Maths
Maths
At The Angmering School, we believe that all students can achieve and succeed in mathematics. Our curriculum is designed to develop ambitious, confident and resilient learners who are equipped with the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to thrive both in school and beyond. Through a Teaching for Mastery approach, influenced by the NCETM and Maths Hub programme, students develop deep mathematical understanding by building fluency, reasoning mathematically and solving increasingly complex problems.
Our curriculum embodies the school values of Ambition, Respect and Courage. We encourage students to be ambitious in their learning, respect different methods and viewpoints, and show courage when tackling challenges, making mistakes and persevering with difficult concepts. Through carefully sequenced learning, regular retrieval of prior knowledge and a focus on mathematical thinking, students develop the confidence to apply their learning in unfamiliar contexts.
Mathematics plays a vital role in preparing students for life beyond school. We aim for every student to leave with strong numeracy skills, financial awareness, critical thinking and the ability to interpret information and make informed decisions in an increasingly data-rich world. We are committed to providing an ambitious and inclusive curriculum for all learners through high-quality teaching, adaptive practice, effective use of representations, explicit instruction and high expectations. Through consistent support, targeted intervention and enrichment opportunities, we ensure that every student, including those with SEND and disadvantaged students, can experience success and keep future opportunities open.
Students say…
“Maths is fun, because the teachers take the time to make sure every student understands the questions”
“I like learning about the different topics, such as ratios when we get to draw pictures and diagrams”
“It’s very fun and I think it’s the best core lesson to learn about, as you need it more in life and it’s very helpful for you”
“Maths is a good for learning as we use it in everyday life because it’s good for you”
“The teachers are very good at teaching, I’ve learnt a lot that I didn’t know before”
“My confidence has been growing with maths, the teachers really help me, they know their maths”
What are the key features of the Key Stage 3 curriculum?
At Key Stage 3, students follow a Teaching for Mastery curriculum, influenced by the NCETM and Maths Hub programme. The curriculum is carefully sequenced to develop deep understanding of mathematical concepts through fluency, reasoning and problem solving. Students revisit key ideas throughout Years 7 to 9, allowing them to strengthen prior learning and make connections across different areas of mathematics. Regular retrieval activities, numeracy practice and opportunities to explain mathematical thinking help students build confidence and become successful mathematicians.
What will my child study in Year 7?
Year 7 provides the foundations for future mathematical learning. Students study number, algebra, geometry and measures, ratio and proportion, and statistics and probability. The focus is on developing fluency with key skills, strengthening numeracy and building confidence in applying mathematics to a range of contexts.
What will my child study in Year 8?
In Year 8, students continue to develop their understanding of number, algebra, geometry and measures, ratio and proportion, and statistics and probability. Students build on the knowledge gained in Year 7, exploring concepts in greater depth and applying their learning to increasingly complex problems. Reasoning and problem-solving skills become a greater focus as students develop mathematical independence.
What will my child study in Year 9?
Year 9 prepares students for the transition to GCSE mathematics. Students continue to study the core strands of mathematics while developing more sophisticated algebraic, geometric and statistical techniques. They are encouraged to make connections between topics, justify their reasoning and solve increasingly challenging problems, ensuring they are well prepared for Key Stage 4.
How are the teaching groups organised?
Students are taught in attainment-based teaching groups. Information from Key Stage 2, teacher assessment and school-based assessments is used to ensure students are placed in the most appropriate group. Teaching groups are reviewed regularly to ensure that students are appropriately challenged and supported throughout their mathematical journey.
What equipment is needed?
Students should bring the following equipment to every mathematics lesson:
Black or blue pen
- Pencil
- Ruler
- Scientific calculator
- Protractor
- Compass
Having the correct equipment supports students in accessing all aspects of the mathematics curriculum.
How is my child assessed?
Students complete two assessments each half term, designed to assess both current learning and previously taught content. This allows teachers to identify strengths, address misconceptions and support long-term retention of key knowledge. At the end of each academic year, students complete a formal assessment covering the content studied throughout the year. Revision guidance is provided to support preparation.
How do you give feedback to students?
Feedback is an integral part of learning in mathematics. Students receive regular verbal feedback during lessons through questioning, discussion, mini whiteboard activities and review of classwork. Following assessments, students are given opportunities to reflect on their performance, address misconceptions and improve their understanding. Feedback is also provided on Sparx Maths homework to help students identify gaps in knowledge and support continued progress.
What courses are offered at Key Stage 4?
All students study Edexcel GCSE Mathematics (1MA1). This qualification builds upon the knowledge and skills developed at Key Stage 3 and prepares students for further education, employment and everyday life.
A small number of students may also be invited to study AQA Level 2 Certificate in Further Mathematics (8360). This additional qualification is designed for students who demonstrate a strong aptitude for mathematics and are considering studying A Level Mathematics in the future.
GCSE Mathematics Specification
Examination Board: Edexcel
Qualification Code: 1MA1
What will my child study in Year 10?
In Year 10, students build on the foundations established in Key Stage 3, developing greater fluency, reasoning and problem-solving skills across the key areas of mathematics: Number, Algebra, Ratio and Proportion, Geometry and Measures, and Statistics and Probability. Students are encouraged to apply their knowledge in increasingly complex contexts and begin to develop the mathematical resilience needed for GCSE success.
What will my child study in Year 11?
In Year 11, students continue to develop and deepen their understanding of the GCSE content while consolidating learning from previous years. Teaching focuses on strengthening mathematical reasoning, problem solving and exam technique, ensuring students are well prepared for their final examinations. Regular retrieval practice, assessment and targeted intervention support students in achieving their potential.
How is GCSE Mathematics assessed?
Students are entered for either the Foundation Tier (Grades 1–5) or Higher Tier (Grades 4–9), depending on their progress and attainment throughout the course.
The qualification is assessed through three written examinations taken at the end of Year 11:
- Paper 1: Non-calculator (1 hour 30 minutes)
- Paper 2: Calculator (1 hour 30 minutes)
- Paper 3: Calculator (1 hour 30 minutes)
Each paper contributes equally to the final GCSE grade.
What opportunities does GCSE Mathematics provide?
Mathematics is one of the most highly valued qualifications by colleges, universities and employers. The course develops logical reasoning, problem-solving skills, numerical confidence and the ability to interpret and analyse information. These skills are essential for a wide range of future pathways and support students in becoming informed and financially capable citizens.
Students achieving a Grade 6 or above are well placed to progress to A Level Mathematics, while all students benefit from the transferable skills that mathematics develops for further study, employment and everyday life.
Further Mathematics
A small number of students may be invited to study AQA Level 2 Certificate in Further Mathematics alongside their GCSE Mathematics course. This qualification introduces students to more advanced mathematical concepts, including algebraic techniques, matrices, coordinate geometry, calculus and proof. It is designed to bridge the gap between GCSE and A Level Mathematics and provides excellent preparation for students considering further mathematical study.
Assessment consists of two written examinations taken at the end of Year 11:
- Paper 1: Non-calculator (1 hour 45 minutes)
- Paper 2: Calculator (1 hour 45 minutes)
Further Mathematics develops deeper mathematical understanding and provides a strong foundation for students progressing to A Level Mathematics and other mathematically demanding courses.
What courses are offered at Key Stage 5?
Students can study Edexcel A Level Mathematics. Students with a strong aptitude for mathematics may also choose to study Edexcel A Level Further Mathematics alongside A Level Mathematics.
A Level Mathematics Specification
Examination Board: Edexcel
Qualification Code: 9MA0
What will my child study in Year 12?
In Year 12, students build upon and extend the mathematical knowledge developed at GCSE. In pure mathematics, the course begins by revisiting and extending key areas from GCSE such as surds, quadratics, index laws, and algebraic manipulation. We then move on to new content such as the binomial expansion, advanced trigonometry, exponentials and logarithms, and calculus (integration and differentiation). In applied mathematics, students study both statistics and mechanics; topics studied include statistical distributions, hypothesis testing, applications of Newton’s second law, and the constant acceleration formulae. The course encourages logical thinking, problem solving and mathematical communication.
What will my child study in Year 13?
The Year 13 course builds upon the material covered in Year 12. Ideas such as integration and differentiation are developed further and applied to a range of problems. The study of trigonometry is also extended, with a particular emphasis on real-world modelling. Students are also introduced to new and abstract mathematical ideas such as proof by contradiction and methods for summing infinite series. In applied mathematics, the areas studied in Year 12 are revisited and built upon. Students will encounter, amongst other things, the normal distribution, moments, regression, friction, inclined planes, and conditional probability.
How is A Level Mathematics assessed?
The qualification is assessed through three written examinations taken at the end of Year 13:
- Paper 1: Pure Mathematics (2 hours)
- Paper 2: Pure Mathematics (2 hours)
- Paper 3: Statistics and Mechanics (2 hours)
All examinations allow the use of a calculator.
What will the course allow me to progress to in the future?
A Level Mathematics is highly valued by universities and employers because it develops analytical thinking, problem-solving skills and logical reasoning. It supports progression to a wide range of degree courses, including mathematics, engineering, economics, computer science and the sciences, whilst also providing valuable skills for careers in finance, technology, education and many other professions. The subject keeps a broad range of future opportunities open.
A Level Further Mathematics Specification
Examination Board: Edexcel
Qualification Code: 9FM0
What will my child study in Year 12?
In pure mathematics, students quickly encounter new and interesting concepts such as complex numbers, matrices, proof by induction, and volumes of revolution. The remainder of the course is devoted to applied mathematics, namely statistics and decision mathematics. Ideas covered here include statistical distributions such as the Poisson and geometric distributions, advanced hypothesis testing, graph theory, and the simplex algorithm.
What will my child study in Year 13?
In Year 13, the course is divided into pure mathematics, decision mathematics, and statistics. The pure side of the course studies increasingly subtle and abstract areas such as polar coordinates, De Moivre’s theorem, hyperbolic functions, and Maclaurin series. In decision mathematics, areas such as the simplex algorithm are developed in greater depth. In statistics, students develop more sophisticated methods for analysing hypothesis tests and also meet ideas that overlap both pure and applied mathematics: for example, in the study of probability generating functions.
How is A Level Further Mathematics assessed?
The qualification is assessed through four written examinations taken at the end of Year 13:
- Paper 1: Core Pure Mathematics (1 hour 30 minutes)
- Paper 2: Core Pure Mathematics (1 hour 30 minutes)
- Paper 3: Further Statistics (1 hour 30 minutes)
- Paper 4: Decision Mathematics (1 hour 30 minutes)
All examinations allow the use of a calculator.
What will the course allow me to progress to in the future?
A Level Further Mathematics is highly regarded by leading universities and provides excellent preparation for mathematically demanding degree courses. It is particularly beneficial for students considering mathematics, physics, engineering, computer science, economics and related disciplines. The qualification develops advanced analytical and problem-solving skills and provides a strong foundation for further mathematical study at university and beyond.
The Mathematics Department is co-led by Local Leaders of Mathematics Education and is supported by a highly experienced team of specialist teachers who are committed to continual professional development and the delivery of high-quality mathematics education. Our curriculum is implemented through a Teaching for Mastery approach, drawing on guidance from the NCETM and Sussex Maths Hub. Lessons are carefully designed to build deep mathematical understanding through a balance of fluency, reasoning and problem solving, enabling students to make connections between concepts and apply their knowledge confidently in unfamiliar situations.
Teachers use explicit instruction, carefully chosen representations and mathematical discussion to develop understanding, whilst questioning and formative assessment are used to identify and address misconceptions. High participation ratio strategies, including the regular use of mini whiteboards, ensure that all students are actively engaged in learning and provide teachers with immediate insight into students’ understanding. Learning is sequenced to build upon prior knowledge, with regular retrieval practice and cumulative review embedded throughout the curriculum to support long-term retention. Students are encouraged to explain, justify and communicate their thinking, developing both their mathematical reasoning and confidence.
Literacy is developed through the explicit teaching of mathematical vocabulary and opportunities for students to read, interpret and communicate mathematical ideas accurately. Numeracy is at the heart of the curriculum, with students continually developing fluency in calculation, estimation and the application of mathematics to real-world contexts. Technology is used to enhance learning through platforms such as Sparx Maths, which provides personalised practice, immediate feedback and opportunities for independent learning, while also supporting teachers in identifying gaps in knowledge and targeting support effectively.
Homework plays an important role in supporting students' mathematical development by providing regular opportunities to practise, consolidate and retain learning. All students are set approximately one hour of mathematics homework each week using the online platform Sparx Maths. Sparx Maths provides personalised practice based on students' learning and gives immediate feedback to help build confidence and understanding. Students are expected to complete all compulsory homework and achieve 100%, ensuring that misconceptions are addressed and learning is secure before moving on.
To support students in meeting these expectations, homework support sessions are available where students can access guidance from staff and complete their work in a supportive environment.
In Year 11, students are also provided with weekly GCSE examination practice through our "Chocolate Bar Papers" initiative. Students complete a half GCSE paper at home before reviewing video solutions, self-assessing their work and correcting any errors. This process helps students develop exam technique, improve their problem-solving skills and identify areas for further revision. Completed papers are entered into a prize draw, encouraging regular engagement with independent exam preparation.
Research shows that regular retrieval and practice over time strengthens long-term retention and improves students' ability to recall and apply mathematical knowledge. Through a combination of online practice, independent study and examination preparation, homework forms an important part of our curriculum and supports students in achieving their full potential in mathematics.
The Mathematics Department offers a range of enrichment opportunities designed to develop students' confidence, curiosity and enjoyment of mathematics beyond the classroom. These opportunities encourage students to think more deeply, tackle unfamiliar problems and experience mathematics in new and engaging ways.
Students across Key Stages 3 and 4 are given opportunities to participate in the Higher Level Maths Achievement Programme, which challenges students to explore mathematical ideas beyond the standard curriculum and develop advanced problem-solving and reasoning skills. We also identify and recommend students for the Axiom Maths programme, providing additional support and challenge for students with strong mathematical potential. Through these programmes, students develop resilience, independence and a deeper appreciation of mathematics.
Where possible, students benefit from external opportunities, visits and events that broaden their understanding of how mathematics is used in the wider world. These experiences help students recognise the value of mathematics beyond the classroom and raise aspirations by exposing them to future educational and career opportunities.
Our enrichment programme complements and extends the taught curriculum by developing the mathematical thinking, reasoning and problem-solving skills that underpin success in mathematics. Through these experiences, students gain valuable cultural capital, broaden their horizons and develop the confidence to pursue future opportunities with ambition and curiosity.
