Maths
There is a purpose to maths beyond the classroom - maths is a universal language, understood the same virtually all over the world and allows us to better understand the world around us.
Maths is a part of our everyday lives and allows us to better understand the world around us and at the Co-op Academy Stoke-on-Trent we believe that it is our duty to inspire young people to see the true beauty of maths in the wider world by bringing maths alive, and make it interesting and easy. These core beliefs and ideals are modelled in our practice to promote the value and enjoyment of the study of maths to students, parents and colleagues. Students should develop their mathematical understanding by working from contexts that make sense to them.
We, over the course of Key Stage 3, will ensure the aims and content of The National Curriculum for Mathematics are followed and enhanced with the ‘Lifelong Learning’ we seek to develop and maximise where students:
- Use real-life applications of maths to see the value of what is being taught and how it can apply to so much of their future careers and lives
- Generalise and solve problems so that they can break down problems into a series of smaller steps, reason mathematically and persevere in seeking solutions
- Understand how maths skills are transferable between subjects like science and technology and apply learning from one subject to another to seek out solutions
- Are competent and confident with numeracy so that every student leaves school fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics.
Learning maths should be interesting and stimulating, which is why our curriculum is built around applying maths to real-life situations where we teach an array of topics using projects and go deep into the understanding of maths.
About the Department
In the faculty we are fortunate to have 8 hard working innovative members of staff who work relentlessly to give every opportunity of success for the students in our care. We are also incredibly lucky to have access to such outstanding facilities; this includes 8 fully equipped classrooms with everything our students need to gain the greatest success.
Progression from Studying Maths
Maths is so important. You will need at least a Grade 5 in Maths to access some Level 3 courses. Most careers will ask you to have a certain level of Maths too. Your grade in English and Maths will always be looked at by employers when they are considering you for a job.
From studying a Maths GCSE, you can go on to study Maths A-Level or a Level 3 Certificate in Core Maths. A Level 3 certificate in Core Maths is worth half an A-level and can help you if some of your career is going to involve maths. For example, psychologists or business studies students might find Core Maths helpful.
Studying an A-level in Maths can lead to studying all sorts of subjects at University or onto exciting maths based apprenticeships. For example:
- Accountancy;
- Civil Engineering;
- Data Scientist;
- Engineer.
Check out the range of apprenticeships here which need you to have good maths skills or take a look at some more information about maths based degrees here.
You can also study Maths at Degree level alongside many other subjects, such as:
- Business Management;
- Computer Science;
- Economics;
- Education.
Have a look at the UCAS website to see how many different combinations you can do.
Degree apprenticeships are becoming a more popular route and there are many degree apprenticeships that involve maths. Whilst they are competitive, degree apprenticeships give you paid on the job experience as well as the company paying for your degree. Here are an example of just some of the degree apprenticeships which involve maths:
- Chartered Surveying;
- Aerospace Engineering;
- Banking Relationships Manager.
Find out more about degree apprenticeship here
KS3 (Years 7 to 8)
When joining the academy students undergo an initial assessment in mathematics, the result of this assessment will ensure that students are placed on the most suitable learning pathway:
Students that achieve:
The expected standard will begin the “Theta” 2 year course which will prepare them for either the foundation or the higher GCSE
Above the expected standard will begin the “Delta” 2 year course which will prepare them for the higher GCSE
Below the expected standard will begin the “Pi” 2 year course which will prepare them for the foundation GCSE, in addition students that achieve below the expected standard will be invited to extra catch-up sessions that take place at the end of The Academy day.
KS4 (Years 9 to 11)
At the end of year 8 students will be assessed to determine which of the following 3 year pathways is the most appropriate: Higher Tier GCSE where grades 4 to 9 can be achieved or Foundation Tier GCSE where grades 1 to 5 can be achieved.