Mathematics
Mathematics is a core subject and one which pretty much pervades every aspect of existence on Earth, the universe and beyond. Maths is found in areas as diverse as music, the arts, nature and construction, as well as in all the obvious places you would expect to find it such as science, medicine, finance, engineering, computing, and everyday life. You simply cannot avoid maths – it is everywhere and you are often doing maths without even realising it!
At RTS we have a carefully structured 5 year maths curriculum designed to challenge and engage all our pupils – from those coming to us with very little maths ability, to those looking to really push on and develop their skills from a strong starting point. We use a mastery approach, which recognises that different people learn in different ways, and so caters to all learners through the use of manipulatives and visual aids to learning. This ensures comprehensive in-depth understanding of concepts through exploration, discovery, discussion and debate – encouraging students to articulate their responses to teachers and to each other, actively promoting the constructive challenging of ideas and misconceptions throughout the learning journey.
We feel it is important that students understand the relevance of maths in the modern world and workplace and are able to recognise when and how to apply the skills we give them. Through practical activities, project work and STEM problem solving we encourage our students to discover real world applications as they expand their horizons and develop skills that are not only used across other subjects in school, but recognised and valued by employers, and that they will draw on themselves for the rest of their lives.
Curriculum Content
Assessment Summary
In KS3 and KS4 (years 7-11) all students will complete a feedback task after each block of learning. Each of these will consist of 2-3 questions that will assess students’ knowledge of the topic. This is then marked by their teacher and followed up with a feedback task designed to help fill any remaining gaps in knowledge.
Once per term, students will sit an assessment consisting of a range of questions of the topics taught up to that point. This means the Y10 Autumn assessment will assess topics from Y10 Autumn, Y9, Y8 and Y7. A feedback week will follow each assessment. Students will receive targeted interventions here if they require them.
In Y11, students will sit mock exams instead of the termly assessments. Following these exams, students will be given an individualised list of topics they need to improve on in the form of a QLA (Question Level Analysis).
In KS5 students will complete a mini assessment after each unit, allowing them to identify the gaps in their knowledge and fix them. There will also be formal mock periods for Y12 and Y13.