Mathematics

At Middlewich High School, we seek to develop confidence and accuracy in our students’ use of mathematical language and techniques to produce solutions to problems. By requiring rigour in such work, we build resilience and resourcefulness. Creativity is nurtured through encouraging students to find alternative solutions, and we provide opportunities for them to cooperate and work as a team.

In all of this, not only do we aim to inculcate that sense of wonder and an enjoyment of mathematical theorems for their own sake, but also a life-long love of learning Mathematics among all our pupils.

Practically speaking, we achieve this partly through thorough delivering an interesting and challenging curriculum through carefully planned lessons. Our curriculum is planned as a coherent progressive journey from primary school through to post 16 education, ensuring pre-acquired knowledge, concepts and skills are reinforced and built upon, whilst equipping all students with a secure foundation for successful future study. Content is atomized and delivered succinctly, so students are not burdened with cognitive overload. Modelling and multiple representation alongside considerate questioning and prompts secure understanding. Core knowledge is practiced regularly, to build an unconscious competence in the fundamentals of Mathematics. Such practice builds fluency, freeing up working memory and facilitating the capacity for the new. Regular, low stakes quizzing and daily review tasks promote retrieval and deliberate practice thus building retention and transfer. Evidence based practice, educational research and professional collaboration underpin curriculum development to ensure effective pedagogical approaches for achieving quality first teaching.

We prepare our well for assessments and provide opportunities in all lessons for every student to experience success and acknowledge their own progress.

At the end of their studies, all students should have the mathematical skills to access their first post 16 choices, regardless of the nature of their ambitions. For some, this will mean that they are independent and have a solid understanding of GCSE Mathematics, while others will have acquired the tools required to study Mathematics to a higher level and be successful in Mathematically based careers.

The general skills gained from logical thinking and problem-solving extend to many careers, such as Engineering, Science and Law.

Students have the opportunity to engage in National Math's completions, MathsWatch engagement competitions, and at KS4 some students will be invited to study Further Maths at GCSE.

Learning maps – At MHS we use learning maps to support retrieval and reinforcement of knowledge. We use these in class and as homework, you may find it useful to see what is coming up through the year for your child in their year group. We are continuing to develop these and update them through the year so you may notice some subjects have uploaded the first term, future work will be added at the appropriate time.