Our vision is for all students at Ormiston Bridge Academy to become confident learners who enjoy discovering and explaining Mathematics; learners who are not afraid to tackle challenging problems, to make mistakes and to learn from them. We are committed to providing a nurturing and encouraging environment in which students can grow in knowledge and understanding of Mathematics and develop transferable problem-solving skills.
We use teaching for mastery approach with special focus on representation and structure to expose mathematical structure; the intention is to support pupils in “seeing” the mathematics. We also aim to engage all learners in mathematical thinking in all lessons, discussing and communicating their ideas using precise mathematical language. This approach will particularly benefit SEND learners.
Key Stage 3
The Curriculum is organised in strands: Number, Algebra, Ratio, Proportion and rates of change, Geometry, Probability, and Statistics. At Key Stage 3 here there is a high level of movement; few children stay here for three years, and many have missed learning time before arriving with us. Therefore, we teach Year 7, 8 and 9 topics in a way which enables us to consolidate prior learning. To check prior learning, we give them a short, pre topic quiz before teaching. The completed quizzes are used to inform planning and decision making about where to start on a given topic. Work is adapted to different levels and extension tasks are included in every lesson. Problem solving and reasoning is incorporated into every topic, giving students a solid preparation for studying GCSE later. For Year 7 and 8 classes, the focus in terms 1 and 2 is on Number and Calculations, which will improve their Numeracy and will benefit them in all subjects. A strong foundation in this gives learners the skills which they need to access Algebra, Ratio and Proportion and Statistics topics later in the year.
Key Stage 4
Year 10 and 11 students study for the AQA Mathematics GCSE. The syllabus builds on the mathematics studied at Key Stage 3, and is organised under the same headings: Number, Algebra, Ratio, Proportion and rates of change, Geometry, Probability, and Statistics.
At Ormiston Bridge Academy all students study the Grade 4/5 crossover topics, which are on both the Foundation and Higher GCSE papers. We also ensure consolidation of prior learning where appropriate, including KS3 topics, as these are also included in the GCSE exams. To check prior learning, we give them a short, pre topic quiz before teaching. The completed quizzes are used to inform planning and decision making about what to teach to each class. Work is adapted to different levels, with extension tasks which students are encouraged to try. Higher Tier units are taught to learners who are likely to achieve above a Grade 5 and who are aiming to sit the Higher tier GCSE. As at Key Stage 3, problem solving and reasoning is incorporated throughout, and learners answer exam question practice on every topic. Starter tasks like skills checks often recap the topics covered so far at KS4.
Mathswatch
Mathswatch is used at both Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4. The videos support children at home; enabling them to re-visit and practice content covered in lessons. Teachers are able to set adapted Mathswatch quizzes, selecting questions to ensure that all learners are supported and challenged as appropriate.