Key Stage 3 Mathematics
From entry, pupils are placed into ability sets for Mathematics. In Years 7 and 8 there are four equal set 1’s, three equal set 2’s and two equal set 3’s. The set which pupils are placed into is determined by NFER scores and KS2 results from primary school. Year 7 have a total of four 1 hour Mathematics lessons per week while Year 8 have a total of three 1 hour Mathematics lesson per week.
In Year 9 there are 9 ability sets across the whole year group (four top sets, four intermediate sets and one lower set) and each set has a total of three 1 hour Mathematics lessons per week. Movement between sets can occur throughout the year if there is cause as determined by exam progress of individual pupils.
The KS3 curriculum is delivered in line with the DFES Framework for teaching Mathematics. All KS3 schemes of work are split into core, support and extension teaching programmes so that work is thoroughly differentiated for every set.
The structure of the Mathematics teaching program is as follows:
Year 7 Set 1s follow the Year 8 core scheme of work
Year 7 Set 2s follow the Year 7 core scheme of work aiming towards extension (the Y8) work
Year 7 Set 3s follow the Year 7 core scheme of work
Year 8 Set 1s follow the Year 9 core scheme of work
Year 8 Set 2s follow the Year 8 core scheme of work aiming towards extension (the Y9) work
Year 8 Set 3s follow the Year 8 core scheme of work
Year 9 Top sets follow the former Year 10 Intermediate GCSE scheme of work
Year 9 Intermediate sets follow the Year 9 core scheme of work aiming towards the extension (the Y10) work
Year 9 lower sets follow the Year 9 core scheme of work
All of these teaching programmes plus the medium term plans containing units of work covered throughout Years 7, 8 and 9 can be found on the DFES website at www.standards.dfes.gov.uk/keystage3
All lessons throughout KS3 are taught as 4-part lessons with an oral/mental starter, a main activity followed by development of that activity and finally a plenary. Each lesson is objective-led with objectives and key vocabulary clearly displayed. Homework is set twice a week at Key Stage 3.
A variety of resources are used to deliver lessons in an enjoyable, interactive and challenging manner. These resources include Framework Maths texts (Oxford), Impact Maths texts (Heinemann), 10 ticks activities, DFES mini-packs and booster lessons, power point presentations, SMILE software and ‘Maths Alive’ software by RM which is a complete teaching package across the whole of KS3. It contains an abundance of interactive lessons that are delivered via projectors and interactive whiteboards, which are standard in all mathematics classrooms.
Targets consisting of NC levels and sub-levels are set for all pupils based on KS2 scores. Assessment is made through end of unit tests, Year 7 and 8 optional tests plus mock tests and KS3 SATS in Year 9. All results are recorded and used to track pupils in relation to their targets.