Mathematics at Newhaven School

"I want to say how amazing it is that I am here, if you have told me a year ago that I would be coming in for extra lessons, being in school, and doing my (maths) GCSEs, I would have laughed at you...yet here I am, getting the bus to school and sitting my actual GCSE exams, and feeling fairly confident about them!"

Year 11 student

Our aim in the Mathematics Department is to create an atmosphere of mastery and learning where students enjoy the subject and feel successful at it.

The mathematics department at Newhaven provides our students with a high-quality curriculum which is:

  • Inclusive
  • Intellectually challenging
  • Empowering

The maths department is a positive and respectful learning environment for all students, teachers and support staff.

Inclusive

The maths department consists of an outstanding and deeply committed team of subject specialists who strive every day to ensure pupils fulfil their mathematical potential.

Students arriving at Newhaven often bring with them high levels of anxiety associated with learning in general and maths in particular. Many of our students have diagnosed additional needs including: autism spectrum condition; ADHD (in various forms); dyslexia and generalised anxiety disorder. In recognition of this, members of staff regularly undertake specialist training in how to teach students with additional needs and share best practice on a weekly basis.

We also work closely with support staff and our SEN colleagues and constantly adapt.

Training on its own does not make up for the care we have for our students. Our success as a department relies strongly on the relationships we build with students and the trust they eventually place in us.

Intellectually challenging

We have the highest expectations for our students.

We aim for every student to leave Newhaven with a nationally recognised qualification in the subject no matter what their starting point. We deliver the Edexcel GCSE curriculum at Higher and Foundation levels. We also offer Functional Skills qualifications to all students which means that students have the opportunity to gain more than one maths qualification.

As a key GCSE subject, we explore all areas of mathematics and equip our students with strong numerical and problem-solving skills which can be applied in their everyday lives.

We have a rigorous assessment procedure which tracks pupils’ progress to ensure each student fulfils their mathematical potential.

We know that many of our students arrive at Newhaven far behind their peers in their mathematical abilities. We work hard to change that:

  • Students undertake an immediate and impactful maths assessment to ascertain their levels on arrival at Newhaven;
  • Students work through a carefully sequenced programme in their first few weeks with us which covers: the basic mathematical facts, concepts, vocabulary and symbols as well as topics such as the four operations and fractions;
  • Offering a one to one intervention programme to the students who need it most.

Empowering

We provide a wide range of enrichment activities for our students which enables them to see mathematics as both useful and empowering. This includes visits around our local community and further afield; practical activities and lessons involving real-world uses for mathematics.

We draw on expertise from other departments and work with other colleagues throughout the year to design exciting and engaging cross-curricular extended projects for our pupils. These projects are designed to encourage critical thinking for all and engage pupils who have had limited exposure to practical, hand-on learning.

For further details please see our Maths in Action booklet below.

Upcoming Events

November 2024

  • Active learning focus: estimating and rounding, number talks, maths vocabulary
  • Mock Exam 1
  • 23 November – Fibonacci Day

This month, the maths department are reading:

Progress

The maths teachers know their students very well and we carefully monitor their progress from the moment they start at Newhaven.

This enables us to build a detailed picture of their learning and areas which we need to improve.

This monitoring takes the form of informal written and oral assessments as well as more formal assessments as students move up through the school.

We monitor students progress not only in terms of their academic achievement, but also their behaviour, engagement and ability to cope in a classroom setting. We follow the school’s behaviour policy and embed it in our teaching.

Students also have a role to play with regular self-assessments and skills checks throughout the term.

Assessment

We are constantly assessing our pupils in terms of their behaviour and learning. This takes the form of written academic assessments as well as regular conversations with pupils and their wider support team – mentors, department heads and parents. KS3 have data drops at the end of every term which is based on teacher assessments. KS4 have a series of more formal written exams to prepare them for their nationally assessed exams.

KS3 Curriculum Map

Terms Unit/S.O.W Students should be able to:
Autumn 1 Numbers

Square functions

Decimals

Estimating and rounding

Fractions
  • be confident around the four operations
  • identify and work with square numbers, roots and cubes; apply simple index notation
  • understand what a decimal number means and why they are useful; multiply and divide decimals, round decimals, add and subtract decimals
  • Make sensible estimates of numbers and amounts / know the rules of rounding and how to round to one significant figure
  • explain what a fraction means, order fractions, simplify fractions, use equivalent fractions and convert between simple fractions and decimals, add, subtract, multiply and divide fractions; solve fraction problems
Autumn 2 Algebraic thinking

Expanding brackets and factorising

Law of indices
  • write an algebraic expression; simplify expressions; replace numbers with letters; find value of letters; use an algebraic formula
  • expand and simplify single and double brackets; factorise an expression
  • know and apply the laws of indices
Spring 1 Measuring

Units of measurement

Angles

Area and perimeter

Circles and quadrilaterals
  • understand what units of measurements mean and be able to use them accurately in everyday life; change between metric measures; add and subtract metric measures
  • draw, name and measure angles; calculate missing angles on a straight line, right angle, round a point and in different triangles;
  • Calculate the area and perimeter of 2D shapes
  • Draw and label a circle
  • Identify and list the properties of a quadrilateral
Spring 2 Transformation: translation, rotation, reflection, enlargement

Congruent and similar shapes

Accurate drawings and 3D shapes

Coordinates
  • carry out simple reflections of shapes; identify simple enlargement of shapes; carry out a simple translation and rotation
  • recognise shapes that are congruent and similar; calculate missing sides of similar shapes
  • draw triangles accurately
  • types of 3D shapes and their properties
  • write down and identify coordinates; make shapes with given coordinates
Summer 1 Ratios

Proportion

Graphs

Percentages
  • simplify ratio, express as a ratio, share using ratio
  • understand the difference between ratio and proportion; calculate proportion
  • use graphs to estimate value; read and interpret graphs
  • calculate a percentage of an amount; find a percentage of a quantity; write one quantity as a percentage of another; calculate percentage from word problems
Summer 2 Data

Tables

Charts

Averages
  • recognise and describe different types of data; design and use a data collection sheet
  • draw and interpret pictograms, bar charts and pie charts
  • calculate mean, median, range, mode and be able to explain the difference between them

Curriculum map – KS4

Autumn 1 Autumn 2 Spring 1 Spring 2 Summer 1 Summer 2 Cross-Curriculum Decolonisation
Fractions
Decimals 		Probability scale Frequency trees Conversion graphs Pythagoras Theorem Mock exams PSHE/STATISTICS Focus: frequency Using data on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) https://youtu.be/aiYR1wTMaS4
Estimating/Rounding Sample space diagrams Frequency tables Distance-time graphs Trigonometry Revision Science/P.E Focus: trigonometry Egyptian pyramid https://youtu.be/C1y8N0ePuF8
Indices Venn diagrams Frequency polygons Congruence/similarity Plans and elevation Work experience Biology/ADT Focus: indices https://www.aljazeera.com/program/science-in-a-golden-age/2015/10/20/al
Substitution Probability tree diagrams Scatter graphs Scale drawings Transformations Trips ADT/STATISTICS Focus: world map https://youtu.be/24odv5x59nQ
Creating/simplifying expressions Two-way tables Compound measures Bounds Vectors GCSE exams Science Focus: expressions https://wonderopolis.org/wonder/Who-Was-Katherine-Johnson
Rearranging formulae Percentage Distance/speed/time Reciprocals Standard form History/ Science/ PSHE Focus: standard form https://www.aljazeera.com/program/science-in-a-golden-age/2015/10/20/al
Expanding/factorising Compound interest/Depreciation/Reverse Money calculations Coordinate PSHE/STATISTICS Focus: money calculation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHyoiaH52jU
Solving equations Proportion Time calculations PSHE/PE Focus: time https://youtu.be/eelVqfm8vVc
Graphs (linear/quadratic/reciprocal) Ratio Charts Pictogram Bar/Pie PSHE/STATISTICS Focus: charts https://youtu.be/aiYR1wTMaS4
Sequences Conversion Biology Focus: sequences https://www.storyofmathematics.com/medieval_fibonacci.html
Averages Angles P.E Focus: angles https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDxi6ozDwhc
Primes/factors/multiples Area & perimeter ADT Focus: factors/multiples https://wonderopolis.org/wonder/Who-Was-Katherine-Johnson
Volume & Surface area Science Focus: surface area https://youtu.be/C1y8N0ePuF8
HIGHER
Algebraic fractions Surds Cumulative frequency Rates of change 3DPythagoras theorem
Simultaneous equations Capture/recapture Box plots 3D trigonometry

SEN Provision

Newhaven is a trauma informed school and all staff have received training in a trauma informed approach to learning and schooling.

When students arrive at Newhaven we assess their academic and educational needs.

Based on that assessment we work together with the SENCo and other members of staff to implement any changes or adjustments as soon as possible. These may include regular movement breaks; additional support in the classroom or outside of the classroom.

There is always a variety of changing needs in our classes and teachers will provide individualised lessons for students as well as visual lesson plans.

In our weekly meetings we discuss all of our students and their changing needs and adapt our teaching as needed.

This flexibility underpins everything we do at Newhaven and the maths department will do everything it can to ensure a successful learning experience for our students.

Revision & Resources

Puzzles & Games

Upcoming Dates & Events

Cross curricular Maths at Newhaven

Fossil hunting at the Isle of Sheppy

Maths in the snow

Symmetry in the water

What we learn – Key Stage 5 Curriculum: Mathematics

At Newhaven School we offer students who have not yet achieved a GCSE Grade 9-4 in maths, the opportunity to join our 6th Form where we are fortunate to have small class sizes and can provide above average intervention and support to our students.

Depending on each student’s individual ability and circumstances, the course is delivered over either one or two years. All students are expected to gain Maths Functional Skills qualifications in addition to GCSE.

Maths Inclusion Group

We’re thrilled to share the news of our inaugural Secondary Maths Inclusion Group gathering at Newhaven School!

Teachers from across Greenwich, dedicated to teaching maths in alternative provision and inclusion spaces, recently convened to ignite the spark of collaboration.

The atmosphere was electric as educators exchanged innovative ideas, delving into the vibrant landscape of mathematical education within our Borough. Discussions revolved around our collective aspirations for students – setting high expectations, nurturing a passion for maths, and fostering fluency without fear.

The meeting was also a platform to address challenges head-on. In the spirit of solidarity, we’ve planned exchange visits to further enrich our knowledge base. Exciting developments are on the horizon, so stay tuned for updates!

Together, we’re shaping a brighter future for our students through the power of mathematics and will continue to inspire and empower each other on this incredible journey!

What students say

Small class sizes are very good as we get one to one support. Maths is one of those subjects that starts hard but gets easy when teachers here show us how to do it.

GG

I love how my teacher is able to give me time to understand maths properly.

SC

I could never do maths before I came to Newhaven but now it’s my favourite subject.

JN

I’ve learnt more here than I ever did in my previous school.

LP

What can I do with maths?

  • Numeracy for life – practical maths
  • Analyse
  • Problem solve
  • Creative
  • Encryption
  • Programming

Case Studies

Year 11 student who achieved a grade 3 in maths GCSE:
The student really struggled to be in school and would often have long periods of absence ranging from one or two days to two or three weeks. The student was also completely maths-phobic and told her teacher at the beginning of year 11 that she “hated maths, hated everything to do with it and would never ever like it.” She said just being in a maths classroom made her feel sick.

Over the course of year 11, through a combination of pastoral support and teaching according to best practice for students with maths anxiety, the student’s relationship with the subject gradually improved. She voluntarily started coming to additional study sessions, completing work at home and her attendance improved massively.

Fast-forward to the end of year 11 and the student said herself:

“I want to say how amazing it is that I am here, if you have told me a year ago that I would be coming in for extra lessons, being in school, and doing my GCSEs, I would have laughed at you. At one point, my anxiety was so bad, I wouldn’t even leave the house, and yet here I am, getting the bus to school and sitting my actual GCSE exams, and feeling fairly confident about them!”

Year 10 student in the Assessment Centre who has recently moved to Gardens:
This student has made amazing progress since being in the assessment centre. He missed a huge amount of school before starting here and so when he first came to Newhaven we went completely back to basics. We started him on the AC maths challenge, working on number bonds, timestables and learning maths vocabulary.

His attendance, particularly this term in maths lessons has been very good and he has made huge progress since the start of term. He has now passed the AC learning challenge and is completing work which is much more appropriate for his age and stage – a testament to his commitment to improving his maths knowledge. This week he has been learning about standard form (grade 5) and is showing himself to be more than capable of mastering it.