Mathematics
At Holte School we see mathematics not just as a collection of skills but a way of thinking. We aim to inspire our pupils to appreciate the beauty of mathematics and use its logic skilfully across all areas of the school curriculum and life. Pupils and staff work together safely and collaboratively to achieve success in an environment founded on mutual respect.
Key stage 3 – Maths Mastery
Mathematics Mastery is designed to enable all learners to enjoy and succeed in mathematics. We want learners to think about maths beyond what is tested in national examinations and to be equipped with an understanding of mathematics that will be relevant and useful in their future studies and/or in the world of work.
Our principles and how they’re delivered:
- Conceptual Understanding - Learners deepen their understanding by representing concepts using objects, pictures, symbols and words.
- Language and Communication- Learners use mathematical words the more they feel themselves to be mathematicians. Talk is an essential element of every lesson and time is dedicated to developing confidence with specific vocabulary as well as verbal reasoning.
- Mathematical Thinking- Our curriculum is designed to give learners the opportunities to think mathematically. Throughout the curriculum you will see tasks that require learners to specialise and generalise, to work systematically, to generate their own examples, to classify and to make conjectures.
Year 7 Maths Mastery curriculum map
![]() |
Year 8 adapted Maths Mastery curriculum map
Given the circumstances with Covid-19 year 8 will begin with covering topics which have been missed in year 7. Topics highlighted in yellow are those which have been moved around to accommodate the opportunity to address the need for catching up.
![]() |
Due to Covid-19 the topics which were not covered in year 8 have been brought forward in autumn 1 so that students are able to catch up accordingly. Topics highlighted in yellow are those which have been moved around to accommodate the opportunity to address the need for catching up.
![]() |
In year 9 pupils will build on topics covered in previous years and have the opportunity for a more in-depth study of the newer content.
Key Stage 4- Edexcel GCSE Mathematics (9-1)
The purposes of this qualification are to:
- ● provide evidence of students’ achievements against demanding and fulfilling content, to give students the confidence that the mathematical skills, knowledge and understanding that they will have acquired during the course of their study are as good as that of the highest performing jurisdictions in the world
- ● provide a strong foundation for further academic and vocational study and for employment, to give students the appropriate mathematical skills, knowledge and understanding to help them progress to a full range of courses in further and higher education. This includes Level 3 mathematics courses as well as Level 3 and undergraduate courses in other disciplines such as biology, geography and psychology, where the understanding and application of mathematics is crucial
Year 10 - Edexcel GCSE Mathematics (9-1) – 100% Exam
Edexcel Specification: click here
- Pupils in Year 10 will follow the Edexcel linear specification (1MA1). They are set in one stream, based primarily upon their attainment at the end of Year 9.
Year 11 - Edexcel GCSE Mathematics (9-1) - 1MA0 – 100% Exam
Edexcel Specification: click here
- Pupils in year 11 follow the Edexcel linear specification (1MA1). They are set in one stream in year 11 based primarily upon their attainment at the end of Year 10.
Key Stage 5
We offer two options, A-level Mathematics and Core Mathematics Level 3 to pupils in the Sixth form.
We offer OCR (H240) A-level Mathematics two-year course to pupils in the Sixth form. Pupils need to achieve a minimum grade 5 in GCSE Mathematics in order to access the study of A-level Mathematics in the Sixth form.
In Year 12 pupils build on their existing skills, particularly in algebra and trigonometry, and are introduced to core and applied topics such as calculus, statistical sampling and distributions, and Newtonian forces.
Year 13 pupils further develop their understanding of these topics, with a real emphasis on modelling and problem solving, providing an excellent platform for further study in the fields of mathematics and engineering, for example.
The course is examined through three, two our written papers, sat at the end of Year 13.
Core Maths OCR - specification click here
- We offer OCR (H869) Level 3 Certificate in Core Maths B one-year course to pupils in the Sixth form. Pupils need to achieve a minimum grade 4 in GCSE Mathematics and electing to study subjects with a large quantity of mathematical content such as: physics, chemistry, biology, geography, business, economics, psychology, sociology and computing.
In Year 12 pupils build on their existing skills, particularly in Quantitative Reasoning and Statistical Problem Solving, Geometry and the use of mathematics techniques to solve a wide variety of real problems.
Any pupil opting to study Core Maths will not be studying A-level Maths and vice versa.
Homework
Homework is set once a week for years 7-11. It can be finishing off classwork tasks, completing levelled worksheets, graded problems or project work. At KS5 homework usually is consolidation of classwork and questions which develop application of maths modelling. Homework may be set using the online resources that pupils have access to.
Resources
The mathematics department uses a range of resources: KS3 Maths progress books, Edexcel GCSE Higher & Foundation, OCR AS/A level textbooks and other resources tailor made to enhance the mathematics ability of Holte pupils such as doddlelearn.co.uk, vle.mathswatch.co.ukandGCSEpod.com
Mathematics reading list: Please click on the link to see list of textbooks used in all Key Stages and recommendation for further reading.
Extra-curricular Activities
Staff are always willing to support pupils beyond the school day and Saturday, after school and holiday sessions may be offered to pupils who would benefit. Parents and carers will be contacted by letter to request permission for pupils to attend. We also offer a Chess club that currently runs on a Thursday during lunch time. Our strongest Mathematicians at KS3 and KS4 take part in the United Kingdom Mathematics Trust Challenges.
Careers:
There is a high demand for mathematics experts and a career related to mathematics can be very enjoyable and lucrative. Check out the websites below for further information regarding a career in maths.
https://www.mathscareers.org.uk/
https://www.learnhowtobecome.org/careers-in-mathematics/
Maths teachers:
Email address |
|
Mr Nur (Head of maths) |
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
Mr Patel (2nd in department) |
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
Mr Miah (3rd in department) |
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
Miss Aden |
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
Mr Ajmal |
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
Miss Bibi |
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
Mrs Birdi |
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
Mr Madourie |
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
Mr Rahman |
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
Mrs Sandhu |
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
Mr Tsighe |
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
Mrs Whelan |
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
We are also committed to promoting our school values of ‘Collaboration, Aspiration, Respect, Equality and Responsibility’ to pupils at every opportunity. We take every opportunity to ensure that our school’s Safeguarding Policy is adhered to in full at all times.