About Maths at New Heights Key Stage 3
Here at New Heights Key Stage 3 , we ensure students of all backgrounds, potential and abilities are valued, included and challenged- with a goal to inspire and expand their futures. Maths is an intrinsic part of the curriculum across all subjects at New Heights Key Stage 3 as we realise the importance of mathematical fluency in everyday life.I love maths!
Subject Content
Many students arrive with the perception they “can’t do maths” by using engaging and inclusive teaching approaches, we’re proving day by day that every child really can love and succeed in this subject!
At New Heights Key Stage 3 we aspire to create a positive attitude towards all things mathematical, we appreciate it can often be an obstacle to those who have previously faced difficulty within the subject and we hope to offer new learning experiences and demonstrate the necessity of mathematical understanding.
Examples of maths in the “real world” are used on a constant basis, depicting the maths skills necessary to work in different industries. Posters are visible within the classroom and around the school emphasising the enormity and benefits of having a secure mathematical understanding and how it can expedite progress in the workplace.
Topics covered in maths include: interleaved starter tasks addressing gaps in knowledge, basic key concepts and fluency within four operations are part of every lesson. Students this term are following an aspirational scheme of work including algebraic thinking and notation, equality and equivalence, place value and proportion, fractions/decimals and percentages and properties of number.
Curriculum Principles
The content strands in maths are; number and algebra, measurement and geometry, and statistics and probability The proficiency strands are understanding, fluency, problem-solving and reasoning.
By using a diverse range of teaching strategies including code breaking, treasure hunts and problem-solving activities all students can improve on their mental arithmetic and lateral thinking skills.
Assessment and Feedback
Prior learning and retention is assessed on entry and analysed using a question level analysis highlighting individual aspects of the curriculum that require practice and further consolidation; core mathematical skills lay a solid foundation for more complicated learning later on.
Each topic block of knowledge is divided into a series of small learning steps, enabling all of our students the opportunity to access content and providing scope to challenge and build resilience simultaneously.
Student work is marked on a regular basis and written feedback is given to help champion the positive aspects and identify any misconceptions that may have arisen enabling early and tailored intervention to our students. Success in this subject motivates students which leads to further success and further motivation; this is the fundamental basis of our teaching.
Building confidence and resilience and supporting our students to leave with both an improved understanding and a willingness to progress their future learning.
Links to Everyday Life
Maths is relevant in almost every aspect of everyday life. From simple money management and financial planning, to estimating and calculating costs associated with projects.
Maths, no problem!