The mathematics department, from September 2018, will consist of 5 specialist mathematics staff, teaching years 7-11 inclusive, as well as a mathematics intervention coordinator and two teaching assistants who are with the Maths department full time. Unity Academy has in the past four years recruited three maths teachers who are also new to the profession, and they have brought to the department many innovative and exciting ideas for the teaching of mathematics.


We follow a Mastery approach to learning from primary through to secondary with Year 7&8 continuing with the White rose scheme of work that is started in the Primary phases. Pupils begin the Mathematics GCSE course in year 9 and follow a three year edexcel scheme of work. 


Within the mathematics department we incorporate the use of ICT into lessons on a regular basis to provide students with a range of teaching / learning styles and also as an excellent assessment tool.  As well as this, a range of activities are often incorporated into lessons to promote group work and different questioning techniques.


Mathematics within Unity Academy is fortunate to have its own intervention coordinator who is also a maths specialist teacher.  He provides individual or small group support to students in phases 2, 3 and 4 in various circumstances, such as providing extra lessons in the lead up to an important examination, helping students who have been off school catch up in a particular topic, and revisiting areas which students may be struggling with.


Whilst at Unity Academy our aim is for all students to make at least 2 levels of progress from phase 1 to phase 2, and at least 3 levels of progress from phase 2 to phase 4, as well as to enjoy their mathematics experience in a subject that some can often find challenging.  

 

      

This Subject as a GCSE Option

Subject - Mathematics

Qualifications - GCSE

Lesson per week - Year 9: 4, Year 10: 4, Year 11: 5

Why do this course?

  • Mathematics is a core subject that pupils are required to study.
  • Mathematics incorporates ‘Key Skills’ of numeracy that all employers require.
  • All pupils can achieve a Grade 4 - the requirements for any Level 3 NVQ course in Further Education.

What will I study?

The course covers key Mathematical knowledge and understanding including:

Statistics:

Collection, display and interpretation of data.

Number:

General numerical methods and use of number in real life.

Shape and Space:

Knowledge of the properties of 2D and 3D shapes including calculation of perimeter, area and volume with various units of measurement.

Algebra:

The development of algebra as a technique to solve a range of mathematical and real life problems

How will I be assessed?

  • There is one GCSE examination ONLY at the end of year 11.  This assesses the whole course and is in three parts – 2 calculator and 1 non calculator papers.
  • There is NO coursework required for GCSE mathematics.
  • Topic based ‘in-house’ assessments will be taken at the end of every half term for class teacher analysis of learning.
  • Past papers are used for mock examinations.