Mathematics
<<SPACE>>
OUR
AIM
Maths is fundamental to everyday life. It is essential in many aspects of life, culture, science and society; and a driving force for the world we live in. By providing a high-quality mathematics education, we are preparing our students to have a sound understanding of the world we live in.
The faculty, led by Mrs Daglish, consists of eleven mathematics specialist teachers, including an Assistant Director of Mathematics and two Lead Practitioners with a wealth of knowledge and experience.
The mathematics faculty has eight dedicated classrooms, with a range of high quality resources, including interactive whiteboards.
Mrs R Daglish
Head of Mathematics
Through our planning and teaching we aim to instil a ‘can do’ attitude by ensuring we provide our students with the knowledge and skills to make them successful. We want to develop students who are fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, who have enthusiasm for learning and a desire to deepen their knowledge and understanding. We want for our students to leave us with high aspirations, combining independent risk taking with collective curiosity. Whatever their next step in education, we want for students to choose mathematics to play a major part in this.
Through our curriculum provision we want to develop students who:
are confident and enthusiastic in their mathematical thinking, knowledge and application
are fully equipped in their mathematical knowledge and skill sets to continue their learning at the next stage
are highly successful in their GCSE outcomes and fully reach their potential in mathematical qualifications regardless of background, prior learning or individual need.
become creative, adaptable, determined and inquisitive independent learners
have the willingness to take risks and understand the importance of learning from mistakes
become fluent in seeing number patterns and using increasingly complex forms of number operations
recognise scale factors, proportionality and multiplicative relationships
can express mathematical ideas and concepts through algebra
can generalise when considering mathematical concepts
can communicate and reason their ideas through mathematical language and sequences of logical steps
actively engage in problem solving using a range of mathematical methods and techniques.
are able to evaluate their answers using estimation and sense checking
strive for accuracy and take pride in their presentation
Our students follow the ‘White Rose Maths’ scheme of work over their five years at Darwen Vale. White Rose Maths is used by a large proportion of primary schools in the area, meaning that we are building on the solid foundations already formed.
The scheme of work is based upon the KS3 National curriculum and aims to develop students’ knowledge in Number, Ratio and Proportion, Algebra, Geometry and Measure, Statistics and Probability, whilst developing their skills in fluency, reasoning and problems solving, preparing them for KS4 and beyond.
Students are placed into sets from Year 7, this allows for their teacher to provide a personalised learning experience. All students will follow the same sow, but at a pace and to the extent most suitable for their ability.
Extended learning is set weekly on Sparx Maths. Students use their Microsoft logins to access this.
In KS4 our students move to follow the Pearson scheme of work, building upon the knowledge skills and understanding from Key Stage 3.
The scheme of work is based upon the KS4 National curriculum and aims to develop students’ knowledge in Number, Ratio and Proportion, Algebra, Geometry and Measure, Statistics and Probability, whilst developing their skills in fluency, reasoning and problems solving, preparing them for KS5 and future life.
We prepare our students for the GCSE in Mathematics with Pearson Edexcel (1MA1). Students will either sit the Foundation tier (Grade 1-5) or Higher tier (Grade 3-9) examination in the Summer of Year 11. The decision of tier entry is not finalised until after students’ final mock in Year 11, but is based on their potential and prior attainment.
At KS5, pupils follow the Edexcel A-level Mathematics curriculum. The KS5 curriculum builds on the foundation laid at KS4, continuing to develop students' understanding of mathematical concepts beyond GCSE level.
The aim of the KS5 Mathematics curriculum is to deepen pupils' passion for Mathematics through; broadening their Mathematical knowledge, enhancing their problem solving abilities and promoting Mathematical communication. Through our KS5 curriculum, we endeavour to give our students the best possible foundation to either; continue studying a Mathematical based subject in Higher Education or allow them to develop in their chosen career path.
At KS3 pupils are taught Chemistry, Physics and Biology in line with the KS3 National Curriculum and the scheme of work has been designed to allow a smooth transition from KS3 to KS4. Pupils will have the opportunity to carry out numerous Scientific investigations and develop their working scientifically skills. Pupils are assessed at timely intervals throughout the year to monitor progress and to ensure that all pupils are provided with the necessary support, and challenge.
The aim of the KS3 science curriculum is to give the students a solid foundation of scientific knowledge and understanding in order to prepare them for their KS4 courses, but more importantly, to ignite a passion and spark a curiosity in the subject. To this end science lessons encourage the students to ask questions, to take risks in their learning and, of course, to carry out practical work.
At KS4 pupils follow the AQA trilogy or AQA separate sciences based on their option choices. Pupils continue to develop their understanding of all three disciplines of science as well as strengthening their understanding of scientific investigations.
The aim of the KS4 science curriculum is to further embed pupils love for science and ensure that they are passionate, confident, and resilient scientists. Pupils will also develop their practical skills whilst also developing their literacy and numeracy proficiency.
At KS5, pupils follow the AQA GCE Science curriculum, with the option to specialise in Biology, Chemistry, or Physics. The KS5 curriculum builds on the foundation laid at KS4, continuing to develop students' understanding of scientific principles and enhancing their investigative skills.
The aim of the KS5 science curriculum is to deepen pupils' passion for science, fostering a deeper understanding of scientific concepts and practical applications. Pupils will develop critical thinking and analytical skills, becoming confident and resilient scientists prepared for further education and scientific careers. The curriculum also emphasizes the development of practical skills, scientific literacy, and numeracy proficiency.