Welcome to the Mathematics Department

Christian Vision and Values in Mathematics

The Mathematics Department is committed to embedding Christian values throughout the curriculum. This commitment is rooted in the belief that God is a God of order, truth and wisdom, reflected in the patterns and structures we discover in mathematics. Through studying Maths, students are encouraged to recognise the beauty and consistency of creation, and to use their knowledge responsibly and thoughtfully.

All the school values are reflected in Mathematics, but we place particular emphasis on humility, truth and resilience.

Through these values, students learn to approach problem-solving with honesty and perseverance, to accept and learn from mistakes with humility, and to seek truth with integrity. In doing so, they develop confidence and resilience, understanding that growth often comes through challenge and persistence.

Mathematics Curriculum Intent

Mathematics fascinates and challenges, and the curriculum has been designed to show that mathematics is all around us. The Mathematics Curriculum promotes curiosity and logical thinking, encouraging students to confidently explore patterns, relationships and problem-solving in the world around them.

Students develop a secure and coherent understanding of mathematical concepts in Years 7–9, providing a strong foundation on which to build their knowledge and skills at GCSE. The Mathematics Curriculum develops analytical and reasoning skills that are transferable across subjects, while also supporting students’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.

We encourage students to think for themselves, tackle challenges with determination, and take pride in being accurate and honest in their work. By working together and persisting through difficulties, they grow in confidence and come to see how mathematics shapes the world around them, preparing them to be thoughtful, capable, and adaptable members of society.

Key Stage 3 Curriculum

All students, whatever their starting point follow the KS3 National Curriculum studying all 6 strands of:

• Number

• Algebra

• Ratio, proportion and rates of change

• Geometry and Measures

• Probability

• Statistics

Students are placed in mixed prior attainment groups and are encouraged to aim high with “teaching to the top” and scaffolding to support all students.

For more information, please below:

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Key Stage 4 and GCSE

The Mathematics Department at Balshaw’s enter all students for the AQA Mathematics GCSE. We follow the AQA route map which allows for plenty pf problem solving activities, retrieval practice and interleaving of the subject. Students may be entered for either:

· Higher Tier GCSE Mathematics (grades 9 – 4)

· Foundation Tier GCSE Mathematics (grades 5 – 1)

For more information, please see below.

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Assessment in Mathematics at Balshaw's

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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. 

Numeracy Across the Curriculum

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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. 

Numeracy Across the Curriculum Skills Support Booklet

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Extra Resources

  • BBC Bitesize - this has lots of online lessons and assessments
  • Corbettmaths - this has lots of videos, worksheets and exam type questions
  • Just Maths - ask your teacher for your login
  • Keshmaths - exam type questions

Mathematics Department Staff

If you want to speak to a member of the Mathematics Department, these are the members of the department:

Curriculum Leader: Mrs R Llewellyn-Ball 

  • Miss K Anderton - Teacher of Maths
  • Mr D Blackburn - Second in Department
  • Miss H Corner - Teacher of Maths
  • Mr M Daniels - Teacher of Maths
  • Mrs H Hughes - Teacher of Maths (Maternity Leave)
  • Mr E Khanji - Teacher of Maths
  • Mr P Paize - Teacher of Maths (Head of Worden) 
  • Mrs C Speakman - Teacher of Maths (Maternity Leave) 
  • Mr A Shuttleworth - Teacher of Maths
  • Mrs A Toon - Teacher of Maths