Maths
Our vision:
The Maths Department at Orsett Heath Academy aims to provide learners with a deep understanding of mathematical concepts, which they are confident in applying to unfamiliar situations. The department strives to provide quality teaching and have high expectations of the students.
During Key Stage 3, we want pupils to engage with Mathematics and, in time, develop a love for the subject. We hope to achieve this through a curriculum that provides deep mathematical knowledge in Key Stage 3 as a foundation to help pupils thrive. This will then be built on and continued throughout Key Stage 4. The curriculum is designed so that learners encounter new topics and skills on a regular basis but that these are interleaved with previous learning to reinforce retention of prior learning.
Within the department, each learner will follow a programme of study suited to their ability. We are using materials developed by White Rose Maths to support the teaching and learning. This includes varied material to help engage and strengthen pupils’ knowledge and understanding of mathematics.
Lessons will be delivered to a high standard by subject specialists. Lessons will include modelling, peer supporting and independent work. Pupils will not only develop mathematical skills but also listening, problem solving, resilience and the sense of “I can achieve.” Pupils will be encouraged to share ideas, thoughts, processes and answers in a supportive environment. The curriculum will be split into units of work and progress will be monitored regularly using in class assessments. Pupils will further develop their fluency in topics through the homework programme.
The Mathematics department at Orsett Heath are proud to be delivering lessons to the pupils and aim to give each child the best experience in our subject. We are respectful and understanding of the different perspectives that pupils have of mathematics and will endeavour to share our love for the subject with them.
We see our key objectives as:
- Promoting the importance of mathematics and showing pupils it is the key to opportunities and success;
- Providing a safe, encouraging and respectful environment for all learners to develop their skills at a pace appropriate to them;
- Providing them the scaffolding and support they need to achieve and reach their full potential;
- Enforcing that mathematics is not just about numbers but the real skills learnt are the ability to reason and problem solve – skills that are required in every walk of life.
As a department, we believe that Mathematics is key to a student’s programme of study for a number of reasons:
- The learning of Mathematics requires courage and effort, both attributes that can also be applied to wider life as they are necessary for you to reach your full potential. Building resilience is a key skill that students need to develop as they grow and move forward.
- The study of Mathematics provides an effective way of building mental discipline and encourages logical reasoning and thinking.
- Mathematical knowledge plays a role in understanding the contents of other subjects such as Science, Geography and even Music and Art.
- Mathematics creates an environment where students have the courage to put high levels of effort into every piece of learning by realising that sometimes we have to get things wrong before we can get them right. This is vital in the real world when we come across new challenges.
Key Stage Four Programme of Study
Names and email addresses of key post-holders:
Ms Sholaja Curriculum Leader for Maths – sholajam@oha.swecet.org
Mr Rahman Maths Teacher - rahmans@oha.swecet.org
Ms Botha Maths Teacher - boethae@oha.swecet.org
Ms Wilkins Maths Teacher - wilkinsk@oha.swecet.org
Ms Richards Maths Teacher - richardst@oha.swecet.org