Maths
Mathematics is the exploration of the patterns that make up our world and the intricate and beautiful ways in which they are constructed; numeracy is the means that makes that knowledge useful. Whatever our students do after leaving Le Rocquier, mathematics will be an integral part of their lives therefore, we aspire to help all students to gain a numerical ability that will help them understand and change the world around them.
Our department is passionate about helping every student succeed in mathematics, no matter their starting point. In recent years, we have been proud to see our students' hard work paying off with significantly improved results in Key Stage 3 and GCSE mathematics across the school.
Below, you will find further information about: our curriculum, how we assess pupil progress, how we help your child(s) succeed, and useful websites that can help students progress.
Our Curriculum
As a team, we aim to deliver a Mathematics Curriculum that:
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develops, maintains and stimulates pupils’ curiosity, interest, confidence, perseverance and enjoyment of mathematics.
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develops pupils’ knowledge and understanding of mathematical concepts, principles, methods and vocabulary.
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sets high expectations for all pupils.
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engages pupils as active participants within a variety of approaches to teaching and learning
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develops pupils’ ability to reason logically, investigate hypotheses, classify and prove.
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develops an ability to apply mathematics in other subjects, in everyday situations, and to appreciate the part mathematics plays in the world around them.
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eases the transition for pupils between key stages, ensuring a smooth progression in teaching and learning throughout their time at Le Rocquier.
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explores enrichment opportunities to enhance pupils’ enjoyment of mathematics.
Whilst these are our aims, for a summary of the over-arching topics covered within our curriculum can be found in the following documents:
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KS3 Scheme of Work (see below for a breakdown of what is taught each term)
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KS4 Scheme of Work (to follow)
How we assess your child:
In Years 7, 8, and 9 (Key Stage 3), assessment criteria progression grids help students track themselves against our four levels of proficiency: Foundation, Developing, Secure, and Excelling. To reach a certain level, you need to complete all the statements listed within it, as well every statement on all level(s) below it. In Key Stage 3, we assess students against the Progression Grids through providing them with a variety of mathematic problems that link to the statements covered during that term’s curriculum. These progression grids should be easy to use and understand, but if you have questions, you can always ask your child(s)’ teacher for assistance. You can find a PDF copy of our Assessment Criteria Progression Grids below.
During Key Stage 3, testing occurs approximately every two weeks in Year 7; every three weeks in Year 8; and every six weeks in Year 9. We do our best to adhere to our testing schedule, available below, though occasional changes may occur due to external factors. Before any test at Key Stage 3, revision materials will be made available to students via Satchel.
Towards the end of each academic year, Key Stage 3 students are also tested against a modified GCSE paper; the outcome of which is used in conjunction with our Progression Grids to provide a comprehensive evaluation of each child’s progress that academic year.
Once students reach Years 10 and 11 (Key Stage 4), our assessment becomes more closely aligned with the framework set out by our exam board: Edexcel International GCSE in Mathematics A (4MA1); you will find a link to this specification below. Across Key Stage 4, we use a mixture of teaching and testing materials, based on the PIXL Maths Schemes of Work for Key Stage 4, which has been adapted to best fit our school and our exam board. Our largest assessments at Key Stage 4 will come in the form of past papers, ensuring direct alignment with Edexcel Internation GCSE criteria.
Supporting Your Child:
Within school, we support your child in numerous ways, this includes:
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Strategic Grouping: Students are placed into sets for targeted instruction, so that each group receives a level of challenge appropriate to their needs.
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Targeted Intervention: Through regular assessments, we identify students who may benefit from additional support and create intervention groups to address their specific needs.
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Sequential Learning: Our curriculum builds upon students' prior knowledge, ensuring a cohesive and progressive learning experience.
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Individualized Support: We offer tailored support sessions for selected students in Key Stage 4 to provide personalised assistance.
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Extended Learning Opportunities: After-school revision sessions are available to all Key Stage 4 students, providing additional opportunities for practice and review.
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Dedicated Improvement and Reflection Time (DIRT): We clearly communicate students' next steps during DIRT lessons, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Outside of school, there are many ways in which you can support your child's progress in mathematics. For many students, regardless of their age, revising their times-tables is of paramount importance; in addition to this, you can find excellent mathematics support on the following websites:
As a department, we are committed to providing a comprehensive and engaging learning experience for all students from fostering a deep understanding of mathematical concepts to equipping students with the tools they need to succeed in their examinations and beyond. We believe in creating a supportive environment where all students can thrive, and we encourage parents to partner with us in this journey. By utilising the resources and strategies outlined above, together we can give every student the opportunity to learn, respect, and succeed.