Mathematics
Subject Overview
Mathematics, and the ability to be numerate, are skills that are a necessity for life; we aim to develop these skills. This is done in a supportive environment where students are encouraged to learn from mistakes; where challenge allows students to reach their potential, irrespective of their starting point.
Traditionally, Maths has been taught by memorising key facts and procedures, which tends to lead to superficial understanding that can easily be forgotten. At Wellfield Academy, we believe that students should be able to select which mathematical approach is most effective in different scenarios.
Maths is a journey and long-term goal, achieved through recall, retrieval, exploration, discussion, incremental practice, and challenges through problem solving and applying knowledge. At each stage of learning, students should be able to demonstrate a deep, conceptual understanding of the topic and will be able to build on this over time.
The ‘deep’ and ‘deepest’ levels are what we are aiming for by teaching maths using a ‘Teaching for Mastery’ approach.
Mathematics Subject Staff
Mrs Fitzpatrick | Head of Maths |
Miss Taylor | Teacher of Maths |
Miss Cattanach | Teacher of Maths / Head of Key Stage 3 |
Mrs Pickup | Teacher of Maths |
Mr Benson | Teacher of Maths |
Key Stage 3 Mathematics
At KS3 we follow the ‘White Rose Maths’ scheme of work which has been designed with ‘Teaching for Mastery’ in mind. Each half term is split in to smaller blocks that ensure students spend enough time getting a deep understanding of the work. In addition to this, the scheme uses interleaving topics as a key element. For example, Year 7 starts with algebraic thinking, which is then continually used throughout the year to reinforce and extend their knowledge further.
Key Stage 4 Mathematics
At KS4, we follow the OCR syllabus for Maths. Students are expected to put into practice the skills, and facts, they learned at Key Stage 3 to develop and consolidate their abilities to discuss, interpret, describe and solve problems and present reasoned arguments using mathematics. They will continue to learn topics and skills in: Number, Algebra, Ratio, proportion and rates of change, Geometry and measures, Probability and Statistics. Within these areas there is a greater emphasis on independent and collaborative learning. Students will continue to develop their skills in multi-step and increasingly complex problem-solving questions. The aim is to enable students to meet the rigours of the new Mathematics specification, equipping them to succeed in using Maths in other subjects such as Science, Geography, PE, Technology, as well as in their home, and later, their college, university and work lives.
“Pure Mathematics is, in its own way, the poetry of logical ideas."
Albert Einstein