Mathematics

Ethos & Values

The aim of the Mathematics Curriculum Area is that students will develop:

• fluency in the fundamentals of mathematics, so that pupils develop conceptual understanding;
• their confidence, self-esteem and enthusiasm within a subject that is regarded as challenging;
• a secure and broad knowledge base that will promote the subject across the school and enthuse students to continue in their mathematical education beyond the compulsory age;
• the ability to think mathematically. This will involve the development and understanding of precision, logic and mathematical creativity and an appreciation of the ways in which mathematics is used;
• their understanding and appreciation of how mathematics contributes to society. This involves the development of knowledge, skills and an understanding of how to prioritise and apply a range of mathematical concepts to situations which may arise in their own lives;
• the drive and enthusiasm to work independently and co-operatively in a variety of forms;
• their awareness of how mathematical knowledge, skills and techniques can contribute to other subjects that they are leaning;
• their abilities to communicate mathematical ideas in an efficient and appropriate manner to a variety of audiences;
• an ability to use mathematics across the curriculum;
• a firm foundation for appropriate further study.

You can expect that the department will:

• All members of the department uphold high expectations of their students and deliver high quality lessons, through differentiated teaching and learning strategies.
• Every student will be provided with the opportunity to maximise their development within the subject of mathematics regardless of their age, ability or needs.
• Enhance the enjoyment and enthusiasm of the subject and raise student attainment through regular and effective monitoring of student performance.

Knowledge & Skills

For students to be able to progress into the next stage of their life or further education they need to develop the functionality of their mathematical knowledge and skills.

Students need to deepen and broaden their knowledge, skills and understanding by developing efficient use of mathematical skills, techniques, competence, creativity, applications and implications, critical understanding, representation and analysis.

• They will develop mathematical communication by solving problems using mathematical methods including ICT.


• They will have the opportunity to undertake mathematical investigations. This aids in developing creative thinking by solving unfamiliar problems, posing questions and producing reasoned arguments.


• They will learn about the historical and cultural development of mathematics.


• They will represent problems using appropriate variables, symbols, diagrams and models.


• They will also learn how to make and justify conjectures and generalisations.


• They will experience a wide range of learning styles from enthusiastic specialist teachers that incorporate a variety of appropriate activities.

Resources & Facilities

Every classroom in the mathematics department is fully equipped with the resources required to deliver excellent lessons. Each room is designed to provide a quality learning environment in which learners can make the level of progress expected of them. Each of the rooms contain state of the art interactive whiteboards and an appropriate selection of educational resources to accommodate the students. All pupils have access to MathsWatch, which is a video resource that describes how to complete and tackle questions across the whole curriculum.

Courses & Qualifications

All students will gain a knowledge base in the following six topic areas: Number, Algebra, Ratio and Proportion, Geometry and Measures, Probability and Statistics. They will also develop problem solving skills in order to deal with the use of mathematics in real life situations.

Key Stage 3

Year 7, 8 and 9 students follow a broad and extensive mastery-based curriculum in order to develop a secure knowledge base to allow for high levels of progression into Key Stage 4.

Key Stage 4

In Years 10 and 11, students continue to develop their understanding. Students follow the Edexcel GCSE course and take a tier of entry appropriate to their ability. Foundation tier covers GCSE levels 1 to 5 and Higher tier covers GCSE levels 4 to 9. They will sit their Mathematics exams in the summer of Year 11.

Learning Outside The Classroom

Students take part in both local and national competitions.

• Cleethorpes Academy working alongside the AMSP (Advanced Mathematics Support Programmme) is a host venue for the Maths Feast Year 10 annual competition which brings groups of individuals from schools from around the area in to compete in mathematics challenges.
• The Southampton University Cipher Challenge is an international, online code breaking competition where students attempt to decipher hidden messages that increase in difficulty as the challenge goes on.
• Students are giving the opportunity to do different trips outside of school to learn how maths works in the real world. This past year they have had opportunities to go and see how a local business is run (Papa’s Fish and Chips), a trip to Silverstone and a trip to an escape room. Upcoming trips are a trip to Manchester City and Cadbury World to see how both these large business use maths.

Revision

Independent learning is encouraged with all year groups. Regular homework is set which aims to develop learning within the classroom. Students also have access MathsWatch in KS3 and KS4 which are online where tasks can be set by the teacher or students can use this as a revision aid. In year 11 we offer after school and lunch time revision sessions which allows students time to develop their exam techniques. Homework clubs are available after school for additional support to all students.

Support and intervention

• All students' progression is carefully monitored. Support and intervention strategies are used when required and most appropriate to the individual student.
• Students are offered consistent support to develop their mathematical skills and confidence through a variety of means: after school revision classes; weekend revision classes and also revision courses provided during school holidays.
• Students that experience difficulties in mathematics are provided with 1-1, or small group, tuition to further support their progression with the subject.

Where Does This Take Me In The Future?

• It prepares students to move into the workplace. The skills developed within the study of Mathematics are amongst some of the most highly rated by employers.
• Mathematics provides skills for life, which is important for all members of a modern society.
• It provides the tools for students to develop skills in a variety of fields including science, engineering, technology, and economics.
• The study of Mathematics enhances students' skills required to undertake a wide range of qualifications and careers.
• Mathematics helps students to think and function independently and to become financially capable.
• It also provides progression into Higher and Further Education. The core status of Mathematics within the education system means that students are better equipped to face their academic or professional career with continuous progression from GCSE. This offers them a wider range of options for their chosen educational and vocational future.