The Maths department aims to give all students the essential skills in numeracy to prepare them for successful independent living beyond NCW.
The department will also prepare students for national exams using teaching methods adapted to give vision impaired students full access to all the five areas of Mathematics, which are:
- Number – Arithmetic, fractions, percentages, money
- Shape and Space – Angles, 2D and 3D shapes, measures, accurate drawing
- Data Handling – Averages, probability, displaying data, surveys
- Ratio – Proportion, comparison, sharing, number patterns
- Algebra – equations, solving, plotting graphs, sequences and series
Examples of adaptations for vision impaired students
In order to access exams successfully, students are taught using adapted methods that give them the best possible chance of achieving at their full potential. Some of the methods taught include:
- Pin boards for graphs and transformations
- Tactile diagrams for angle and 2D shape problems
- Use of talking calculators
- Use of ‘German film’ to access accurate drawing tasks
- Use of models for 3D representation of shapes
Many of these skills are shared amongst teachers of the vision impaired from across the country in outreach training sessions. A popular theme in these sessions is training in the use of technology to create mathematical worksheets and diagrams efficiently and accurately.
Courses
Years 7 to Year 11
- All students closely follow the National Curriculum and the majority will take GCSE 9-1 examinations in Mathematics at the end of Year 11.
- Entry Level examinations are also available for those students who may not have reached Level 1 by the end of this phase of their education.
Years 12 to 13+
- We offer the Edexcel specification at A level giving access to AS and A2 Mathematics or Further Mathematics
- The London Institute of Banking and Finance award in Money and Finance offers students a vocational qualification in key areas for independent living such as budgeting, saving money, using financial institutions and managing an enterprise
- Students who have not achieved a grade 4 GCSE previously in Mathematics are given the opportunity to re-sit the exams as part of their studies at KS5.
- Entry Level examinations are also available for those students who may not have reached Level 1 in mathematics by the end of this phase of their education.
To read about the Maths curriculum intent, please click on the button below
Head of Department:
Phil Brookes
