VISION & AIMS OF THE MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT

Central to the vision of the Mathematics Department at Deer Park is that Mathematics is an enjoyable activity in which all students can participate and succeed. We aim to develop each student’s confidence and achievement in mathematics through regular practice and experience of a variety of approaches and methods. Care is taken to enhance each student’s level of mathematical thought through practical, investigational, oral, written and problem-solving activities which also provides an appreciation of the nature, scope and power of mathematics.

Students are encouraged to use a variety of resources including books, computers, 1:1 devices, calculators and mathematical instruments to enhance their learning. There are also opportunities for individual, paired and group work and students are encouraged to reflect on their learning and progress at key points.

Students are asked to calculate in a variety of contexts and use a wide variety of number forms (decimals, fractions, percentages, negative numbers, etc.)  so that understanding is deepened and procedural fluency is developed.  Students are helped to develop their mathematical communications skills through showing their calculations in a linked way and they are encouraged to justify their reasoning verbally and in writing.

Students who find Mathematics to be a difficult discipline are well supported, with a variety of early intervention offered to students identified as being in need of some extra support.

Mathematics is an integral part of each student’s total education and our aim is for all students to leave us as numerate individuals who are ready for their lives ahead and able to use mathematics confidently and competently wherever the need arises.

KS3

Year 7 and 8 students follow the KS3 National Curriculum.  Investigative skills are developed and accurate use of equipment is practised.  All students follow a 2 year KS3 programme of study, and sit end of key stage exams in May of Year 8.   Students are taught effective use of their own scientific calculators and how to use ICT independently to develop their understanding of mathematical concepts.  Self-study is set via an online platform called Sparx Maths.

Topics covered in Year 7:

Autumn Term:

N1 - Place value, order of operations and calculations

A1 - Algebraic notation, simplifying expressions and brackets

GM1 - Lines, angles and shapes

N2 - Types of numbers, powers, roots, use of a calculator

A2 - Substitution and solving equations

Spring Term:

P1 – Probability

N3 – Exploring fractions and fraction, decimal, percentage conversions

GM2 – Measures, unit conversions and compound measures

A3 – Sequences

S1 – The Vitruvian Man project: Collecting, representing data and calculating averages

Summer Term:

GM3 – Transformations

Revision for Year 7 Exams

N4 - Pandemic! Project: Exploring percentages, ratio and proportion

A4 – Functions and linear graphs

GM4 - World Trade Game: Constructions and Loci

Topics covered in Year 8:

Autumn Term:

N5 – Further calculator skills and exploring decimals

S2 – Applying averages and interpreting data representations

A5 - Integers, powers and roots

P2 - Applying probability and fair games

SP2 – Elf’s Home: Plans and Elevations

Spring Term:

A6 - Sequences, functions and graphs

GM5 - Geometric reasoning: lines, angles and shapes

GM6 – Zoo Project: Perimeter, area and volume

Summer Term:

N6 - Fractions, percentages, ratio and proportion

Revision for year 8 exams

A7 – Formulae, identities and equations

GM7 – Transformations and constructions

KS4

Students begin studying for GCSE Mathematics in Year 9 and follow the Edexcel 1MA1 syllabus. This will be tested with three terminal examinations in June of Year 11.

During the course the students revisit and extend their learning from KS3 in the five main areas of study:

Number

Algebra

Geometry

Statistics and Probability

Ratio and Proportion

Throughout KS4 all students will be given opportunities to develop their skills in applying their knowledge to problem solving and practical tasks.  Additionally, 1:1 devices and online resources will be used to enhance learning whenever appropriate. Self-study is set via an online platform called Sparx Maths.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR AND TRIPS

Our students enjoy a variety of opportunities to engage in mathematics outside the classroom.

KS3 students can use and develop their strategic thinking through joining the Maths Puzzle Club which runs on Friday lunchtimes in room 118. Additionally, KS3 students can use their science, maths and technology skills together in a variety of exciting projects through attending the weekly STEM club.

In years 7 and 8 we offer entry into the UKMT Junior Maths Challenge for the most-able students in each year group. In years 9 and 10 this progresses to the UKMT Intermediate Maths Challenge. We also offer entry to the University of Southampton Maths Challenge to students in years 7-10. The most-able students in all year groups will also be invited to attend Mathletes - a weekly club to develop thinking and reasoning skills through problem-solving activities such as escape rooms and challenges.

Year 8 students have a day off timetable for Cipher Day in the Autumn term - an opportunity to study the history and application of code breaking while competing against their fellow students.  This is supplemented with the opportunity to visit Bletchley Park later in the term, allowing students to see how real-life code breaking shaped the world we live in.

KS4 students have the opportunity to visit The Winton Mathematics Gallery at The Science Museum in London, and 2024 will introduce the first Mathematics trip to New York.

ALL YEAR GROUPS

We run drop-in sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday breaktimes in rooms 117 and 118, where Maths teachers are available to help with any mathematics self-study or with classwork if students are having difficulty with a topic or have missed lessons. 

All students have annual sessions with mybnk to learn how to budget, save and how to finance future life events such as college, University, buying a house, travelling, etc.  Throughout the year, there are a variety of cultural and careers opportunities delivered by the Maths department for all year groups.