‘In mathematics…The proportions of students making and exceeding expected levels of progress are above average’ (Ofsted)
The Maths Curriculum at FHS is designed to provide a smooth transition from Key Stage 2 to Key Stage 3 and on to GCSE, for students of all abilities. Our aim is to enhance the learning power, performance and enjoyment of Maths for all. In light of this, in the autumn of 2014 we were invited to join the prestigious Prince’s Teaching Institute. This institute recognises our passion, commitment and innovation in teaching Mathematics and acknowledges our ability to deliver a curriculum beyond examinations.
For year 7 and 8, we teach in mixed ability sets. A common core of work is studied, although resources and content are tailored to the individuals in each class.
Activities undertaken are individual, group and whole-class based, and are across all attainment targets of the National Curriculum. Termly diagnostic assessments are used to monitor students’ progress and results used to inform planning for the class and individuals to target and resolve any weaknesses. All students have individual aspirational targets and track their own achievement against these in every topic area.
Home communication is frequent with all key information on targets, progress, assessment marks and homework record being sent home termly together with highlighted weak areas through our department’s “home” sheet.
Over achievement is recognised and celebrated with assembly awards. In this way we can ensure all students develop their confidence in and enjoyment of Maths whilst enabling them to achieve their maximum potential.
Year 7 and 8:
In 2016 we adopted a Mastery approach with our Year 7s and we felt it was so successful that our Year 8s engage with this approach as well. We now teach using this approach across all year groups. Mastery endeavours to strengthen the foundations laid at Key Stage 2 by focusing on a more in-depth, more cumulative understanding of essential knowledge (negative numbers, times-tables, fractions, ratio etc.…) and skills in mathematics.
Year 9, 10 and 11:
All students begin to prepare for the AQA Linear GCSE, which will be sat in Year 11. Each exam can be taken at a Foundation or Higher level.
Every year, we also run parallel with our GCSE Mathematics programme, Additional Mathematics for our high achievers to ensure they achieve their maximum potential. They will have the opportunity to sit this additional qualification in Year 11 alongside their GCSE exams.
Additional Support
Students may also be supported with one-to-one specialist support. ‘Twilight’ and tutor-time classes are provided for students identified as needing extra support. The department has an ‘open – door’ policy for students during breaktimes and after school where maths teachers are available to support their learners who are finding a particular topic or homework challenging.
Gift and Talented learners extend their flare and interest in maths by engaging with The Axioms maths programme and by visiting such places as Bletchley Park, Oxford’s Pitt Rivers Museum and by taking part in national Maths Trust competitions.
KS3 Maths – Home Support
Video Tutorials, Practice Questions with Answers and more…
https://login.mymaths.co.uk/login (school login: fairfieldhigh school password: ******** – ask your maths teacher) – individual logins/passwords are shared individually with learners. If you need this info again, just ask your maths teacher.
https://nrich.maths.org/secondary-lower
https://www.khanacademy.org/math/cc-sixth-grade-math (Yr 7)
https://www.khanacademy.org/math/cc-seventh-grade-math (Yr 8)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zqhs34j (BBC Bitesize KS3)\
GCSE MATHS Home Support
Video Tutorials and Walk Through Questions
https://login.mymaths.co.uk/login (school login: fairfieldhigh school password: ******** – ask your maths teacher) – individual logins/passwords are shared individually with learners. If you need this info again, just ask your maths teacher.
topic based gcse questions
BBC BiteSize – Topic Based Lessons/Activities/Games/Questions
www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/z6pfb9q
Past Papers
Edexcel Past Papers (from 2015) – our exam board is AQA so we would prefer these papers not to be used at home