Department Leader: Charlotte Knight

The KBA Mathematics Department are dedicated to supporting students’ learning at all levels, offering a wide range of specialisms from basic numeracy to Further Maths.

Mathematics is a very conceptual subject so it is taught in sets. Your child will be placed in a set which is appropriate for their ability. This is based on data from:

SAT tests undertaken during their final year at junior school
Maths baseline assessment

Students are taught in sets for the duration of their time in KS3 and KS4 in accordance with their ability. Setting is reviewed on a regular basis to ensure that each student has every opportunity to make excellent progress.

Key Stage 3

The Scheme of Learning consists of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Lessons are fully differentiated with an emphasis on mastering a skill and being able to apply it fully. Students have every opportunity to aim high and complete tasks at their targeted level. Each KPI is assessed using a Knowledge Assessment – these consist of fluency questions and problem solving. 

Progress is monitored in three ways:

Students are assessed using Knowledge Assessments for each KPI
Cumulative Mid Year assessments
Cumulative End of year examinations.

For example, the Year 8 mid year assessment will also cover topics from Year 7 to ensure knowledge is retained.

Homework

Students are set two types of homework: Hegarty Maths and Sparx

Sparx Homework

Year 7, 8 and 9 students use Sparx which is an online platform. The website sets 60 minutes worth of homework which asks questions on what they have covered recently in lesson as well as consolidating prior knowledge. The website using an algorithm to match the difficulty of the work with the attainment of the students and does provide a tutorial video where needed. The students must show all working in their book and the website will perform book checks where the student entered answers to previous questions to ensure they are being written down clearly and can be referred to. Further information and support can be found by clicking the links below.

Sparx Maths Introduction

How to log in as a Student

How your Sparx book should look

Key Stage 4

During KS4, all students follow the Edexcel GCSE syllabus at Key Stage 4. The GCSE course incorporates all aspects of Mathematics: number, algebra, ratio, proportion and rates of change, geometry and measures, probability and statistics.  It focuses on applying Mathematics in context, problem solving, reasoning and the functional elements of Mathematics, concentrating on the knowledge and applications that are most accessible and relevant. The course is a linear scheme with three exams at the end of Year 11, consisting of 1 non-calculator paper and 2 calculator papers.

During KS4, and alongside GCSE Mathematics, there is an opportunity for selected students to follow additional Mathematical courses.

These are:

Edexcel GCSE Statistics develops skills that students will use in other subjects such as science and geography, and reinforces techniques needed for GCSE maths as well as supporting progression to A level maths. Real-life scenarios will capture their interest and give them an insight into the importance of statistics in the real world.

AQA Entry Level Mathematics provides basic and relevant mathematical skills and can support students who can find it difficult at times to access the GCSE course. The specification is co-teachable with GCSE, to suit students who are studying both qualifications.

The grading for these courses, is as follows:

GCSE Mathematics

This course is a tiered examination with two levels of entry:

•         the Higher tier awards grades 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, (Grade 3 allowed)

•         the Foundation tier awards grades 5, 4, 3, 2, 1

AQA Entry Level Mathematics

To complete the course, students’ complete tasks to show their understanding of key mathematical skills.  Students are then awarded Entry Level 1, 2 or 3.

Homework

Year 10

Year 10 students use Hegarty Maths website which is an online platform. Students are expected to complete at least 60 minutes per week. This would normally equate to making notes from 2 videos and completing 2 tasks. All notes from the videos and working out for the tasks must be completed in their Hegarty book. Each student will have a personal login and watch the video for each task and complete the questions. They can message their teacher for assistance via Hegarty Maths. However, an immediate response is generally not possible.

Year 11

All students must use Hegarty Maths which is an online platform. Students are expected to complete at least 60 minutes per week. This homework is a mixture of making notes and completing tasks as set by the teacher. All homework must be completed in their Hegarty book. They can message their teacher for assistance via Hegarty Maths. However, an immediate response is generally not possible.

Every student is also issued with an exam booklet to complete per term. These are set, and every student has 1 to 2 weeks to complete each paper fully.