Mathematics is a core subject within the National Curriculum.

 

The amount of Mathematics in everyday use is extensive. We seek to promote positive and enthusiastic attitudes towards mathematics as a method of analysing and communicating information and to develop a thorough foundation in mathematical understanding by means of practical tasks, enquiry and investigation. Much emphasis is placed upon the need for pupils to develop quick mental calculation skills.

 

 

We aim to equip each of our pupils with the skills, competence and practical understanding to be able to solve Mathematical problems confidently in a wide variety of contexts. Whilst covering all the core elements of the National Curriculum and Numeracy Strategy, our independent status enables us to be imaginative and to bring spontaneity into the teaching of Mathematics.

 

Pupils will be taught Mathematics in a variety of ways; including teacher directed lessons, activity-based (hands-on) lessons and computer-based lessons. The variety of approaches ensures each concept is taught in the most appropriate manner in order to maintain pupil interest, and to maximise the level of comprehension.

 

Activity-based lessons allow students to investigate and hence learn Mathematics for themselves by following a skeletal set of instructions and using their own initiative. The approach develops their powers of reasoning, and as research has proven, their understanding and retention of concepts, and reduces their fear of the unknown.

 

Computer-based lessons offer the pupil the opportunity to use a powerful tool to cover work more quickly and in a more simple manner than is possible with traditional tools. An increased understanding of concepts and a high level of interest can be achieved by the use of computers.

 

Specifically, pupils will:

• experience a balanced range of mathematical activities as an integral part of the whole school curriculum.
• have opportunities to develop basic mathematical skills, concepts, attitudes and knowledge appropriate to the development of the pupil.
• have opportunities to acquire, practise and develop mathematical skills.
• have opportunities to work in a variety of ways - class, group, individually, depending on the task.
• have access to practical tasks which will enable them to develop mathematical language.
• be able to perform basic operations and apply them in a variety of situations