Curriculum Intent

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“Good mathematics is not about how many answers you know, It’s about how you behave when you don’t know.”

— Author Unknown

Purpose

Mathematics is a fundamental element of everyday life. It impacts real world problems and underpins many industries and subjects. From everyday tasks such as shopping to interpreting data we see in the media, we use maths everywhere. At NUSA, our students gain a secure understanding of the subject to enable them to contribute to the future advancements of maths and industry. The understanding of the world developed from studying maths at NUSA will help students to succeed in whatever path they choose in future.

Curriculum features

Our Key Stage 3 curriculum provides students with opportunities to develop core mathematical principles in alignment with the KS3 national curriculum. Students are introduced to our mastery-style curriculum, which aims to deepen their skills in number, ratio, statistics, algebra and geometry.

We have adapted the white rose maths curriculum to suit the learners at NUSA in a mixed ability setting. Challenge is provided through depth rather than acceleration. For students with SEND the curriculum is broken down into small chunks to allow for better understand and better acquisition of knowledge.

At Key Stage 4, students follow a curriculum that builds on and extends learning from KS3 to ensure all ‘AQA GCSE maths 8300’ knowledge is acquired in order to prepare students for a foundation or higher pathway. This decision is made when students get to year 11 and is made to ensure students receive the highest grade possible. Once the curriculum has been fully delivered, teaching focuses on revision informed by formative assessments.

In all year groups we use rigorous formative assessments and diagnostic methods in the classroom to allow us to identify gaps in students’ knowledge, enabling us to adapt teaching to the needs of the students. This is achieved through: spaced recall, retrieval practice, and our delayed improvement focus strategy at both KS3 and KS4.

Enrichment

Throughout their mathematical journey at NUSA, we provide students with opportunities to develop and fulfil their mathematical interest.

Students have the opportunity to take part in the UKMT Maths challenge each year, with many student winning awards.

In addition to this, we have embedded extended knowledge into our curriculum including the etymology of key words, careers links, and broader mathematical concepts to promote an interest and love of mathematics and to help our students become educated and well-rounded citizens.

Academic institutions and employers value mathematics highly; it is therefore important for students to realise the possible careers and opportunities associated with mathematical competency which we achieve through our delivery of our whole-school Careers strategy. Social justice is a core principle of the maths department. We are driven to secure the best possible outcomes for all our students to provide them with choice and opportunity.

Curriculum Journey