Maths
Mathematics is a creative and highly inter-connected discipline that has been developed over centuries, providing the solution to some of history’s most intriguing problems. It is essential to everyday life, critical to science, technology and engineering, and necessary for financial literacy and most forms of employment. A high-quality mathematics education therefore provides a foundation for understanding the world, the ability to reason mathematically, an appreciation of the beauty and power of mathematics, and a sense of enjoyment and curiosity about the subject.
At the Quest Academy the intent of our curriculum is to provide the opportunity and create the environment necessary for every student to pursue the highest individual academic achievement and maximum personal responsibility in every aspect of their lives and foster a lifelong love of learning in support of our motto: learning changes lives. The mathematics curriculum is designed to promote teaching and learning that provides students with the knowledge and skills to achieve well, academically and be successful in the wider world.
The programme of study for key stage 3 is sequenced into three years with students building on from their key stage 2 knowledge and understanding to develop fluency, mathematical reasoning and competence in solving increasingly sophisticated problems. The teaching for sound knowledge of key concepts then enables students to access the Key Stage 4 Scheme of Work.
Our Key Stage 4 scheme of work is structured in a similar way to Key Stage 3 however students will follow one of 2 routes on their learning journey. The first is studied by GCSE foundation level students and second is aimed at higher level students. Both routes build on previously mastered topics where we retrieve, affirm and build on the knowledge and understanding as we progress through the curriculum.
The mathematics schemes of work are designed to fulfil this remit. In Year 7, 8 and 9 students study a broad mathematics curriculum across the three years, at a level suitable to their current ability, for them to make the maximum progress. The full GCSE syllabus is then taught throughout Year 10 and 11, again tailored to pupil ability with the intent to give pupils the most solid mathematical knowledge. This knowledge is then built upon, overlearned and perfected throughout Y11 to ensure that every pupil can achieve their full potential. Throughout all years, pupils are taught to apply their knowledge in a range of functional contexts to help prepare them for the wider world as well as the rigours of the GCSE exam.
Students who choose A level Mathematics do so because they are good at it, enjoy it, and want to do it. At the Quest Academy Sixth Form, we expect you to have achieved at least a Grade 7 at GCSE with strong algebra skills and have a fondness for the subject. Mathematics complements most combinations of A Levels and is very attractive to employers, course providers and Universities.
