Mathematics

The Mathematics curriculum at The Catholic High School has been designed to encourage progressive and challenging learning with a heightened focus on depth of understanding and problem solving opportunities.

At KS3 we address the compulsory curriculum requirements in number, algebra, ratio & proportion, geometry & measure, probability and statistics.

Students are taught a depth of understanding making links at every opportunity to how topics will progress when they are seen again.

At KS4 pupils follow the 2 year OCR GCSE course either at Higher or Foundation level. The most able students will also complete a level 2 course in Further Mathematics with AQA.

At KS5 students follow the 2 year Edexcel course in Pure Mathematics, Statistics and Mechanics. Students can also select to do Further Mathematics  A level, which is facilitated by the North West Advanced Mathematics Support Programme.

“Any fool can know. The point is to understand”  – Albert Eistein


Powerful knowledge


Curriculum Intent


KS3

At Key Stage 3, we address the compulsory curriculum requirements in number, algebra, ratio & proportion, geometry & measure, probability and statistics. We recognise that pupils arrive from a wide range of primary schools, so there is some revisiting of KS2 topics for some which is soon expanded and developed into new and more challenging work.  Baeline tests are used to assess KS2 prior knowledge and also for setting purposes.  Pupils are taught with a mastery approach, teaching for understanding, rather than an algorithm.  Interspersed with the teaching are opportunities for project work.  This will highlight real world issues, such as statistics analysis and financial problems which will allow pupils to use a variety of mathematical techniques to solve problems together, as well as linking their maths skills to other subjects.

KS4

Our main focus at Key Stage 4 is the end of Key Stage external assessments. However, the department still wish to develop a love of learning, an enjoyment of Mathematics and give pupils the opportunity for life-long learning.

Pupils will follow three pathways:

KS5

The A Level qualification follows the Level 3 Edexcel course in Mathematics. Pupils follow a two year (assessed solely at the end of Year 2) course in Pure Mathematics and Statistics & Mechanics.  Teachers are strategically placed for subject areas to give pupils the best possible opportunities for success.

Pupils are encouraged to learn independently, working through past papers and further online revision and extensions.

Pupils can also select to do Further Mathematics A Level, which is facilitated by the North West Advanced Mathematics Support Programme. They complete an online course, supported by an online tutor.


Curriculum Enrichment

Some groups participate in the UKMT Mathematics Challenge, which offers our gifted mathematicians the opportunity to demonstrate their problem solving skills in less routine situations. Top set classes also participate in the Liverpool University logic puzzles challenges.

Year 9 are given an opportunity to expand their Mathematical knowledge outside of the classroom on a London trip. Pupils complete a Mathematics treasure hunt based on some of the historic landmarks of London.


Cross curricular integration

Science, PE and Geography – Drawing line graphs, pictograms, pie charts etc are covered fairly early in the scheme to allow pupils to access these skills in other subjects.

Physics – A Level Physics is very similar to A Level Mechanics.  Pupils are able to access their theoretical Mathematical knowledge to help on their more practical Physics questions.


Suggested Mathematics Reading List

– Mathematics of Ciphers by S.C. Coutinho

– An interesting exploration into the different types of codes and CYPHERS used throughout history. It covers the elements of basic number theory, physics (potential of photon money!), statistics (frequency Analysis) and computing.

– Infinity: The Quest to Think the Unthinkable by Brian Clegg

– A chronological biography of the concept of infinity, from Greeks to present day.

– Story of a Number by Eli Maor

– The Emperor’s New Mind by Roger Penrose

– The Mathematical Universe by William Dunham

– The Wonders of Numbers by Clifford Pickover

– From Here to Infinity by Ian Stewart

– The Art of the Infinite: Our Lost Language of Numbers by Robert Kaplan


View Our Mathematics Curriculum Plan >

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