Avonbourne School

Pupils are set for Mathematics from early in year 7. In years 7, 8 and 9 students follow a scheme of work written following the National Numeracy Strategy, using textbooks. The scheme consists of a 10-minute starter each lesson, to sharpen mental arithmetic skills followed by a structured introduction to a task and work set according to the ability of the group or individuals. At the end of the lesson there is a 5-minute review time to set homework and check the understanding of the topic in hand. Homework is set twice each week and may range from follow-up work to the lesson, revising number skills or tables or doing research for a data-handling task. The pupils’ work is reviewed each half term and tested at the end of a term and their achievement is noted in their National Curriculum Record, thus progress is reviewed to ensure all pupils are achieving their maximum potential. This record along with Teacher Assessment is used to review setting at regular intervals. 

 

 

In Year 8 pupils continue in the sets they were placed in during Year 7 and in Year 9 students complete the Key Stage 3 course in these same groups.

 

At Easter in Year 9 students begin their GCSE (Key Stage 4) courses, working in the same sets.  

 

Following the withdrawal of the Key Stage 3 tests in 2009, the school has decided to test students using SOSCA online tests and in Mathematics there is no other formal assessment at the end of Year 9.

 

 

Students are expected to bring the following items of equipment to each lesson (unless specifically directed otherwise):

 

 

All students are required to have a scientific calculator for lessons, homework and for examination purposes. A calculator such as a Casio FX-83 or a Sharp EL-531 will be adequate. Calculators will be on sale through the mathematics department and should cost in the region of £6. In order to help to return it to its rightful owner in the event of it being lost, it is sensible for the calculator to be named clearly with the student’s name.