Maths
Mathematics is the means of looking at the patterns that make up our world and the intricate and beautiful ways in which they are constructed and realised. Numeracy is the means of making that knowledge useful.
Mathematics contributes to the school curriculum by developing pupils’ abilities to calculate; to reason logically, algebraically, and geometrically; to solve problems and to handle data. Mathematics is important for pupils in many other areas of study, particularly Science and Technology. It is also important in everyday living, in many forms of employment, and in public decision-making. As a subject in its own right, Mathematics presents frequent opportunities for creativity, and can stimulate moments of pleasure and wonder when a problem is solved for the first time, or a more elegant solution to a problem is discovered, or when hidden connections suddenly manifest.
It enables pupils to build a secure framework of mathematical reasoning, which they can use and apply with confidence. The power of mathematical reasoning lies in its use of precise and concise forms of language, symbolism and representation to reveal and explore general relationships. These mathematical forms are widely used for modelling situations; a trend accelerated by computational technologies.
The subject transcends cultural boundaries and its importance is universally recognized. Mathematics helps us to understand and change the World.
The Maths Department at Blackminster Middle School Aim to…………..
- To set challenging targets with high expectations for all pupils.
- To offer a variety of approaches to teaching and learning to engage and motivate pupils and demand their active participation.
- To smooth the transition for pupils between Key Stages and ensure progression in teaching and learning throughout their time at Blackminster Middle School.
- To create a supportive, controlled, learning environment.
- To share best practice amongst staff and keep abreast of current educational developments.
- To explore enrichment opportunities outside the curriculum to enhance pupils’ enjoyment of mathematics.
- To review our methods and materials.
- To teach mathematics in line with the National Curriculum and the ‘Framework for Teaching Mathematics Years 6, 7 and 8 using a variety of methods and stimuli.
- To equip pupils to achieve their full potential in external and internal examinations at Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3.
The Maths Department at Blackminster Middle School aim and seek to develop in each student the following:-
- seeing it as an interesting and attractive subject
- applying concepts learnt to everyday situations.
- helping them to appreciate the creative and aesthetic aspects of the subject
- ensuring that persistence through sustained work is rewarded
- showing continuous progression and improvement and achieving their full potential.
- giving credit and praise to improve confidence
- having a positive experience of learning Mathematics
- encouraging students to set themselves challenging targets
- ensuring that calculators are used sensibly and efficiently
- achieve arithmetical competency, with and without the use of a calculator.
- the use of starters and plenaries to promote the use of mental skills
- facilitating the learning of relevant concepts and facts
- exploring mathematical patterns and sequences
- identifying functional relationships
- using correct and appropriate mathematical notation and language
- using mathematics to model real-life situations
- fostering an appreciation of the nature of space
- encouraging them to use different representations
- exploring properties of shape and space through the drawing and practical work
- using appropriate Software packages to investigate transformations
- encouraging them to formulate their own hypotheses
- collecting data from a range of sources by an appropriate sampling technique
- communicating their findings through an appropriate and relevant charts and diagrams
- using IT to facilitate the efficient data analysis and simulations
- engaging in practical and experimental work
- looking critically at the presentation of information
- evaluating their work and recognising the limitations or bias within their work
- raising an awareness of Mathematics across the curriculum
- relating appropriate mathematical problems to life itself
- developing an understanding through enquiry and experience
- expressing problems in mathematical terms as an aid to their solution
- fostering an ability to think clearly and logically with independence of thought and flexibility of mind.
Computing in Maths Team work in Maths
Using and Applying Measure Data Handling tasks
Problem solving in Number
