Maths

Students start Morpeth in a mixed attainment classroom. We are passionate about mixed attainment maths in Year 7 as a demonstration of social justice in the classroom and enabling students to learn without limits. The ethos of the lessons are to promote a procedural and conceptual understanding of mathematics in lessons. We focus on ‘Number’ so that students can perform skills fluently and future concepts can be built on a strong foundation of understanding. We develop students' functional and problem solving skills using mathematical learning tools. For example, manipulatives are used to model abstract concepts and whiteboards are used for assessment for learning.

As students continue their maths career at Morpeth we move them into banded classes in Y8 based on prior attainment. Students will be assessed on topics learnt every-half term and again at the end of the year. This end of year assessment determines the future banding of students. We highly recommend students begin independent study straight away (see revision tips section below) however, Morpeth also offers one-to-one tuition from academic coaches throughout Y7 and Y8 if needed.

What to expect for Autumn Term:

Pupils are entered for the new Edexcel linear GCSE course, at either the Higher or Foundation tier.  They are assessed through termly tests, GCSE graded homework and in class assessment.  Support is provided by the Maths department through Saturday and holiday revision classes, after school sessions and one-to-one tuition from academic coaches and mentors.

Coaching: 

All students in Year 11 participate in our rigorous coaching program, which is a key foundation of how we ensure all students are successful at GCSE. Our program is extremely flexible to suit the needs of our students and coaching occurs during the school day, before/after school, and on Saturdays. We have two dedicated full-time maths coaches who work with the maths teachers to ensure students can solidify key skills and give them the space for extra practice in any areas they are struggling in. This initiative provides the opportunity to receive individualised support either one-to-one or in a small group. Research shows that focused, small group approaches such as these can have an incredible impact on students' success and motivation, and we have found that to be true here at Morpeth. We are extremely proud of our provision and the inclusive approach which ensures all students are supported and challenged throughout. 

Assessment: 

In order to ensure students are fully prepared for their Maths GCSE, we have implemented a rigorous and research-backed assessment strategy that runs throughout their time at Secondary School. It has an explicit focus on numeracy in Key Stage 3 and problem solving in Key Stage 4. We use a mixture of short quizzes, tests, and teacher assessments to ensure we know where our students are at and how they are progressing. One key facet of our program is ensuring this is clearly communicated to the child so that they can take ownership of their learning. For those students who excel in mathematics and are looking for an extra challenge we use UKMT (Maths Challenge) questions and resources to further develop their thinking and understanding. Assessment is a key part of maths here at Morpeth and we aim to be creative and adaptive with how we use it to support student achievement and progress.

Students at Key Stage 5 follow the new Edexcel linear A Level course.  They receive three sessions of Maths a week.  Students can also study Further Maths. Additionally the department now offers students the opportunity to study Core Maths. This course looks at the practical applications of Maths and provides excellent support for students studying subjects such as: Economics, Chemistry and Physics.

• UKMT Maths Challenge
• Maths Inspiration trip
• Maths residential
• Enterprise Day
• Barclays Money Sense
• Music/Maths workshop
• Maths in Action
• Happy Puzzle Company
• STEM workshop

• Numeracy programme
• Academic coaches
• Targeted intervention throughout all year groups
• SEN teachers
• Enrichment trips
• Homework Club
• Dr Frost

In order for students to maximise their progress in Y7 mathematics we suggest they use Corbett Maths (https://corbettmaths.com/) for revision. In order to use Corbett Maths effectively students should:

1. Select the Worksheet icon on the page 

2. Watch the entirety of the Video to recap on skills taught in lessons 

3. Make Notes alongside the video. Notes should include examples, rules, facts, formulas, diagrams etc. from the video.

4. Complete the online Textbook Exercises in their book and show how they worked out the answers. All students can click on the Green Tick icon to see the answers to their questions.