At St Edward’s, we aim to provide a high-quality mathematics education that provides a foundation for understanding the world.

Curriculum Intent

In Mathematics we have built a curriculum that has problem solving and critical thinking at its heart. We want our students to:

Become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, including through varied and frequent practice with increasingly complex problems over time
Reason mathematically by following a line of enquiry, conjecturing relationships and generalisations, and developing an argument, justification or proof using mathematical language.
Solve problems by applying their mathematical understanding to a variety of routine and non-routine problems with increasing sophistication, including breaking down problems in to a series of simpler steps and persevering in seeking solutions.

In each year at St Edward's, students will study the following:

Number
Algebra
Ratio
Proportion and Rates of Change
Geometry and measures
Probability
Statistics

Mathematics is an interconnected subject in which pupils need to be able to move fluently between representations of mathematical ideas.  The programmes of study are, by necessity, organised into apparently distinct domains, but pupils should make rich connections across mathematical ideas to develop fluency, mathematical reasoning and competence in solving increasingly sophisticated problems. 

As Mathematics teachers, we strive to foster curiosity, cultivate problem-solving skills, and instil a deep appreciation for the beauty and power of mathematical concepts.

Course Contact

Miss Claire Tranter
Mathematics Subject Leader

Key Stage Three

At Key Stage Three, the programme of study builds on Key Stage 2 learning, supported by our close links to local primary schools, and provides stretch and challenge for pupils . Over Years 7, 8 and 9 we introduce new areas of study, in a differentiated manner, to ensure all pupils make progress against the mathematics national curriculum prior to KS4.

In each year students will engage with 10 units spanning the 7 distinct domains of the mathematics curriculum. At the culmination of each unit, students will undergo assessment via end-of-unit tests, providing them with valuable feedback. Additionally, there will be three assessment points throughout the year, evaluating all learning achieved at that stage. At the end of each year the top 12 students for engagement in learning in mathematics are invited on a rewards trip to local place of interest.

Key Stage Four

GCSE mathematics allows you to develop your skills and understanding across number, algebra, geometry, measures, statistics and probability. You will learn about the relationships between these areas of maths and where and how they apply to real-life situations. 

Existing maths knowledge will be expanded and applied to new and more in-depth challenges. You will learn to make informed mathematical assumptions and prove or disprove them yourself. Your problem-solving skills will be honed and improved; skills that are applicable and valuable in many other subjects within school and careers in the future. 

For key pupils Functional Skills Maths will be covered in the first year to support attainment of a grade 4 GCSE. The intent of this course is to equip students with the essential math skills they will need for everyday life. The content of Functional Skills level 1 is synced with the GCSE content, allowing for all pupils to access all parts of the curriculum.

The impact of this course is to help students in developing and refining their problem-solving strategies and building the confidence and skills required to tackle unfamiliar challenges that they will face post school.

Method of Assessment

Exam Board: Edexcel 

External Assessment: 100% 

Examination One - Non-calculator 

Examination Two - Calculator 

Examination Three - Calculator 

Functional Skills Level 1 - 2hrs external assessment

Key Stage Five

A Level Mathematics

A Level Mathematics is a varied and interesting course with a number of real-world applications. It is a versatile qualification, well-respected by employers and a ‘facilitating’ subject for entry to higher education. Careers for people with good mathematics skills and qualifications are not only well paid, but they are also often interesting and rewarding. The reason why so many employers and universities highly value mathematics qualifications is mathematics students become better at thinking logically and analytically.

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A Level Further Mathematics

Have you ever wondered what is happening when your calculator displays “Maths Error”? Or what would happen if you could square root a negative number? Further maths is where you find out. The course studies concepts at a deeper level, whilst introducing some new concepts that show how the ties between different areas of maths are much stronger than students previously thought.

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Future Pathways

Mathematics GCSE is a requirement for a huge number of Post 16 courses and for all University degree level courses. It is highly valued by employers, not only for showing your numerical ability, but also to show your ability to learn new skills and processes. 

At St Edward’s many students choose to study A level mathematics.  This is a challenging yet rewarding course for both gifted and hardworking Mathematicians. A number of students every year go on to read mathematics at university. 

Students also have the opportunity to study Core Maths in Sixth Form which focuses on using and applying maths to solve problems drawn from other subjects, work, and real life.

Student Destinations

Southampton University - Mathematics

Exeter University - Mathematics with a year in industry

Exeter University - Mathematics and Finance

PKF Francis Clark - Accountancy Apprenticeship

Student Testimonials

“I like the teachers in Maths and the subject is very interesting and enjoyable”

Courtney, KS3 Maths student

“In Maths there is a good level of challenge whilst being supported. I always feel pushed to my full potential”

Hannah, KS4 Maths student

“I enjoy the course as it challenging but very fun, the teachers help a lot”

Tim, KS5 Maths student