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Key Stage 3

At Key Stage 3 students experience a broad and balanced curriculum appropriate to their ability and potential in mathematics. Students in Year’s 7 and 8 are taught using Framework Maths Textbooks which were introduced in March 2007. Subject areas covered by the National Curriculum include: Using and applying, Number and Algebra, Shape, Space and Measures and Data Handling. The curriculum and progression in each year is such that students are given a secure grounding in all aspects of mathematics.

Setting Policy

Students are placed in 3 bands in year 7 and within each band they are set according to ability. The banding of students is based on the results of Cognitive Ability Tests (CAT) taken in the Summer Term of Year 6. Students KS2 test results are also used to assist in the banding and setting process. Students are assessed regularly throughout the year and can be moved at certain times of the year within bands and sets based upon their progress in tests. In years 8 and 9 students are banded and set based on their progress during the year.

Please click on the appropriate unit for a snapshot of the unit content.

Progression

Students are taught 6 modules of work in Years 7 and 8 and 4 modules of work in Year 9. Each module of work lasts approximately 6 weeks. Progression through the Key Stage is ensured by the increasing difficulty of the subject content. At the end of KS3 students are entered for their SATs examination at the tier of entry appropriate to their ability. This external summative examination formalises the mathematics level achieved at the end of KS3.

Homework

One piece of Homework is set each week and usually consists of consolidation work based on the work carried out during the week. Students should be spending approximately ½ - 1 hour on the majority of homeworks. Completion of homework is monitored and failure to complete homework will result in departmental sanctions.

Assessment

At the end of each module of work students are assessed on their knowledge of the mathematics taught during the module resulting in a National Curriculum level that is recorded in their Contact Books. Student progress is monitored by the KS3 co-ordinator and HoD to ascertain their progression throughout the Key Stage. Student self evaluation is an intrinsic part of the evaluation process.

Click here to see an example of student self assessment

Rewards

At KS3, the department uses the whole school credit system to encourage positive and appropriate behaviour and standards of work. Bronze, Silver and Gold certificates are issued.

In particular we award regular credits

• for an excellent piece of work
• for consistently excellent work, such as three 100% marks in a row
• for coming in the top three in a test (for example)
• volunteering to help the teacher

The department also gives out half-termly commendations under three categories:

• Outstanding work
• Outstanding effort
• Significant improvement in work and attitude
• Helping during open evening

Each teacher of each class is asked to nominate one pupil for each category at the end of the half term.

In addition to the use of credits and commendations, the department also writes home to congratulate pupils where appropriate.

Click here to see an example of departmental reward certificates

Mathematics Support Club

The Mathematics Department offers a support club to help students with homework and problems arising from class work. This runs weekly on a Wednesday in the KS3 library after school, from 3.20 to 4.00 pm. A member of the department is always there, along with students from year 12, to help students.

Maths Fair

Each summer, year 7 students create mathematical games, which are based on probability. Parents are invited into school for the afternoon, to play the games and try and win prizes. All money raised during the event is donated to charity.

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Useful Websites

Count On 2001
BBC Games
Nrich
FunbrainKidnap
Bug Race
Awards Ceremony
Millionaire

Alien Functions
Alien Formulae
Transformation Golf
Post the Shapes
Save the Eggs
Counting Stick

Revision websites: www.bbc.bitesize

This has all the information pupils need, in 'bitesize' chunks. Revision bites and Test Bites have been designed to help pupils check what they know already.

www.learn.co.uk

A vast range of sites for learning and revision

www.mymaths.co.uk

A wide range of Mathematical activities on this subscription website paid for by the Department.