Aim

The aim of the Mathematics department at Sompting Abbotts School is to inspire our students by showing them that there is very little in our daily lives that does not have Mathematics at its core. In short, we aim to:

• Provide students with a sound grasp of numbers.

• Develop a systematic approach to solving problems.

• Encourage confidence by practice.

• Allow children to express themselves coherently and accurately, using a wide range of techniques.

• To confidently apply these skills to real life situations, problem-solving and practical tasks.

• Enable our children to enjoy their studies and take the subject as far as they can.

• Achieve a high standard in Mathematics based on solid understanding.

• To differentiate our teaching to meet each individual pupil’s needs.

Our approach

From Nursery to Year 3, Mathematics is taught by a class teacher. In Years 4 to 5, Mathematics is taught by an experienced Maths teacher. In Years 6 to 8, classes are taught by a dynamic and dedicated Maths specialist with considerable experience at teaching the subject with passion and excellent subject knowledge.

Towards the end of Year 7, the students are in groups broadly matched for ability. This is to meet the requirements for Common Entrance and Scholarship. Opportunities for extra support lessons for those less able are also available.

A range of different teaching techniques are employed to deliver the subject - these include individual, paired and group working, whole-class and individual discussion, practical activities to apply and consolidate learned skills, times-table practise, mental and aural arithmetic and problem-solving. The department employs technology in delivering the curriculum, with an interactive whiteboard used to enliven lessons and support learning whenever appropriate.

The outputs include written work, displays, projects, and presentations, both to class and whole-school (in Assemblies).

Homework is set on a weekly basis to consolidate class learning. The MyMaths and Sumdog IT programs are used on the school’s Chromebooks and at home.

The ethos of the department is that children should enjoy the subject and feel their confidence increase as they become more familiar with concepts whilst keeping a clear aim of achieving their specified targets with regard to knowledge, skills and understanding.

We believe that a range of different approaches is key to the subject. Some children will learn by practising mathematics with kinaesthetic apparatus and support materials to investigate problems whilst others who are more adept can embark upon independent investigative work. 

What will my child study?

From Year 3 to Year 6

Students will be guided through attaining the skills and knowledge requirements of the National Curriculum Key Stage 2 programme of study, extending to those of CE 11+. The principal focus of mathematics teaching at 11+ is to:

• Ensure that pupils extend their understanding of the number system and place value to include larger integers

• Develop the connections which pupils make between multiplication and division with fractions, decimals, percentages and ratio

• Nuture pupils’ ability to solve a wider range of problems, including increasingly complex properties of numbers and arithmetic, and problems demanding efficient written and mental methods of calculation

• Introduce pupils to the language of algebra as a means for solving a variety of problems

• Consolidate and extend knowledge developed in number in geometry and measure; to ensure that pupils classify shapes with increasingly complex geometric properties and that they learn the vocabulary they need to describe them

• Make certain pupils are fluent in written methods for all four operations, including long multiplication and division, and in working with fractions, decimals and percentages

• Establish that pupils read, spell and pronounce mathematical vocabulary correctly

Year 7 and Year 8

Students continue to develop all aspects of their mathematical skills and knowledge from Key Stage 2 and are extended to cover most of the Key Stage 3 programme of study for use at Common Entrance level, and further for Scholarship candidates.

During Key Stage 3, students increasingly make connections between different aspects of mathematics. Students develop fluency in their mathematical ideas, mathematical reasoning and competence in solving increasingly sophisticated problems. There is an extensive focus on algebra to create a solid foundation for GCSE. The students also apply their mathematical knowledge in Science, Geography, computing and other subjects.  

Meet the Head of the Mathematics Department (click on the link)