Mathematics

Introduction

Pure Mathematics is, in its way, the poetry of logical ideas.

Mathematics is a core subject and you will study it throughout your five years at Broughton Hall Catholic High School. Maths is everywhere around us in the world and whether you choose to study beyond GCSE level or not, being numerate and capable of managing such things as money, time and arithmetic are essential life skills.

Your lessons will teach you many transferable skills such as the ability to process information and to problem solve. Lessons will include a wide range of activities sometimes working in groups and at other times independently. Your teachers are all passionate about Maths and want to share this with you. There are opportunities to get involved with extra-curricular activities events in maths. Each year we try to find new opportunities to develop your understanding of Maths. You can get involved in local events within our city or national projects such as the UKMT Challenges.

Our Key Stage 3 curriculum provides pupils with an opportunity to continue to develop the Mathematic skills that are essential for everyday life and the next stage of their education. The curriculum builds on knowledge and skills developed at Key Stage 2 with a focus on developing pupils reasoning and problem solving skills whilst providing regular opportunities for pupils to recall and consolidate prior learning. We aim to give pupils regular opportunities to develop fluency through independent practice as well as the opportunity to develop reasoning and problem-solving skills justifying and proving their solutions along the way. Pupils will be able to develop their Mathematical ideas making links with other subject areas. Key Stage 3 Mathematics significantly contributes to pupils cultural capital development through the interconnection of Mathematical ideas and concepts with a focus on how Mathematics can be applied to the real world. Our curriculum is fully inclusive with high expectations for all pupils. By the end of Key Stage 3 all pupils need to be able to move fluently between Mathematical ideas and concepts. The Curriculum plan is clearly set out with a focus on the sequence and structure of how subject content is taught.

At Key Stage 4 our curriculum continues to provide pupils with an opportunity to develop the Mathematic skills that are essential for everyday life and the next stage of their education whilst building on knowledge and skills developed at Key Stage 3. Pupils will continue to develop fluency, mathematical reasoning and demonstrate problem solving skills. They should also apply their Mathematical knowledge wherever relevant in other subjects and real life. Key Stage 4 Mathematics significantly contributes to pupils Cultural Capital development through the interconnection of Mathematical ideas and concepts with a focus on how Mathematics can be applied to the real world. Our curriculum is fully inclusive with high expectations for all pupils. By the end of Key Stage 4 Mathematics all pupils need to be able to move fluently between Mathematical ideas and concepts. The Curriculum plan is clearly set out with a focus on the sequence and structure of how subject content is taught.

Subject content at A level Mathematics is split into three main areas, Pure Mathematics, Mechanics and Statistics. These modules are all initially studied during Year 12 and are delivered through a series of units focusing on building new concepts and ideas step by step as well as allowing regular opportunities for consolidation prior learning. These skills are then extended to further study during Year 13. A level Maths significantly contributes to pupils Cultural Capital development through the interconnection of Mathematical ideas and concepts with a focus on how Mathematics can be applied to model situations in the real world. Problem solving is used in a variety of context with pupils reasoning and justifying their Mathematical ideas. We aim to prepare all pupils for further study and employment in a wide range of disciplines involving the use of Mathematics.

Staff

Mr P Devine - Head of Department
Mrs D Wailes - Second in Maths
Ms A Taylor - teacher of Mathematics
Mrs V Ashworth - teacher of Mathematics
Ms L Draper - teacher of Mathematics
Mr A Doyle - teacher of Mathematics
Mr G Jones - teacher of Mathematics
Ms T Rogan - teacher of Mathematics
Ms R Scott - teacher of Mathematics

Programme of Study KS3

Our Key Stage 3 curriculum provides pupils with an opportunity to continue to develop the Mathematic skills that are essential for everyday life and the next stage of their education. The curriculum builds on knowledge and skills developed at Key Stage 2 with a focus on developing pupils reasoning and problem-solving skills whilst providing regular opportunities for pupils to recall and consolidate prior learning. We aim to give pupils regular opportunities to develop fluency through independent practice as well as the opportunity to develop reasoning and problem-solving skills justifying and proving their solutions along the way. Pupils will be able to develop their Mathematical ideas making links with other subject areas. Key Stage 3 Mathematics significantly contributes to pupils' cultural capital development through the interconnection of Mathematical ideas and concepts with a focus on how Mathematics can be applied to the real world. Our curriculum is fully inclusive with high expectations for all pupils. By the end of Key Stage 3 all pupils need to be able to move fluently between Mathematical ideas and concepts. The Curriculum plan is clearly set out with a focus on the sequence and structure of how subject content is taught.

In Year 7, students focus on building a solid foundation in number, algebra, geometry, and statistics. They consolidate core skills such as working with integers, fractions, decimals, and percentages, while being introduced to algebraic notation and solving simple equations. Basic geometry is covered through the study of angles, shapes, area, perimeter, and volume, alongside introductory work in data handling and probability. Sparx Maths supports this learning with regular, tailored practice to reinforce fluency and understanding.

Year 8 builds on the knowledge from Year 7, introducing more complex topics and encouraging deeper mathematical reasoning. Students extend their algebra skills by expanding and factorising expressions and solving multi-step equations. They explore indices, standard form, and compound percentages, and apply ratio and proportion in real-life contexts. Geometry topics include transformations, angle properties, and Pythagoras' Theorem, while data and probability work includes interpreting charts, calculating averages, and working with combined events. Sparx continues to support mastery through structured practice and consolidation.

In Year 9, students prepare for the transition to GCSE-level mathematics by tackling more advanced content and abstract reasoning. Algebra becomes a key focus, with students solving quadratics, working with functions, and exploring algebraic proofs. They deepen their understanding of number with surds and indices, develop their geometry skills through trigonometry and coordinate geometry, and interpret a range of graphs. Statistical and probability work includes correlation, data distributions, and conditional probability. Sparx Maths ensures students consolidate prior learning while developing the confidence and fluency needed for success at Key Stage 4.

Programme of Study KS4

Head of Department: Mr P Devine
Contact email address: devinep@broughtonhall.com
Specification: Edexcel
Qualification: GCSE Mathematics

Mathematics is a core subject and you will study it throughout your five years at Broughton Hall Catholic High School.

Maths is everywhere around us in the world and whether you choose to study beyond GCSE level or not, being numerate and capable of managing such things as money, time and arithmetic are essential life skills.

Your lessons will teach you many transferable skills such as the ability to process information and to problem solve. Lessons will include a wide range of activities sometimes working in groups and at other times independently. Your teachers are all passionate about Maths and want to share this with you.

How is the course structured & assessed?

Exam Board: Edexcel
No. of Exams: 3 at the end of Year 11

Year 10
The Year 10 curriculum builds on KS3 knowledge by revisiting core topics such as number, algebra, ratio, proportion, and geometry, while introducing more advanced skills including quadratic equations, simultaneous equations, trigonometry, and statistical methods. The scheme is carefully sequenced to strengthen fluency and problem-solving, ensuring students develop secure foundations and confidence for higher-level GCSE topics.

Year 11
In Year 11, students consolidate prior learning while extending to the most challenging GCSE content, such as advanced algebraic manipulation, functions, iteration, vectors, probability distributions, and higher-level trigonometry. The focus is on applying knowledge to multi-step problems, exam technique, and building mathematical reasoning across both Foundation and Higher tiers. Revision and retrieval practice are embedded to maximise retention and prepare students thoroughly for their final examinations.

GCSE Mathematics is a vital qualification that opens the door to a wide range of future opportunities. It is a requirement for many post-16 courses, including A Levels, vocational qualifications, and apprenticeships, and is highly valued by universities and employers alike. A strong grade in maths supports progression into subjects such as science, engineering, economics, computing, and business, while also developing problem-solving, logical reasoning, and analytical skills that are essential in everyday life. In terms of careers, maths is a gateway to fields such as finance, technology, medicine, architecture, data analysis, and education, as well as countless other professions that rely on numeracy and critical thinking. Ultimately, success in GCSE Maths provides students with the flexibility and confidence to pursue a wide variety of academic and career pathways.

Programme of Study KS5