So, let’s be honest, how do we really feel about maths? Some of us love it and see maths all around us.
But some of us feel it’s more like an inaccessible foreign language. So what do we do at Robert Clack to ensure that we cater for all ages, abilities and enthusiasm levels when it comes to the subject of mathematics?
Maths is everywhere.
It is in every part of our lives, every day.
It could be checking the time on a clock, reading a bus timetable to see when the next bus is due, working out how many minutes there are until we have to be at school so we’re not late. So we are using maths multiple times every day before we have even got to school!
At school we compartmentalise our learning into subjects, but maths is in every subject in the same way that English is. We can’t explain weather systems in Geography without using English in the same way that we can’t discuss cell reproduction in Biology without using maths.
And after we have left school for the day, maths continues to be all around us. Whether it’s some shopping in Morrisons, a quick treat in the chicken shop or at McDonalds, or working out what time you’re going to catch up with friends later. You are using maths.
You may check the percentage battery life left on your phone, see the sale price of a hoodie as a fraction and use ratios in cooking. As adults, we continue to use maths and don’t even realise it most of the time.
So let’s look at what we do at Robert Clack school to support all students with developing their mathematical skills.
Some students struggle with maths. We can support them through reinforcing basic numeracy skills. And you can support your child at home by practising times tables. By bringing maths into your everyday vocabulary, for example by talking about quantities and ratio when cooking, talking about area and perimeter if painting a wall or laying a carpet.
Homework
All students get set weekly maths homework. This is typically printed on coloured paper and submitted to teachers on an agreed date for marking. Online resources are also sometimes used to supplement homework. Students should be typically spending at least 30 minutes per week on maths homework. Homework is essential for two reasons; firstly it consolidates learning for the student and secondly it provides valuable feedback to teachers which can then be used to plan future lessons effectively.
Numeracy at KS3
Each term, some pupils from year 7 and 8 are selected to attend a series of Maths Booster sessions that are run by Mrs Hussain. The aim is to build on their confidence and ensure they practise methods, memorise formulas and progress to the best of their ability.
During registration and form time, we run a numeracy challenge every Thursday morning. These challenges allow students to practise their core numeracy skills and develop reasoning skill that they will be able to apply to GCSE style questions.
We use an in-class challenge called Numeracy Ninjas with Year 7 and Year 8 students. These 5 minute challenges are a fun and competitive way to hone our mathematical skills and demonstrate progress. Students can earn different colour ‘ninja belts’ as they improve their mathematical speed and accuracy.
We use a 5-a-day challenge with Year 9 students that extends students beyond the numeracy challenges in Years 7 and 8 and tests their recall and competency in a range of topics. In Year 9 students start practising questions from past papers so that they can effectively manage the transition from KS3 to KS4.
Numeracy at KS4
Mathematics teachers emphasize literacy skills when tackling mathematical problems, which is extremely important in the new 9-1 GCSE maths exam. Students are encouraged to underline key words and their spellings and meanings are reinforced. The problems are broken down into more manageable chunks, with emphasis on how best to layout their answers, which helps the students to gain confidence answering the longer questions they are faced with.
The year 10 students continue to work on their fluency in numeracy through routine starters called ‘5 a day’. Students from year 11 who need more support to meet their target are invited to after school sessions. These sessions combine key literacy skills and key numeracy skills, with the aim of increasing confidence and familiarity with the GCSE 9-1 style questions. In the Maths part of the session the students are given a range of questions, from 1 mark questions to 5 mark questions, which helps to increase fluency on basic skills and also gives them more exposure to problem solving questions and allows them to practise these vital skills.
We have adopted a strategy of using revision grids containing GCSE exam style questions throughout year 10 and year 11, which the students will complete during their lessons throughout the year to recap what they have learnt - as homework tasks and in revision sessions after school. This works to improve retention, increase familiarity to the GCSE style questions and boost confidence in themselves. All Maths teachers have access to a bank of these, should students wish to try more at home. Exam papers are also available for students to complete at home, which is particularly encouraged in year 11.
External Challenges
The school actively participates in a number of external competitions and challenges. Some of these include:
The UK Maths Challenge – The UK Mathematics Trust runs a national competition each year for students. The school typically has about 600 students who participate in the Junior (Years 7-8), Intermediate (Years 9 – 11) and Senior (Years 12-13) maths challenges. Our students consistently do well and some are awarded bronze, silver or gold certificates.
The Jack Petchey Count on Us Secondary Challenge – this pan-London maths tournament for Year 7-9 students is run in conjunction with the London Mayor’s office and combines mental arithmetic with problem solving to help develop confident and competent mathematicians.
J P Morgan School's Challenge – This competition challenges teams of eight Year 9 students from across London to conceive, design and build the prototype of a product that can be used to improve the lives of Londoners through reducing waste, increasing recycling, improving London’s air quality and expanding biodiversity.
Helpful Resources
There are numerous excellent (and free!) websites with a huge amount of free resources. Here are a few of our favourites…
Corbettmaths for videos, worksheets, practice papers and revision cards
Mrbartonmaths for maths revision resources