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Introduction

The Mathematics Department aims to enable all pupils to enjoy mathematics. We want pupils to develop their mathematical skills to the full; to appreciate that mathematics is both interesting in itself and a vital part of the modern world; to achieve high standards in external examinations and to want to study mathematics further once they leave the school.

In our school, pupils are taught mathematics in a wide variety of different ways to stimulate their interests and to develop their abilities to comprehend and construct a variety of forms of mathematical reasoning, including proofs. There is a real emphasis on developing curiosity from our young mathematicians. Pupils are encouraged to participate in extra-curricular mathematical activities (competitions, maths club and trips), to take pride in their work, and to appreciate how they are progressing. For example, students regularly compete in the national UKMT Junior, Intermediate and Senior Maths challenges, and many have successfully achieved the UKMT's prestigious gold, silver or bronze awards.

In 2024 the mathematics department was the winner of the prestigious Bernice McCabe award, given by the Prince's Teaching Institute to departments that "put quality subject teaching at the heart of [their] classroom[s]."  The PTI stated that "the mathematics department at The Warren School won for their work creating a department and a curriculum that fosters a deep love for mathematics in students, in the classroom and through extracurricular activities."

The Maths Curriculum at Warren is designed to provide a smooth transition from KS2 to KS3 and on to GCSE, for students of all abilities.  Every classroom is fitted with an interactive whiteboard, which is used with specialist software to enhance the learning experience for students. Homework is provided weekly to consolidate classroom achievement.

Our expectations:

  1. A positive attitude towards mathematics by:
  • seeing it as an interesting and attractive subject
  • helping them to appreciate the creative and aesthetic aspects of the subject
  • ensuring that persistence through sustained work is rewarded
  • giving credit and praise to improve confidence
  • encouraging students to set themselves challenging targets
  1. Sound numerical skills by:
  • ensuring that calculators are used sensibly and efficiently
  • the use of starters and plenaries to promote the use of mental skills
  • insisting that they learn relevant concepts and facts
  1. A willingness to use algebraic skills by:
  • exploring mathematical patterns and sequences
  • identifying functional relationships
  • using correct and appropriate mathematical notation and language
  • using mathematics to model real-life situations
  1. Raising spatial awareness by:
  • 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
  1. An understanding of statistical enquiry by:
  • 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
  1. An ability to use and apply Mathematics by:
  • 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.

KS3

Students learn Mathematics for 4 hours per week during Key Stage 3. All student work is levelled and students are set by ability as soon as possible in year 7. Students are encouraged to become independent learners and we regularly set students targets for improvement.

In Years 7 to 8, students study Mathematics in accordance with the KS3 National Framework, via our Scheme of Work. The Scheme of work is three tiers to ensure all students have differentiated learning. Every topic has a problem-solving task to help students apply their skills in context; this in preparation for the 9-1 GCSE. Throughout Key Stage 3 students study the following areas of Mathematics:

  • Number
  • Algebra
  • Ratio, proportion and rates of change
  • Geometry and measures
  • Probability
  • Statistics

There are on-going topic tests and half term assessments to monitor achievement. All students are tested near the end of the academic year. This covers Non-Calculator and Calculator skills. Students are prepared in lessons for these assessments with appropriate revision homework set in the run up to these assessments.

A KS3 Mathematics Club exists, where students can get help with their homework and any other topic areas. Students can speak to any of the staff available. This club takes place on a Thursday during lunchtime.

60 selected students form Year 7 and 8 will complete this year’s Junior Maths Challenge. They will compete nationally against other students to attain Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards. Last year’s Junior Maths Challenge was very successful and our students attained Gold, Silver and Bronze awards.

KS4

Mathematics has many applications in many walks of life including business, science, construction, design and statistics. It has enabled us to organise, communicate and manipulate information in efficient way, and gives us the chance to explain and predict things in real life. The mathematics department at Warren, therefore, strives hard to help pupils learn how to solve problems which require the use of mathematical knowledge and techniques.

  • We aim to give all pupils the chance to play an active role in every maths lesson through the use of active learning techniques, such as:
  • collaborative tasks, where pupils work in small groups to discuss and solve maths problems;
  • class discussions using higher-order questioning techniques;
  • the use of mini-whiteboards to collect and discuss answers from every pupil in the class;
  • enrichment tasks;
  • use of ICT to enhance learning through use of Interactive Whiteboards in every lesson.

How can I boost my child’s GCSE Mathematics Grade?

The Mathematics department at The Warren School have a number of initiatives to help our pupils boost their GCSE grade. Parents’ support and pupils’ participation can make a real difference in ensuring our pupils realise their full potential.

Encouraging your child to do the following will help them achieve a better grade in Mathematics.

How to support your child at home

Use MathsWatch Video tutorials to continuously revise topics that you have covered in class. Continuous revision of topics that you have covered in class using your MathsWatch clips will help you retain what you have learnt in lesson and solidify your understanding. MathsWatch clips cover everything you need to know. Do not just watch the clips, do the associated worksheet and exam questions which come with each clip.

ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY IS ESSENTIAL.

NO AMOUNT OF REVISION CAN REPLACE TIME LOST IN THE CLASSROOM!

 

What percentage do the exams count for?

GCSE Mathematics has a Foundation tier (grades 1 – 5) and a Higher tier (grades 4 – 9). Students must take three question papers at the same tier. All question papers must be taken in the same series.

 

The information in the table below is the same for both Foundation and Higher tiers.

Paper Description Length Marks Weighting
1 Non-Calculator Paper (1 hour 30 minutes) 80 33⅓%
2 Calculator Paper (1 hour 30 minutes) 80 33⅓%
3 Calculator Paper (1 hour 30 minutes) 80 33⅓%

Do you still have coursework / controlled assessment?

No coursework / controlled assessment in Mathematics.

When are pupils given homework?

Each pupil will receive one major homework piece per week from their class teacher. The homework will be set in my maths or a worksheet as an extension to what the pupils are learning in class.

Do you provide practise exam papers?

Yes. All students have access to past papers.  During Year 10 and 11 students are given a past exam papers to practise on MethodMaths.  This allows teachers to make regular assessment of student progress.  Pupil are given login details by their maths teacher.

What grade is my child working at?

On the inside cover of your child’s exercise book you will find a table showing your child’s current grade and also the grade they are working towards.

Assessment:

Peer assessment is encouraged and opportunities are provided in selected during lessons, when pupils give verbal and non-verbal responses.  Books are regularly marked with written feedback given to students on what they can do well and areas to improve on.

At the end of every half term there are test for all year groups.

Every year group has an end of year examinations.

 

Topics studied at KS4:

KS4-topics.pdf

GCSE Results 2023

Congratulations to the Year 11 students on achieving

73% Grades 9-4 in Mathematics 

GCSE Results 2022

Congratulations to the Year 11 students on achieving 75% grades 9-4.

Extra Curricular

The mathematics department views our extra-curricular offer as an integral part of the mathematical experience all students will enjoy.  There are lots of opportunities for further development and enjoyment of the subject, including:

 

  • Year 9 trips to The Winton Gallery at the Science museum

  • Maths Club for Key Stage 3 students every week

  • Revision Support for Key Stage 4 and 5 students every week

  • Participation in the UKMT Junior Maths Challenge for Years 7 and 8

  • Participation in the UKMT Intermediate Maths Challenge for Years 9 to 11

  • Participation in the UKMT Senior Maths Challenge for Years 12 and 13

  • Additional support sessions for Key Stage 5 students who want to study on university courses that include a maths admission test

  • The department has been shortlisted (one of three departments in the country and the only mathematics department) for an award from the Prince's Teaching Initiative for the work we have done in all areas and specifically in our growth at Key Stage 5

 

Revision and practice

As a general guide your child should be doing the following revision every week:

  1. Higher Tier: 3 hours a week.
  2. Foundation Tier: 2 hours a week

 

Useful Links

KS3

  • https://vle.mathswatch.co.uk/vle/ A website containing tutorials on all the topics required for GCSE Maths. All students will be given individual usernames and passwords. If a student has lost or forgotten their password they must see their maths teacher.

KS4

Both Corbettmaths and Mathsgenie have numerous videos, work sheets, practice papers and answer for all GCSE topics.  These are great site for students to use at home to revise and do not require logins and are completely free.

Revision guides

REVISE Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Mathematics Higher Revision Guide

REVISE Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Mathematics Foundation Revision Guide