Maths at Spa School
At Spa School we believe that mathematical and numeracy skills are an essential part of the pupils learning as they provide all pupils with powerful ways of exploring, investigating and understanding the world around them. Maths develops independence and decision-making skills which are integrated through the whole curriculum. We teach maths and numeracy at Spa School at a level that is appropriate to the learning styles, needs and motivation of each pupil.
Pupils in Key stage 3 and 4 have four maths lessons a week. Pupils learn in a practical and hands on manner.
In Post 16 (Key stage 5) pupils have two or three maths lessons a week and there is a greater emphasis on developing functional maths skills.
We pay great care to ensure that we match the work we give to your child with their learning styles and needs. We make sure that we offer plenty of opportunities for pupils to really understand and deepen their mathematical knowledge and understanding.
Pupils have an opportunity to gain accreditation in their maths in KS4 and 5. In KS4 pupils are able to gain accreditation in Entry Level Pathways Maths and KS5 pupils can gain accreditation in in either Functional Skills Maths or ASDAN Personal Progress. Occasionally individual pupils may study for a GCSE.
We regularly assess pupils learning in maths on an on-going and termly basis to ensure that they are making progress to the best of their abilities. We assess pupils in the following strands: Number, Space, Shape and Measure, Data Handling and Using and Applying.
We follow an adapted National Curriculum and we ensure that pupils learn all the aspects of the curriculum; Number, Measurement, Geometry and Statistics. Pupils are encouraged to learn maths in a hands-on way and will present learning activities in an enjoyable and interactive manner.
As pupils progress through the school they have increasing opportunities to use their maths skills in real life contexts. This may be using their skills in practical situations such as cooking, shopping out in the local community or on work experience in the School House Cafe.
Aside from discrete Maths lessons we exploit opportunities for practicing, developing and embedding basic skills in numeracy across the school day. Each student has a weekly set Number target which will be addressed by the team through the school day, both in and out of the classroom.
By the time students leave Spa they will be confident in using Maths in their everyday lives. Students will be able to use their maths skills at the shops, reading timetables, planning journeys and handling money with greater confidence.
