"The Westgate School is a happy and vibrant community,
where pupils are encouraged to aim for excellence"
(Ofsted, September 2022)
Maths
“Developing skilful, systematic problem solvers for life”
Our Maths curriculum intends to:
Cultivate a deep understanding and an enjoyment of the subject through a rich,problem solving-based curriculum which nurtures pupils’love of Mathematics;
Ensure all pupils are able to use and understand Mathematics so that they can succeed both professionally and personally;
Provide opportunities for applying abstract concepts to real world situations in order to grow all
pupils’ resilience and confidence, creating inquisitive and effective thinkers.
Why learn Maths?
Maths is a creative and highly interconnected discipline that has been developed over the centuries, proving the solution to some of history’s most intriguing problems. It is essential to everyday life, critical to science, technology and engineering, and necessary for financial literacy and most forms of employment. We provide pupils with a foundation for understanding the world, the ability to reason mathematically, an appreciation of the beauty and power of maths, and a sense of enjoyment and curiosity about the subject.Mathematics
Course content:
Over the our learning school pupils will develop their problem-solving skills,fluency and mathematical reasoning. As skills deepen, pupils are given the opportunity to explore the wonder that is available in all different branches of Mathematics. Specific topics covered are varied but will include various lines of enquiry. As we move into Year 9 there is more of an emphasis on developing skills to a greater depth in Mathematics, with pupils given the chance to fully explore the uses to which their skills can be put. For example, pupils will be taught how their mathematical skills can be used in other subjects – such as Science and Geography – as well as within their personal lives (such as managing personal finances) and future career pathways.
Pupils will:
Develop a deep understanding of place value, with an ability to calculate increasingly complex problems and cross curricular awareness of number in society.
Develop a deep understanding of how to use algebra effectively to help in the solving of problems.
Use a range of problem-solving skills to approach ratio and proportion problems.
Use geometrical properties to solve problems leading to proof using theorems and prior geometrical information.
Represent and interpret data in a variety of ways including the use of probability.
Through our maths curriculum, we aim to develop pupils’ early mastery of maths skills together with a deep understanding and real enjoyment of mathematics. Pupils are provided with regular opportunities to apply their maths skills in a range of contexts. Pupils are taught using a concrete, pictorial, abstract approach in order to develop a deep understanding. Pupils are given opportunities to reason and apply their skills.