Mathematics is a creative and highly interconnected discipline that has been developed over centuries, providing the solution to some of history’s most intriguing problems.
Maths is essential to everyday life, critical to science, technology and engineering, and necessary for financial literacy and most forms of employment. A high-quality mathematics education therefore provides a foundation for understanding the world, the ability to reason mathematically, an appreciation of the beauty of and power of mathematics, and a sense of enjoyment and curiosity about the subject.
The rationale for how your child will experience mathematics at Beckfoot Thornton is founded on the belief that everyone can, and should, achieve in maths. With mathematics having such magnitude within our world, our aim is to inspire our learner to become confident, resilient, lifelong mathematicians who have the skills required to make their mark in society, whether this is through a career in the mathematical field, or simply through applying mathematical literacy which enables them to enjoy success beyond school.
Enrichment
Pupils in all year groups will have the opportunity to take part in the annual UKMT Maths Challenge, competitions that allow students from across the country to demonstrate their exceptional mathematical skills and expand their knowledge further.
Assessment
There are two tiers of entry for GCSE Maths (Higher and Foundation). Pupils sitting Higher can achieve grades 9 to 3, and pupils sitting Foundation can achieve grades 5 to 1. Final decisions on tiers of entry are not made until Cycle 2 in Year 11, and performance on assessments and within class are used to determine the most appropriate tier of entry for each pupil. Cycle Assessments will use past papers to prepare pupils for success on these exams.
KS4 Specification
Careers
Academic success in GCSE Mathematics, at grade 4 or 5, is a pre-requisite for many post-16 Level 3 qualifications, because of the transferrable skills in problem solving, analysis and critical thinking that it provides students. It is our fundamental aim that pupils leave us able to access the course(s) that they require for their future career. Careers can include:
- Finance and accounting
- Engineering and energy
- Data scientists and analysts
- Science and technology
- Market researchers
Curriculum Overview
| Year | Cycle 1 | Cycle 2 | Cycle 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 7 | Sequences, algebraic notation, equality and equivalence, place value, fractions, decimals and percentages equivalence | Addition and subtraction, multiplication and division, fractions and percentages of amounts, directed number | Addition and subtraction of fractions, geometric notation, developing geometric reasoning, number sense, sets and probability, prime numbers and proof |
| Year 8 | Ratio and scale, multiplicative change, multiplying and dividing fractions, working in cartesian plane, representing data, tables and probabilities | Brackets, equations and inequalities, sequences, indices, fractions and percentages, standard index form | Number sense, angles in parallel lines and polygons, area of triangles and circles, line symmetry and reflection, data handling, measures of location |
| Year 9 | Straight line graphs, forming and solving equations, testing conjectures, three dimensional shapes, constructions and congruency | Numbers, circle geometry, using percentages, maths and money, deduction, rotations and translation, Pythagoras’ Theorem | Enlargement and similarity, solving ratio and proportion problems, rates, probability, algebraic representation, polygon geometry |
| Year 10 | Ratio, fraction, decimals and percentages conversions, substitution, place value, factors, multiples and primes, accuracy | Linear functions, addition and subtraction, multiplication and division, fractions and percentages, fundamentals of chance, processes, properties and constructions | Averages and spread, volume, Pythagoras and trigonometry, area, circles |
| Year 11 | Indices, quadratic functions, statistical diagrams and interpreting data, angles, volume, averages and spread | Vectors, congruence, similarity, understanding graphs and functions, processes, properties and constructions | Revision and exam preparation |