Mathematics

At Forge Valley, we ensure that pupils experience high‑quality mathematical teaching that is:

Ambitious and Inclusive

Our curriculum is designed so that all pupils—regardless of starting point—can achieve success. We provide targeted support, stretch and challenge, and scaffolded learning to meet the needs of every learner.

Logically Sequenced and Knowledge‑Rich

Skills and concepts are introduced in a logical order, revisited regularly and applied in new contexts to secure deep understanding. We place a strong emphasis on building number fluency and developing pupils’ confidence in core techniques.

Focused on Problem‑Solving and Reasoning

Pupils are encouraged to explore multiple methods, explain their thinking and justify their solutions. This helps them become flexible, independent mathematicians who can think critically and make informed decisions.

Supportive of Mathematical Resilience

We teach pupils that mistakes are part of learning. Through a culture that values perseverance and curiosity, pupils develop the resilience needed to tackle increasingly complex ideas.

By the end of their Maths education at Forge Valley, pupils will:

• Be fluent in essential mathematical knowledge
• Apply skills to a wide range of problems and real‑life situations
• Reason logically and communicate mathematically
• Be well prepared for GCSE examinations and further study
• Understand the importance of maths in future employment pathways, including science, engineering, finance, computing, healthcare, business and more

Most importantly, we aim for pupils to leave Forge Valley as confident, capable and mathematically literate young people who can navigate the demands of a rapidly changing world.

Mathematics is one of the most valuable qualifications a young person can achieve. It opens doors to further study, a wide range of careers, and essential life skills that support independence and confidence. Because maths underpins so many aspects of modern life, it is recognised by colleges, universities and employers as a core subject that demonstrates problem‑solving, logical thinking and resilience.

Higher Education Opportunities

Maths is a gateway subject. Achieving GCSE Maths unlocks access to a range of post‑16 pathways, including:

Post‑16 Study

• A Level Mathematics
• A Level Further Maths
• A Level Physics, Chemistry, Biology
• A Level Economics or Business Studies
• T Levels in science, engineering, digital, construction or finance
• BTECs and vocational qualifications in IT, engineering, business, health, sport or applied science

Many sixth forms and colleges require a minimum GCSE Maths grade for entry to most courses—even non‑mathematical subjects—because the skills are so transferable.

University Pathways

With A‑level Maths or similar qualifications, students can progress to degrees in:

• Mathematics or Statistics
• Engineering (mechanical, civil, aerospace, electrical)
• Computer Science or Cyber Security
• Architecture
• Finance, Accounting and Economics
• Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing and Health Sciences
• Psychology
• Geography or Environmental Science
• Business and Management

Maths is one of the most respected qualifications at university level due to the analytical and problem‑solving skills it develops.

Career Opportunities

Maths opens the door to an enormous range of careers. Many of the fastest‑growing and highest‑earning roles require strong mathematical skills.

Science, Technology & Engineering

• Engineering (civil, electrical, mechanical, chemical)
• Software development
• Data analysis and data science
• Cyber security
• Robotics and AI
• Telecommunications

Finance & Business

• Accounting
• Banking
• Actuarial science
• Insurance and risk management
• Business analytics
• Project management

Health & Medicine

• Medicine and surgery
• Nursing and midwifery
• Pharmacy
• Medical research
• Radiography

Education & Public Services

• Teaching
• Civil service roles
• Armed forces
• Policing and forensic investigation

Creative & Technical Careers

Maths plays a key role in:

• Architecture
• Graphic design
• Game design
• Music technology
• Animation and visual effects

Employers in all sectors value maths because it shows the ability to think logically, solve problems and work accurately.

Life Skills and Personal Development

Beyond qualifications and careers, GCSE Maths gives pupils essential skills for everyday life, including:

• Financial literacy – budgeting, interest, loans, savings, bills
• Decision‑making and reasoning – analysing information, comparing options
• Practical skills – measurements, time management, planning
• Confidence with numbers – for work, study and independent living
• Problem‑solving resilience – breaking challenges into manageable steps

Maths helps pupils understand the world around them and make informed choices throughout life.

At Forge Valley School we believe that numeracy and the wider application of mathematics are both fundamental to everyday life, particularly in today’s fast developing world. 

We aim to provide all students with a rewarding and enjoyable experience of mathematics throughout KS3/4/5 which opens their eyes to the part mathematics plays in every aspect of the world around us. 

Ours is a mastery curriculum which focuses on high expectations for all and an increasing emphasis on analysis, logic and problem solving in a variety of situations; skills which will enable our students to make positive wider contributions to society in the future.  Along the way we prioritise the development of basic numeracy skills for life, which will allow our students to function effectively as individuals too."

Numeracy involves the parts of Mathematics that are relevant to real life such as being able to confidently use numbers, understand statistics and work with measurements as well as many other areas. At Forge, we place an importance on this in lessons where questions won't always just involve performing a skill by itself, but it will involve using in a context that shows the purpose of learning Mathematics. 

Numeracy is not just found in Maths lessons. In DT, you will use measurements, scales and angles. In Science, you will use units, standard form and compound measures. In History and Geography, you will use charts and graphs to make sense of the world. In ICT, you will use algorithms to help with coding and other programming. Numeracy is important in many other subjects on top of these examples which also proves the importance of being able to use Maths in real life.

We start each lesson with a recap of previous topics. Research suggests that this constant reminder of old content will facilitate the learning of new content. Not only this, the questions from textbooks that we use in lesson often delve into the links between other areas of Mathematics. For example, a student might be working predominantly on finding the area of circles, but they will have to reflect back on their knowledge of the area of other shapes, converting units, using fractions and decimals, working with money and so on.

At the end of certain key topics, students will complete a "checkout" which is essentially a mini-test to check their understanding. This is a great part of the curriculum for students to receive feedback, learn from their mistakes and more importantly make progress.

The homework that we set is also linked to this idea of retrieving old information. Questions are selected to remind students about the topics they learnt in the previous half term. Alongside this, we use the internet platform HegartyMaths which is an excellent resource for revision and checking understanding. Students can choose to learn and practise a wide range of other topics that they may be interested in, including some A-level material. The homework booklets can be found on the links below.

To check which homework booklet you need to complete, check the class code on your timetable. All year 7 will complete the same booklet. Classes 8xy-ma1 and 8z-ma1 need Y8T homework. Classes 8xy-ma6 and 8z-ma3 need Y8F Homework. Other year 8 students need Y8H homework. Classes 9xy-ma1, 9xy-ma2 and 9z-ma1 need Y9T homework. Classes 9xy-ma6 and 9z-ma3 need Y9F homework. Other year 9 students need Y9H homework.

Having built significant foundations in KS3, throughout KS4 we develop on these to ensure that pupils are confident and competent problem solvers.  This content is designed with the Pearson Edexcel Syllabus in mind as pupils complete their Mathematics (9-1) - 1MA1 qualification in the summer of Y11.

Every lesson begins with a starter designed to boost retention of knowledge.  These follow a systematic review of previous topics - some from the previous year, some from earlier this year & some which have been covered more recently.  Pupils gain confidence from completing regular "shadow" questions (the same questions with different numbers) where progress is clear as pupils develop the ability to answer more questions correctly over time.

As new concepts are introduced within lessons, class teachers develop understanding through the use of tasks which initially focus on the acquisition of skills.  They then expand on these to ensure the skills have been mastered and can be applied effectively to both reasoning and problem solving before moving on. 

Homework is set by the individual class teacher to reinforce retention of key concepts - sometimes this will focus on a recent topic and other times it will provide reminders of key topics covered in the past.  To supplement this we also use https://sparxmaths.com/ which supports pupils with independent revision to address individual gaps in their knowledge - pupils can work on this at any time to further their own understanding.

The review quizzes below give an outline of the key skills developed through each unit of work in the outline scheme of work above:

Reviewing Quizzes