Mathematics and Numeracy is a compulsory Area of Learning at Key Stage 3. It gives pupils a wider understanding of how the world around them works and prepares them for making decisions, solving problems and processing everyday information.
This Area of Learning encourages pupils to deepen the mathematical knowledge, understanding and skills they have acquired at Key Stages 1 and 2. Pupils develop and demonstrate this deeper understanding through creative and critical thinking, being flexible in their approach, solving problems and making informed decisions.
At Key Stage 3, Mathematics and Numeracy has two subject strands: Mathematics and Financial Capability.
Mathematics helps pupils to develop important skills such as calculating, logical thinking and investigating. It enables pupils to:
Through Financial Capability, teachers should give pupils opportunities to develop knowledge and understanding of a range of finance issues. Pupils should also develop skills that enable them to make competent and responsible financial decisions.
By engaging with issues that young people can relate to, now and in the future, teachers can help pupils to see the relevance of Mathematics and Financial Capability to real life and to work.
Arithmetic revision, Place Value, Data Collection and presentation, Area and Perimeter, Angles, Time, Negative Numbers, Fractions, Coordinates, Patterns, Scale drawing, Probability and algebra.
Rounding and estimating, Money, Factors, Data Analysis, Nets and Surface area, Algebra, Fractions and Percentages, Probability, Polygons, Circles and Cylinders, Straight line graphs, Units of measure, Ratio and Proportion and Pythagoras’ Theorem.
Basic operations, Fractions and Percentages, Area/Perimeter/Volume, Indices and Standard form, Probability, Linear Graphs, Sequences, Algebra manipulation, Estimation and Approximation, Transformations, Cumulative frequency and Statistical diagrams.
In the Mathematics classrooms we have swipe panels that are used on a daily basis for interactive lessons. Various apps are used on Ipads and we use MyMaths, a website that is an interactive resource that be used both in school and at home to consolidate learning.
Numeracy ninja is used in all KS3 classes, once a week, to revisit key skills and to ensure students’ improved numeracy skills and fluency are retained over time.
Exam Board: CCEA
Units covered, how they are assessed and weighting:
In KS4 we follow the CCEA GCSE Mathematics specification. This encourages students to develop fluent knowledge, skills and understanding in applying mathematical methods and concepts.
It enables students to reason mathematically, draw conclusions and make deductions and inferences. Students learn how to comprehend, interpret and communicate mathematical information in a variety of appropriate forms.
The specification has two tiers: Foundation and Higher. Each tier offers students a choice of units suited to a range of abilities, allowing them to demonstrate achievement. The assessment model enables students to monitor their progress and offers opportunities to improve their results.
Students take two units; one unit is a calculator paper which is worth 45%, the other unit has two papers (calculator and non-calculator) and this is worth 55%.
The CCEA GCSE Statistics specification encourages students to develop understanding of the basic concepts of statistical problem-solving. They also develop skills in planning, collecting, processing, analysing and representing data.
Students reason, interpret and discuss results and use data to calculate estimates of probability. They develop understanding of how technology enables us to collect, visualise and analyse large quantities of data to inform decision-making in public, commercial, charitable and academic sectors.
Students apply their knowledge and understanding to planning a statistical enquiry. They also learn to evaluate and interpret the outcomes of the enquiry, which involves thinking critically and choosing an appropriate way to communicate their conclusions.
This qualification builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills developed through the Mathematics and Numeracy Area of Learning.
The specification has two externally assessed units (Unit 1 and Unit 2) and two tiers: Foundation and Higher.
The exam for Unit 2 includes questions on information from a pre-release case study focusing on Northern Ireland data.
We run after school GCSE Mathematics two afternoons a week. These are used to revise topics already covered in class and to provide extra guidance with examination technique.