Key Stage 4
Mathematics
Curriculum Intent
Our Key Stage 4 curriculum intends to continue the development of all the areas of the Mathematics curriculum encountered in Key Stage 3 with an additional strand covering vectors.
In Key Stage 4 problem-solving and reasoning skills are further developed and refined up to, and in many cases, beyond the standard required in GCSE Mathe-matics examinations.
The curriculum recognises the pivotal role that Mathematics plays in facilitating success in many Key Stage 5 subjects.
The curriculum also recognises that in many cases GCSE Mathematics will be the final Mathematics qualification most student pursue and that the core numeracy, problem-solving, systematic deduction, critical reasoning and ability to interpret statistics acquired in Key Stage 4 are crucial to future employability and quality of life.
Curriculum Implementation
The Key Stage 4 curriculum is divided into 3 carefully assembled modules of mutually reinforcing concepts. The year 10 modules last for 3 terms and concludes with a fortnight of revision before a comprehensive assessment split over 3 papers (1 non-calculator, 2 calculator). Year 11 commences with a module of work explicitly focussed on developing problem solving and application of knowledge to GCSE exam questions.
Lesson resources are interspersed with content explaining the relevance of Mathematics topic to a broad range of further study and careers.
Progress is monitoring through fortnightly cycle of homework, feedback and follow-up work as at Key Stage 3.
In addition, in Year 11, students build confidence and familiarity with exam style questions through Weekly Ten worksheets covering 10 key exam concepts.
Attainment is measured through tri-termly cycle of revision, assessment and holistic feedback on progress through MET reports emailed to students and parents.
Differentiation of the curriculum into 5 overlapping syllabi continues from Key Stage 3 with opportunities for students to transition between syllabi after each assessment.
In Year 11 the syllabi build toward Foundation or Higher tier GCSE entry.
Plus and Plus+ syllabi support HAP students with all topics studied at greater depth. UKMT team and individual challenges help foster an enthusiasm for rich problem solving and further Mathematical study.
Q+ challenge questions are built into all syllabi and homework providing an ever-present opportunity to test understanding beyond the main objective.
The Key Stage 4 intervention programme in each school aims to support every students who has slipped below the flight-path towards their target grade. Within the intervention programme PP and SEND students are prioritised. In Year 11 intervention programmes students are grouped according to target grades and focus on the key knowledge required to attain that grade.