Key Stage 3 - Mathematics

The Maths Curriculum throughout Key Stage 3 is that outlined in the Key Stage 3 Strategy. This has been divided into units of work each lasting approximately two weeks.

The Year 7 Scheme builds on work done during Key stage 2 with more able pupils covering aspects of work taken from the Year 8 scheme and lower groups revisiting Year 6 work. This continues throughout Key Stage 3 with students being moved through the scheme at a pace which best suits their ability. At set point in the scheme of work students are tested and given feedback, related to National Curriculum levels, on their progress.

Students are banded into upper and lower groups in Year 7 using information from Primary Schools and these sets are refined in the light of internal tests, classwork and homework. Lessons follow the structure outlined in the Key Stage 3 strategy with each lesson beginning with a mental and oral activity and ending with a plenary session. Pupils in lower sets are exposed to materials from the Springboard 7 folder in line with DFEE recommendations to target those pupils who have not achieved National Curriculum Level 4.

Students continue to be banded in Years 8 and 9. In Year 9 the scheme of work is compressed in order to complete the Key Stage in time for the SATs in the summer term, allowing plenty of time for revision and exam practice. In preparation for these tests practice is given in using calculator and non-calculator methods, both of which feature as key parts of the Maths SATs. Once the SATs have been completed students begin working on Key stage 4 in order to make a good start towards GCSE.