All students study mathematics from age 11-16 in KS3 and KS4 with some students choosing to continue with a variety of KS5 Mathematics qualifications after GCSE.  Our team is passionate about Mathematics learning and is committed to supporting all pupils to achieve their highest goals, both in lessons and through extra-curricular opportunities.  

We expect all pupils to achieve their best GCSE result at the end of Year 11 and will go above and beyond to help secure this. The same is true of those students who continue with KS5 Mathematics in Years 12 and 13.  

Mathematics education at Manshead CE Academy is rigorous and will enable students to become independent, resilient problem solvers.  Students’ knowledge is developed through attention to detail in the planning and delivery of lessons, with regular knowledge retrieval to ensure durability of learning. The knowledge and skills acquired by our students will open doors to further educational courses, apprenticeships and, ultimately, the world of work beyond.  

The aim of the KS3 course is to build conceptual understanding via a mastery approach to the learning of mathematics. Lessons are designed to support all learners. Much of Year 7 and 8 focuses on number, algebra, geometry, and ratio as these concepts underpin much of which follows in later years. In Year 9 we build on the key themes from earlier years, and constantly review prior knowledge. The curriculum is designed to allow students access to both foundation and higher content.  

Right from the start in Year 7, we model accurate and concise mathematical language in our classes, and we expect all students to communicate similarly with their peers.  

We develop conceptual understanding through the use of concrete manipulatives, pictorial and abstract representations. Intelligent variation of questions further helps students to build their own meaning.  

In Year 10, we start to consider which GCSE tier is appropriate to each student and tailor the learning to suit, although some students may still move between tiers, even at this late stage. 

Students and parents have the option of purchasing White Rose Maths Practice Workbooks for Years 7, 8, 9 through school reception. These match our KS3 curriculum and are ideal to support students with their independent learning.  

Students and parents have access to Knowledge Organisers on the school OneDrive, allowing parents and carers to support their children in their learning and explore maths in the real world.  

Students have access to the SPARX learning platform to support their learning. This intelligent learning package is used within school and additionally outside of school (encouraging independent learning and knowledge retrieval) and it is designed to be adaptive to the personalised needs of each student.    

Some students can compete in the annual UK Mathematics Challenge in Years 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13.  

Finally, in order to support students who may need help with homework or classwork, we run lunchtime and after-school drop-in Maths Clinics for all years.