Maths

Mathematics Curriculum 

Mathematics at The Abbey School offers a broad, balanced range of mathematical experiences designed to provide students with the understanding, skills and knowledge to deal with everyday situations and live an independent life. Our Mathematics curriculum is tailored to the ability of the individual student with content based on the National Curriculum, Entry Level and GCSE qualifications.  

Many of our students start The Abbey with a lower level of mathematical ability than their mainstream peers, but we are committed to helping every student to reach their full potential in Mathematics through a carefully planned, ambitious curriculum. We deliver maths through a range of interactive activities, age appropriate resources and varied teaching styles to best suit the learning needs of our students. Logically sequenced lessons with opportunities to revisit and extend knowledge ensures students are cognitively challenged and developments in their learning becomes embedded. Personalised learning opportunities and support is evident throughout every lesson. Practical opportunities are provided for students to use and apply their Mathematical skills and knowledge including solving real life problems presented to them.

Our Mathematics curriculum aims to provide students with the mathematical skills, knowledge and understanding to: 

• use Mathematics in everyday real-life situations, enabling them to be as independent, autonomous and employable as they can possibly be in their adult life. 

• interpret and analyse information which will enable them to solve problems and make informed decisions. 

• access studies in the different areas of our curriculum. 

• enable access to appropriate further studies post 16.

Supporting Reading

Subject disciplinary literacy is taught explicitly in Mathematics with key words identified and introduced at the start of topics and revisited regularly to aid retention. Specific key words are highlighted in green to give focus in each lesson. Words mats, supporting images, symbols and examples are all used to introduce key vocabulary. Repetition of new and key vocabulary is used to support learning and to give students context to use these words.This is particularly evident when students are solving Mathematical problems where they are required to read, use and apply their knowledge. The ‘incidental teaching’ of phonics using Abbey Phonics supports both decoding and encoding in particular to support the understanding and solving of these problems. Widgit symbols are used in addition to text to support comprehension for students when reading.

In Mathematics we encourage students to read for learning, moving beyond the mechanics of reading to gathering the Mathematical meaning and information from the questions presented to them.

Overview

In all Mathematics lessons, all students are taught in ability sets where the curriculum topics outlined below are covered. It is a spiral curriculum whereby each topic is repeated, revisited and progressed throughout each year and each cycle with the aim of embedding and developing the student’s key Mathematical skills and knowledge.

Year 7 Overview

KS3 and KS4 Overview

Cycle 1

Cycle 2

Assessment

All students’ Mathematical ability is assessed on entry to The Abbey School using PUMA assessments and from these results each student is assigned a level on the Abbey Progress Scale (APS). This informs the Mathematical curriculum learning pathway they will follow through their time at The Abbey School. Students are assessed using regular internal teacher assessments as well as PUMA termly assessments. These ensure students are following the correct pathway for learning as well as informs and supports medium/short term planning. Every student’s progress is carefully monitored and where necessary personalised intervention programmes are provided to support additional needs if gaps in skills and knowledge have been identified.

Enrichment Opportunities

The Abbey School Mathematics curriculum aims to provide our students with a knowledge of the lifelong use of Mathematics to support their journey to living life independently and following whichever career path they choose. 

All Mathematics lessons involve the use of manipulatives to ensure students can access learning opportunities in a practical, ‘hands on’ manner that replicates real life situations. Opportunities to use Mathematics in a practical way are planned into weekly lessons.In addition, Friday lessons are devoted to solving life scenarios, whereby students are required to use and apply their Mathematics skills and knowledge to problem solve.

Whole school Maths events are planned within the school calendar where students become involved in practical activities with both individual and group challenges. Maths Clubs will soon be introduced into the school day and plans are afoot to invite guest speakers of Maths into school.