Subject:
Maths
Curriculum Intent:
At Grace Academy Darlaston, we help students develop their reasoning and problem-solving skills to prepare them for future education and life. Students will explore various topics within the five strands.
We encourage a positive attitude and perseverance in math, aiming for students to be curious and enjoy learning, both in class and in the community.
Our goal is to give all students the skills and knowledge they need to face future challenges. We believe that with hard work and effort, everyone can succeed in math and reach their full potential.
Curriculum content
Key Stage 3
The KS3 Maths curriculum is designed to help students develop a deep and secure understanding of mathematical concepts. The focus is on teaching for mastery, ensuring that students build fluency, reasoning, and problem-solving skills so they can confidently apply their knowledge in different contexts.
A mastery approach means students do not just learn methods but also understand why they work. Lessons are structured to develop conceptual understanding alongside procedural fluency, allowing students to explain their thinking, spot patterns, and solve problems effectively. Key topics such as Number, Algebra, Ratio & Proportion, Geometry, Statistics, and Probability are covered in depth, with new concepts introduced in small, manageable steps to secure understanding before moving on.
This approach helps all students keep up, rather than some racing ahead while others struggle. By ensuring a strong foundation at KS3, students are well prepared for GCSE and beyond, with the confidence to tackle more complex mathematical ideas.
Key Stage 4
In year 10 and 11 students build on the foundations established at KS3, preparing them for their GCSE examinations while developing essential mathematical skills for real-life applications. The curriculum is structured into two tiers: Foundation (grades 1-5) and Higher (grades 4-9), ensuring that all students are appropriately challenged and supported aligning with the exam board structure.
Our five-year curriculum is carefully designed to first develop and master key skills in isolation before advancing to their application in a range of contexts. The Maths curriculum requires students to integrate multiple topics to solve complex, multi-step problems—something we actively train our pupils to do.
Beyond exams, these problem-solving skills are invaluable in real-world situations, equipping students for whichever path they choose after Year 11.
Key stage 5
Students who have developed a real passion for mathematics have the opportunity to deepen their understanding and broaden their skills in our post-16 curriculum. This advanced study builds upon the strong foundations laid in KS4, revisiting key concepts while extending them into more complex and abstract areas of mathematics.
The curriculum covers a diverse range of topics, including algebra, calculus, trigonometry, mechanics, and statistics, allowing students to explore mathematical theories in greater depth. This progression goes beyond simply solving problems—it encourages students to develop a deeper comprehension of mathematical structures, fostering their ability to think critically and apply logical reasoning.
Through this advanced study, students refine their analytical, evaluative, and communication skills, which are essential not only for mathematics but also for a wide range of disciplines in higher education and beyond. These skills are highly valued in fields such as engineering, physics, computer science, finance, and data analysis, providing students with strong foundations for future academic and professional success.
Out of hours enhancements
Helpful Maths sites
https://www.onmaths.com/ Practice exam papers and get instant feedback.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize Revision notes and mini tests for each syllabus.
https://www.thenational.academy/ Video lessons on all topics.
https://teams.microsoft.com/ Lessons and revision resources. Consult with classmates.
https://corbettmaths.com/ Videos for each topic, textbook questions with answers, exam style questions with answers.
https://www.mathsgenie.co.uk/ Exam Questions ordered into topic and grade. Past papers and other revision resources.
https://sparxmaths.com/ Students complete homework Tasks on Sparx, which builds retention from previously taught topics.
Students can click the independent learning on the left-hand side to do additional tasks.