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Mathematics is a core subject. At Oakwood High School Key
Stage Three (KS3) pupils are taught using the National Numeracy
Strategy.
The National Numeracy Strategy is a framework for teaching
all aspects of Mathematics building on previous knowledge.
When a
pupil joins us at Oakwood we complete baseline assessments
to ascertain the levels of achievement. Together with information
from their Primary school we are able to find the most appropriate
level to teach them from the National Numeracy Strategy. At
the
end of KS3, pupils will sit their Standard Attainment Tests
or S.A.T.’s. These tests are set for all Year 9 pupils
across the country to attain their levels of achievement. Some
of our
pupils are not working at suitable levels for the tests, so
they do S.A.T. tasks instead. These tasks test pupils who are
working
below the levels tested in the S.A.T. tests.
At Key Stage Four (KS4) pupils follow examination syllabi.
All pupils are entered for the Entry Level qualifications and
those who are working at appropriate levels will sit their
G.C.S.E. in Mathematics in their final year (Year 11).
Skills required/developed
Staff have high expectations of pupils in the Maths Department
at Oakwood. Skills are developed in all areas of the Maths
curriculum over the five years a pupil is with us. These skills
include: Using and Applying maths, Number and Algebra, Shape,
Space and measure and Handling Data. Each year’s curriculum
is planned out so that it builds on the skills learned in the
last. Booster groups are offered for Year 9 and Year 11 pupils
to enhance attainment in S.A.T.'s, Entry Level qualifications
and GCSE’s. Other year groups can access the study groups
held on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons after school. The
study group allows pupils to have extra input into areas that
they are weaker in or a place where they can do their homework
with some support if they need it.
Specialist equipment used
All teaching areas used for Maths have an interactive whiteboard.
This allows teaching staff to use computer software to enhance
the work they are doing with pupils in class. Banks of laptops
called ‘Classroom in a Box’ are also available
for pupils to use to record work and use software themselves.
We also have access to the CAD/CAM facilities and work closely
with the Arts and Technology Departments to promote understanding
of the use of Maths in other subject areas. Combined topics
completed include:
- Food Studies/Maths: making smoothies and milkshakes.
Maths
skills used:
- Understanding kilograms and grams as a measure
of weight,
- Understanding millilitres and litres as measures of
capacity,
Food Studies skills used:
- Promoting healthy living,
- Understanding
and following a recipe.
- Textiles/Maths: making a patchwork quilt
Maths skills used:
- Measuring using millimetres and centimetres,
- The properties and tessellation of shapes,
Textiles skills used:
- Colour and fabric choices,
- Tacking material,
- Using a sewing machine
- Resistant Materials Technology/Maths: making fraction
boards
Maths skills used:
- Measuring using millimetres,
- Division and Multiplication,
- Completing detailed drawings to use with computer
software,
RMT skills used:
- Use of computer software linked to the CAD/CAM
- Transfer of design to CAD/CAM
- Product assembly.
- Art/Maths: making a box/tile inspired by the use
of shape
Maths skills used:
- Understanding nets,
- Use of measurement using millilitres, centimetres
and degrees as a measure of angles,
- Recognition of 2D shapes and their properties,
Art skills used:
- Understanding and using the medium of clay,
- Design,
- Colour choices and their impact on the final piece.
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