Why
Many of our learners start with us having become disengaged from learning and not seeing the value of education. They often have a lack of confidence in their ability, a dislike of the subject and gaps in knowledge due to disrupted education. We therefore strive for our curriculum to be inclusive and have clear Steps to Success for all learners allowing them to access the content and grow in confidence.
We want our curriculum to provide a gateway to our students’ future choices and aspirations be it returning to a mainstream environment, in further education or employment.
We want our curriculum to engage students’ curiosity about the mathematical world and the importance of numeracy and mathematics in the many aspects of life beyond school. We believe the curriculum goes beyond what is examinable and offer opportunities for pupils to recognise the value of mathematical skills within different careers and the world as a whole.
What
We teach the core mathematical skills and knowledge as well as developing conceptual understanding and the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately. Pupils are encouraged to persevere in seeking solutions by applying their mathematics to a variety of routine and non-routine problems. Our Curriculum ensures students have the opportunity to achieve appropriate qualifications and also those functional mathematical skills applicable to life beyond school. Whilst teaching Mathematics we use whole school approaches to develop literacy as well as spiritual, moral, social and cultural development where appropriate.
How
Learning approaches are inclusive and personalised to individual needs wherever possible. We endeavour to teach the applications of mathematics using real-life contexts and functional approaches to allow students to see the value of what they are studying.
We use weekly targeted recall activities as a teaching and learning tool to refresh mathematical knowledge and to allow new starters to visit topics they may never have covered. We also use the interconnecting nature of Mathematics, ensuring we link different mathematical knowledge as we move through the curriculum. This is another opportunity to discover gaps in pupil’s knowledge as well as developing mathematical fluency.
Teachers are encouraged to use a range of activities in lessons to capture students interests and improve engagement. We also recognise the value of positive relationships and work hard to develop positive relationships with all students. We recognise the importance of celebrating success at all levels and the positive impact this has on the learner’s attitude towards to subject.
All students complete a baseline assessment when they start school allowing us to assess their current ability. A gap analysis is completed for a more detailed view of their knowledge and understanding which is used to inform planning. The baseline assessment is used to set appropriate but challenging targets for our learners which are monitored carefully. Additional academic interventions may be put in place if a learner is struggling to make expected progress or a specific learning need is identified.
Primary Nurture Curriculum- Building Firm Foundations
The Primary Mathematics Curriculum has been planned to accommodate short term placements up to 18 weeks. Topics taught have been carefully chosen to develop key mathematical skills at all levels. Topic lessons are taught alongside numeracy lessons where learners build strong foundations and the fundamental skills that underpin all mathematical study.
KS3 Nurture Curriculum – Strengthen and Extend
The KS3 Nurture Curriculum has been carefully planned to allow learners the opportunity to develop and master skills taught at KS2 whilst also ensuring they experience new knowledge on the KS3 Curriculum. The structure of the week allows learners have lessons on the current topic but also have a weekly lesson where the focus is strengthening mathematical foundations and filling any gaps in knowledge.
Year 9 Curriculum- Bridging to GCSE
The year 9 Curriculum has been thoughtfully planned and sequenced to ensure learners have the knowledge necessary to access the GCSE Curriculum in year 10. Steps to success are planned for each unit, where learners can reflect on their learning journey and consider next steps. Recall activities and opportunities to interleave mathematical knowledge are strategically planned to ensure learners have the opportunity to remember more.
Year 10 and 11- GCSE Curriculum
The GCSE curriculum has been thoughtfully planned and sequenced to ensure it is both accessible and challenging for our learners. Each unit has been carefully planned with clear outcomes ranging from entry level skills to Higher Level GCSE outcomes. Recall activities and opportunities to interleave mathematical knowledge are strategically planned to ensure learners have the opportunity to remember more. Whilst most of our learners follow the foundation GCSE curriculum, due to our small groups and the interventions we have available we can offer personalised pathways for those capable of accessing higher level content. Entry Level Qualifications are also offered where appropriate.
