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Maths

Curriculum Intent

The ambition of the Mathematics Faculty at DSTC is for students to become independent, resilient and capable mathematicians.  We do this by ensuring students have a deep, secure understanding of mathematical concepts.  Our curriculum is built around the idea of taking small, manageable steps to ensure that all learners progress at their own pace. This approach builds a solid foundation, helping students develop fluency and problem-solving skills. By revisiting and revising key concepts, we ensure that students are not just memorising procedures but are equipped to apply their knowledge in a range of contexts.

 

We want our students to have a genuine love of Mathematics and encourage them to see its relevance not only in the classroom but in the world around them, whether that be calculating costs, interpreting data or solving problems.

Through exposure to female role models, we aim to inspire all students—especially girls—to see mathematics as a powerful tool for their future careers. We provide opportunities for students to explore the wide range of career options available to those who study mathematics, from engineering to finance, computer science to data analysis, and beyond..

In addition to the National Curriculum aims, our ambitious curriculum for Mathematics at DSTC is designed:

  • To foster resilience, by allowing students to take risks and learn from mistakes.
  • Develop a sense of curiosity and make connections.
  • Ensure every student can make progress in maths, no matter what their starting point is.

Complementary Subjects:

  • Science and Medicine
  • Geography
  • Business and personal finance
  • Computing
  • Design Engineering

KS3

 

In Key Stage 3 we continue to build on Key Stage 2 knowledge following an adaptive Mastery curriculum designed with small steps, depth and breadth so all students can be successful.  We encourage students to explore new learning by using multiple methods, including, physical, visual, abstract methods enabling them to develop their understanding of concepts and relate this to problem-solving and the real world.  We also encourage students to communicate mathematically, encouraging discussions as we know students learn maths effectively when they work together.

Key Stage 3 is currently taught in ability classes, so adaptive teaching ensures all students make progress.

 

Autumn 1

Autumn 2

Spring 1

Spring 2

Summer 1

Summer 2

Year 7

Sequence

Place Value

Number

Directed number

Algebraic notation and equations

Averages

FDP

Time

Data

Fractions and percentages  of amounts

Types of number

Fractions (add/subtract)

Perimeter and area

Angles

Year 8

Ratio and proportion

Algebraic manipulation

Graphs

Fractions (multiply and divide)

Standard form

Symmetry and reflection

Area and volume

Solving equations and inequalities 

Percentages

Indices

Sequences

Angles

Data

 

Probability

Circles

Year 9

Angles

Representing Data

Measures of location

Percentages

Maths and Money

Numbers

Pythagoras’ theorem

Equations

Probability

 

Linear Graphs

Constructions

3D shapes

Ratios

Rates

Angles

Enlargement & Similarity

Rotation & Translation

Further Reading/Resources:

The following book suggestions from the Maths Department

  • The Number Devil by  Hans Magnus Enzensberger
  • Any Book by Rob Eastway including:
  • Maths on the back of an envelope
  • Why do buses come in threes?
  • How long is a piece of string
  • UKMT Maths challenge

KS4

 

Students will be entered for the GCSE in Mathematics at the end of Key Stage 4, there are two tiers of entry; Foundation and Higher.  The appropriate tier will be chosen using an evidence-based approach in order to ensure students achieve their full potential.  During Key Stage 4 students will be set, according to ability.

In Key Stage 4, students will study a wide range of mathematics across all strands of the curriculum: algebra, geometry, number, data, probability and ratio and proportion that continues to build on their Key Stage 3 knowledge. 

Use of past exam questions and walking talking mocks ensure students become familiar and confident with mathematical language and problem-solving.  Personalised QLAs after PPE’s and the use of Sparx and Google Classroom encourage students to become independent learners.

 

Autumn 1

Autumn 2

Spring 1

Spring 2

Summer 1

Summer 2

Year 10

Rotation & Translation

Congruency

Similarity

Averages

Representing Data

Inequalities

Simultaneous Equations

Ratios & Fractions

Non-calculator methods

Trigonometry

Angles & Bearings

 

Circles

Percentages

Probability

 

 

Sequences

Indices and roots

Vectors

 

Year 11

Indices

Multiplicative Reasoning

Gradients and Lines

Non Linear graphs

Expanding

Factorising

Solving Equations

Collecting, Representing and interpreting data

Trigonometry

Working with circles

Functions

Vectors

Constructions and Loci

Algebraic Reasoning

Revision

Further Reading/Resources:

The following books and resources are recommended by the Mathematics Department:

  • Murderous Maths  by Kjartan Poskitt  A set of 10 books spanning topics from basic arithmetic to the Quadratic Formula
  • My Best Mathematical and Logic Puzzles by Martin Gardner
  • Enigma by Robert Harris
  • The Man who counted infinity and other short stories by Saso Dolenc

KS5

 

A Level Mathematics continues to build on prior knowledge from Key Stage 4 where topics such as  indices, surds and quadratic equations are revisited in more depth with more emphasis on problem-solving and modelling of real life scenarios.  Students will study three main strands; Pure Mathematics, Statistics and Mechanics.

Studying A Level Mathematics develops skills of logical thinking, problem-solving and decision making; skills that are highly valued by employers and universities across a huge variety of sectors.

We are also introducing  Level 3 Core Maths at Key Stage 5 so more girls have access to studying maths beyond GCSE and make more connections to the Maths used in the real world.

 

Autumn 1

Autumn 2

Spring 1

Spring 2

Summer 1

Summer 2

Year 12

Algebra and functions

Statistical Sampling

Modelling in Mechanics
 

Coordinate geometry in the (x, y) plane

Further algebra

Kinematics 1
 

Trigonometry

Data Presentation and Interpretation

Probability

Constant Acceleration

Vectors (2D)

Differentiation

Probability

Forces and

Newton's Law

Integration

Exponentials and Logs

Statistical Hypothesis testing

Kinematics 2

Revision

Proof

Algebraic Fractions

Year 13

Functions and Modelling
Series and Sequences
Binomial Theorem

Regression

Moments
 

Trigonometry
Parametric Equations

Probability

Forces at an angles
 

Differentiation
Numerical Methods

The Normal Distribution

Application of Kinematics
 

Integration
Vectors (3D)


The Normal Distribution

Application of forces
 

The Normal Distribution

Further Kinematics


Revision (Contingency)
 

Examinations

 

 

Autumn 1

Autumn 2

Spring 1

Spring 2

Summer 1

Summer 2

Year 12  Core Maths

Numerical calculations

Percentages

Interest rates

 

 

Repayments & credit

Graphical representation

Taxation

 

 

Solution to financial problems

The modelling cycle

Fermi estimation

 

 

 

Types of Data

Collecting Data

Representing data numerically

 

 

 

Representing data diagrammatically

Critical analysis of data and models

 Logical arguments

 

Communicating mathematical approaches

Revision

Year 13  Core Maths

Communicating mathematical solutions

Analysing critically

 

The normal distribution

Notation

Calculating probabilities from the normal distribution

Population and sample

The mean of sample size n

Confidence intervals

Correlation

The product moment correlation coefficient

Regression Lines

Examinations

 

Further Reading/Resources:

The Mathematics department recommend the following books:

Mathematicians:

  • 3 A Tribute to Euler (You tube) by William Dunham
  • 3 A Beautiful Mind - The Life of Mathematical Genius and Nobel Laureate John Nash by Sylvia Nasar .