Curriculum Intent
 

At GSHS, we want every student to feel confident, challenged and successful in mathematics. Our curriculum is designed to provide an engaging and ambitious mathematical education that equips students with the knowledge, skills and resilience they need both in school and beyond.
 

We aim to develop much more than the ability to arrive at the correct answer. Students are encouraged to understand the mathematical principles behind what they are learning, make connections between different areas of mathematics and explain their thinking clearly. Through regular opportunities to reason, problem-solve and apply their knowledge, students develop a deeper and more secure understanding of mathematics.
 

Fluency is an important part of our curriculum. We support students in developing strong mathematical foundations so that they can recall and apply key knowledge accurately and efficiently, while understanding how and why mathematical methods work.
 

As students progress through school, we encourage them to become increasingly independent mathematicians. They learn to reflect on their work, identify errors and use mistakes positively to improve their understanding. This helps students to develop resilience and the confidence to tackle unfamiliar or challenging problems.
 

Building confidence is at the heart of our approach. We have high expectations for all students and provide appropriate levels of challenge and support to enable every student to maximise their potential.
 

Our teachers use assessment carefully to identify strengths, misconceptions and gaps in knowledge. Where additional support is needed, appropriate intervention is provided to help students overcome barriers and continue to make strong progress.
 

Ultimately, we want our students to leave GSHS as confident and capable mathematicians who recognise the value of mathematics and are well prepared for their next steps.
 

Home Learning
 

Regular home learning plays an important role in helping students to practise, consolidate and retain the mathematics they learn in school.
 

Students in Years 7 to 11 complete weekly home learning using Sparx Maths, while students in Years 12 and 13 use the Integral platform to support their A-Level Mathematics studies.
 

Years 7–11: Sparx Maths
 

Sparx Maths provides personalised home learning which adapts to the individual needs of each student.

Sparx Maths: www.sparxmaths.uk/student?s=georgestephensonhighschool

Students can log in using their individual Sparx username and password. Alternatively, they can select “Sign in with Microsoft” and use the same username and password that they use to access the school IT system.

Home learning is set every Wednesday and is due the following Wednesday. Each assignment includes questions based on recently studied topics alongside opportunities to revisit and consolidate previous learning. As students complete more work on Sparx Maths, the platform is able to personalise their learning increasingly effectively.
 

Sparx Club
 

We understand that there may be times when students would benefit from some additional support with their home learning.
 

Sparx Club takes place every Thursday after school in the library from 3:00pm until 4:00pm, with support available from Maths teachers.
 

Students are welcome to stay for the full session to complete their home learning or simply drop in for help with a particular question or topic. The aim is to make sure that students always have somewhere to turn if they need a little extra support.
 

Years 12–13: Integral
 

A-Level Mathematics students complete their home learning using Integral.
 

Integral: https://my.integralmaths.org/login/index.php
 

Students can log in using the username and password provided by their class teacher.
 

Home learning is set weekly by each A-Level teacher and is closely linked to the topics currently being studied in lessons. Tasks are designed to consolidate classroom learning, develop mathematical fluency and provide students with the independent practice required for success at A-Level.
 

Forgotten Passwords
 

Students in Years 7 to 11 who forget their Sparx Maths password can request a password reset through the Sparx system.

Students in Years 12 and 13 who require their Integral login details to be reset should contact their class teacher.