We believe that the world is ever changing and we are equipping pupils with the skills they will need for a job that probably hasn’t even been invented yet.
Mathematics equips pupils with a uniquely powerful set of tools to understand and change the world.
We therefore aim to develop successful learners who are numerate, creative and enquiring and able to solve problems, as we believe that this is at the heart of mathematics.
All members of the team aim to inspire a love of mathematics encouraging pupils to see the subject in a positive exciting light.
We hope we stimulate moments of Eureka when pupils solve problems, suddenly see connections or have flashes of insight and inspiration.
At KS3 all pupils study mathematics for 4 lessons a week. The curriculum is designed to fulfil the requirements of both the National Curriculum and the Mathematics Framework. Mathematical skills and knowledge are delivered in short units and all pupils study elements of Number, Algebra, Geometry and measures, Ratio, proportion and rates of change, Probability and Statistics.
Pupils take an active role in assessing their own learning and use this as an aid to further inform and plan learning. Students are set by ability and taught in parallel sets.
There is an increased focus in mathematics now on STEM learning (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). Which is why we continue to introduce exciting projects and trips based around this.
We have introduced a Mathematics Mastery approach to our teaching into Year 7, with a focus on developing a conceptual understanding of the mathematics being used by our pupils. Going below the surface to explore and apply ideas enables pupils to truly grasp the concepts they are learning. Pupils use object, pictures, numbers and symbols to represent mathematical ideas and make connections in different ways to solve problems. It is a success that we will continue to build on throughout Key Stage 3.
As a faculty we aim to nurture and encourage all our budding mathematicians. Last year we had a number of business days where local companies such as Intel and Nationwide came into Lawn Manor Academy and ran workshops with our pupils. It was a chance for all our pupils to apply the skills they have learnt in class to real life situations.
We also have strong links with the local primary schools and work closely with these schools to get pupils more engaged and excited about mathematics. Each year Lawn Manor Academy Mathematics faculty enter our pupils in the national Mathematics Challenge and have had some great achievements by pupils.
Our pupils also complete across Swindon with other talented mathematicians from local secondary schools to put their skills to the test. Some of our pupils have also been nominated to work with gifted Mathematicians from all over the country at Mathematics Masterclasses that are held at the University of bath.
We aim to provide a rich breadth of curriculum which is tailored to the needs of the individual and maximises their learning experience. This is evident in our learning pathways in KS4 particularly.
All pupils start the GCSE Mathematics course in Year 9 and complete this in Year 11. The teachers in the Mathematics faculty assess the pupils on a regular basis and identify gaps in knowledge that they will address in the planning of their lessons. Regular exam practise in the KS4 lessons gives the pupils an appreciation of what the questions will look like in their final exam.
Pupils are set vertically over 6 groups. This allows us to hone in on the ability of the pupils and tailor the lessons to the particular needs of the pupils in each class. We are able to have many smaller class sizes in order for pupils to have every opportunity of gaining a Grade 5 or better.
Our detailed question level analysis of preliminary exams allows us to plan our lessons based on gaps in pupil knowledge and equip our pupils with regular up to date revision topic lists. Pupils are directed to appropriate revision resources based on the topics that they need to work on. We provide interventions throughout the year where we identify groups of pupils struggling with the same topic and then address this topic. We also offer support sessions after school daily which are open to all pupils. In addition to this, Saturday sessions and half term interventions are held nearer to the exams to prepare the pupils.
The Maths faculty is well resourced and we aim to used varied and stimulating materials to engage all our learners. We have a suite of specialist rooms all of which have interactive whiteboards & visualisers, enabling us to use active approaches to teaching and learning. We use a range of resources to encourage and develop all types of learners. We provide this in the form of Hegarty Maths, an outstanding resource that provides the pupils with not only practise questions what they are learning in lessons but also video tutorials on how to apply each skill if they need to revise it..
Numeracy
Unlocking Your Potential – Improving your grade in every subject!
As a school we consider pupils’ ability to cope with the numerical demands of everyday life and provide opportunities for pupils to develop their confidence and understanding of these essential Numeracy skills in all aspects of school life, by encouraging pupils in all subjects to:
- handle number and measurement competently, mentally, orally and in writing;
- use calculators accurately and appropriately;
- interpret and use numerical and statistical data represented in a variety of forms.
Lawn Manor Academy is dedicated to raising the achievement of all pupils by seeking to develop their Numeracy skills by consistent and accurate application across the curriculum. As a school we have integrated Numeracy into all subjects and made Numeracy not just a skill pupils use in their Mathematics lessons
