Maths

Subject Intent

At The Park we offer access to a range of graded examinations enabling all students to follow a certificated AQA Entry Level course. Students working beyond this level are able to sit Edexcel Level 1 and 2 exams in Number and Measure and Edexcel Foundation GCSE.

In Key Stage 3 (KS3), students' mathematical learning progresses in accordance with the National Curriculum (NC) content, tailored to their individual developmental levels. The curriculum encompasses four weekly lessons covering Number, Measurement, Geometry, Statistics, Time, and Money. This syllabus extends into Key Stage 4 (KS4), with a focus on consolidating subject knowledge alongside the integration of Life Skills instruction—particularly in areas such as time management, financial literacy, travel skills, and measurement.

Our primary objective is to equip all students with foundational numeracy skills essential for achieving the highest possible degree of independent adult living. Practical learning experiences include supervised shopping excursions, where students apply skills related to evaluating value, utilizing both self-service and staffed checkouts, and managing transactions involving payment and change. Additionally, students receive support in planning outings using real-life resources such as bus and train timetables and cinema schedules.

To prepare students for the complexities of the modern world, the curriculum also addresses the use of contemporary payment methods, including credit and debit cards, online transactions, and mobile payment applications.

Mathematical content is delivered through age-appropriate texts and resources, with individualized instruction facilitated by practical activities. Through differentiated teaching strategies, scaffolded support, and explicit instruction in mathematical language, students are enabled to achieve their full potential in mathematics irrespective of their literacy levels.

Curriculum Overview

Year 7

Year 8

Year 9

Year 10

Year 11

How we assess in Maths

All schemes of learning will be assessed through an end of module assessment. 

Maths Age assessments will be carried out in the summer term (for year 11, this will be in the Autumn term).

In year 10, Students will take modules of the Entry Level AQA and some students may take Level 1 Award in Number and Measures.

In year 11, All students will take 8 modules of the Entry Level AQA.Some students may take Level 1 Award in Number and Measures.Some students may take Level 2 Award in Number and Measures.Some students may take the Foundation GCSE.

Enrichment opportunities

At our school, we enrich the Maths curriculum by providing real-life, practical experiences that help students apply their skills with confidence. This includes activities such as shopping and budgeting trips, cooking projects involving measuring and scaling recipes, and enterprise events where students handle money and work out profit and loss. We also make links across subjects, for example using maths in art, sport, and technology, and encourage problem-solving through puzzles, games, and themed maths challenges. Digital tools, coding projects, and data handling activities further build engagement, while special events such as Maths Week, Pi Day, and escape-room style challenges make learning fun and memorable. These opportunities ensure our students see how maths is relevant to everyday life and their future pathways.

How can I support my child with their learning?

1. Encourage Practical Application: Help your child see how math applies in everyday life. Involve them in activities such as cooking (measuring ingredients), shopping (calculating change, comparing prices), or planning trips (reading timetables, estimating travel times).

2. Use Real-Life Resources: Provide opportunities for your child to practice math skills with real materials—coins, clocks, measuring tools, and simple graphs. This hands-on experience reinforces understanding.

3. Promote Consistent Practice: Encourage regular short sessions of math practice at home to build confidence and reinforce classroom learning. Use age-appropriate workbooks, educational apps, or online resources tailored to foundation-level skills.

4. Support Understanding of Mathematical Language: Discuss key math vocabulary and concepts in everyday conversation to help your child become comfortable with the terminology used in lessons.

5. Create a Positive Environment: Foster a positive attitude towards math by celebrating effort and progress rather than just correct answers. Avoid expressing anxiety about math, as this can affect your child’s confidence.

6. Communicate with Teachers: Maintain open communication with your child’s teachers to understand their progress and specific areas where extra support might be beneficial.

7. Use Visual Aids and Tools: Utilize visual supports like number lines, charts, and manipulatives (e.g., counters or blocks) to make abstract concepts more concrete and accessible.

8. Encourage Problem-Solving: Challenge your child with practical problems or puzzles that require reasoning, helping develop critical thinking and application skills.

By engaging with your child’s mathematical learning in these ways, you can help build a strong foundation that supports both academic success and practical life skills.