GCSE Mathematics

Key Stage 4

GCSE Mathematics

Why is the study of Mathematics important? 

 

Mathematics is not about numbers, equations, computations, or algorithms: it is about understanding. – William Paul Thurston

 

Mathematics is an essential discipline in today’s world, from the use of mathematical methods every day to the multitude of professions that use mathematics. Everyone needs some level of mathematical proficiency to understand how to understand data, or to be able to find the steps to solve a problem.

Studying the connections between topics allows students to realise that all Mathematical concepts are related- the connections are endless. This means that studying Mathematics allows students to notice connections, think critically about information and find a way to efficiently solve problems- a skill all universities and employers will find desirable.

Upon entry to Sirius Academy West, students will focus on mastering the key skills from Key Stage 2- building an understanding of the connections and ensuring the component skills are embedded. Too often, students feel Maths is memorising several methods so we show them why each method works and how this links to the fundamental properties of number. The discussions had can lead to a lifelong love of learning, and widen the ability to solve composite problems.

The aim for every Maths lesson taught is to be thought-provoking and full of questions. Physical resources and pictorial representations may be used to show students the nature of the problem, linking concepts to the abstract method traditionally taught. This will help develop the mathematicians of the future.

Mathematics Learning Journey – VIEW

  • What will you learn?

    In KS4, students at Sirius Academy West prepare for their Mathematics GCSE qualification, building upon the strong foundations embedded at KS3.

    All topics from KS3 are revisited and extended, allowing students to focus on embedding the skills learnt and making connections between the topics. Each topic will have a new level, content that was not previously encountered but is now an exciting challenge. Students preparing to sit the Higher-tier assessment will have additional topics that teach algebraic and geometrical skills.

    The focus at this level will be the understanding of mathematical language, clear mathematical communication and the understanding required to check and evaluate working. These skills are essential for deeper study of Mathematics.

     

    GCSE:

    1. FDP Review

    2. Growth & Decay

    3. Probability

    4. Expressions, equations and inequalities

    5. Simultaneous Equations

    6. Ratio review

    7. Direct and inverse proportion

    8. Sequences & Linear Graphs

    9. Pythagoras’ Theorem and Trigonometry

    10. Averages

    11. Quadratic Equations

    12. Patterns in Algebra

    13. Functions

    14. Area and volume of 2-D and 3-D shapes

    15. Charts & Graphs

    16. Indices and standard form

    17. Constructions, congruence and loci

    18. Angles Review

    19. Transformations review

    20. Vectors

    21. Circle Theorems

    22. Algebraic Methods

    23. Further Geometric Reasoning

  • Mathematical Education

    At Sirius Academy West, the Mathematics curriculum makes heavy use of the Mathematics Mastery and White Rose Maths schemes, both highly acclaimed. These schemes use a variety of concrete, pictorial and abstract representations to investigate mathematical concepts and give students questions with variation that allows them to notice patterns and identify procedures. Using the Mathematics Mastery scheme with elements of the White Rose Maths allows us to adapt the topics to be suitable for a wide range of learners that are at different stages in their mathematical journey.

    In every lesson, whether students have the prior knowledge of required component skills will be checked and students who have gaps in their understanding will receive support whilst those who are ready will be challenged with composite questions.

    Through the lesson, discussion will be used to allow for investigation and various representations will be used to allow students to make connections between topics. Questions with variation embedded will allow students to have intelligent practice with support offered where necessary.

    At the end of the lesson, students will complete a short task allowing for identification of misconceptions and for these to be addressed the next lesson- reducing the accumulation of misconceptions that leads to poor understanding of a topic.

     

    Mathematics Mastery: https://www.arkcurriculumplus.org.uk/our-programmes/secondary/mathematics-mastery

     

    White Rose Maths: https://whiterosemaths.com/for-parents/

  • Maths after Sirius Academy West

    The skills learnt in Mathematics are needed every day. Whilst we may spend out lives carrying a smartphone calculator in our pockets, mathematical education is about problem solving, critical thinking and identifying connections far more than knowing how to calculate.  

    These skills will be used in every career, hobby or passion.  

    Students who become passionate about Maths may go on to enjoy careers in Engineering, Architecture, Mechanics, Research, Astrophysics,, Data Science or a range of other subjects. Mathematics is often required study for Medicine, Computing, Engineering and some Science programmes at University. 

Student Testimonial

I really enjoy solving problems in maths and working in groups to solve challenging questions. Maths is my favourite subject because I always feel proud of myself when I get the questions right.

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