We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Find out more Accept cookies

Mathematics

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

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
  • Reason mathematically with confidence
  • Solve problems with increasing sophistication 

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.  

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. There will be three assessment points throughout the year, evaluating all learning achieved at that stage providing them with valuable feedback. 

Our KS3 scheme of work includes termly careers focused lessons, which provide pupils with meaningful opportunities to explore the real-world application of the mathematics they are learning.  Topics covered include:

Year 7
Number skills - Analysing and displaying data - Expressions, functions and formulae - Decimal and measures - Fractions and Percentages - Probability - Ratio and Proportion -Lines and Angles - Sequences and Graphs - Transformations

Year 8
Number- Area and Volume - Statistics, graphs and charts – Real life graphs - Expressions and Equations - Decimals and Ration - Line and angles - Calculating with fractions - Straight line graphs - Percentages, decimals and fractions 

Year 9
Indices and standard form - Expressions and formulae - Dealing with data - Multiplicative reasoning - Constructions - Sequences, inequalities, equations and proportion - Circles, Pythagoras and prisms - Graphs - Probability  - Comparing shapes

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 from Key Stage 3 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.   

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.  Topics covered include:

Foundation
Number - Algebra - Graphs, tables & charts - Fractions and percentages - Equations, inequalities and sequences – Angles - Averages and range - Perimeter, area and volume 1 - Graphs - Averages and range - Ratio and proportion - Right-angled triangles - Probability - Multiplicative reasoning - Constructions, loci and bearings - Quadratic equations and graphs - Perimeter, area and Volume 2 - Fractions, indices and standard form - Congruence, similarity and vectors - More algebra 

Higher
Number - Algebra - Interpreting and representing data - Fractions, ratio and percentages - Angles and trigonometry - Graphs - Area and Volume - Transformations and constructions - Equations and inequalities - Probability - Multiplicative reasoning - Similarity and congruence - More trigonometry - Further statistics - Equations and graphs - Circle theorems - More algebra - Vectors and geometric proof - Proportion and graphs 

Method of Assessment 

Exam Board: Edexcel
External Assessment: 100%
Examination One - Non-calculator
Examination Two - Calculator
Examination Three - Calculator 

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.

Learn more

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.

Learn more

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