Mathematics

"Without Mathematics, there’s nothing you can do. Everything around you is Mathematics.

Everything around you is numbers."

Shakuntala Devi

 

Mathematics Department Staff

For more information about the Subject curriculum, please contact: Mrs R Llewellyn-Ball the Curriculum Leader

  • Mrs R Llewellyn-Ball - Curriculum Leader
  • Mr D Blackburn - Second in Department
  • Miss H Corner - Teacher of Maths
  • Mr M Daniels - Teacher of Maths
  • Miss A Hunkin - Teacher of Maths & Numeracy Co-ordinator
  • Mr G Jennings - Teacher of Maths (Head of Worden) 
  • Miss A Kirby - Teacher of Maths
  • Mrs C Speakman - Teacher of Maths 

 

"Pure Maths is, in its way, the poetry of logical ideas." Albert Einstein


Balshaw's Maths Department seek to foster a love of the language of Mathematics and equip students with the problem-solving strategies and Mathematical skills they will need in the future.

Key Stage 3

In Years 7 and 8, students are taught approximately 11 modules over each year following the most appropriate pathway, foundation, secure and extending. These cover the 6 strands of the Mathematics National Curriculum.

  • Number
  • Algebra
  • Ratio, proportion and rates of change
  • Geometry and Measures
  • Probability
  • Statistics

Regular formative and summative assessments are built into their schemes of work to ensure they remain on track.

For more information, please below.

Year 7

Please see here

Year 8

Please see here.

Key Stage 4 and GCSE

Balshaw's Mathematics Department enter all students for the AQA Mathematics GCSE which is taught over 3 years starting in September of Year 9. We follow the AQA route map which allows for plenty of problem solving activities, relearning, revising and interleaving of the subject. Students may be entered for either:

  • Higher level GCSE Mathematics (grades 9 - 4)
  • Foundation level GCSE Mathematics (grades 1 - 5)

For more information, please see below.

Year 9

Please see here

Year 10

Please see here

Year 11

Please see here

Numeracy

 Numeracy is a ‘number sense’ giving the ability to cope with the mathematical demands of further education, employment, and adult life. This includes: 

  • The ability to carry out basic calculations efficiently and accurately, either mentally or with pencil and paper as appropriate. 
  • The ability to apply knowledge of number to both familiar and new circumstances and to use it in the solution of problems, including those involving percentages, ratio, and proportion.  
  • The ability to understand and use units of measurement of length, mass, capacity, and time. 
  • The ability to understand and use information presented in graphs, tables, and charts.

At Balshaw's we endeavour to ensure our students leave as well-rounded students, ready for their future.  Being numerate allows us to function responsibly in everyday life through being able to hold down a good job as well as taking on responsibilities as a householder – paying the bills, finding the right deals etc. 

To support our staff in delivering numeracy, we have created a handbook which details the roles and responsibilities of all staff, as well as guidance and support. This can be found here.

To support our staff in ensuring consistency in delivery of numeracy we have created a 'how to' booklet of methods that are taught in Mathematics lessons. This booklet is also to support parents in helping with children's numeracy at home. This can be found here.

 

Extra Resources

  • BBC Bitesize - this has lots of online lessons and assessments
  • Completemaths.com - A how-to video to help you start getting the most out of the completemaths.com website
  • Corbettmaths - this has lots of videos, worksheets and exam type questions
  • Just Maths - ask your teacher for your login
  • Keshmaths - exam type questions

Curriculum