematics of everyday life, as well as providing the necessary understanding of mathematics for pupils’ educational journey beyond school into Further and Higher Education.

Learner’s accreditations will allow them to progress to the next stage of their chosen path to independence and stage in their lives, be it in further education, apprenticeship or joining the world of work. We aim to provide our young people with the skills necessary in order to continue on their journey to achieve their goals.​

 

Careers in Maths

Learning in maths helps children develop skills in logical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making as well as pure mathematical skills. These skills are valued by employers across many job sectors, including:

• Actuary scientist
• Chartered accountant
• Chartered certified accountant
• Data analyst
• Investment analyst
• Research scientist
• Secondary school teacher
• Statistician
• Systems developer
• Financial manager
• Financial trader
• Insurance underwriter
• Meteorologist
• Operational researcher
• Quantity surveyor
• Software tester