We believe that all students can learn and achieve in mathematics, and we seek to remove any potential barriers to learning to enable them to achieve their very best. We aim to instil a lifelong love of mathematics, equipping students to confidently use mathematics in their everyday lives and providing a solid foundation for further post 16 study.
In school level mathematics we have relatively little choice in the content we teach; exam specifications offer no choice – the national curriculum is fixed. However, what we can affect is how we choose to teach it. Our mathematics curriculum prioritises problem solving; students are taught the prerequisite knowledge to access each topic explicitly and asked to practise the relevant procedures. Students are regularly given mathematical problems which are previously unseen; this might require them to apply known mathematical ideas in original contexts or to apply problems that link together different areas of mathematics. Our aim is for students to be able to use maths as a tool, using one concept to unlock access to concepts they may study in the future. At The Dorcan Academy we teach students to think like mathematicians, approaching problems systematically, setting out work logically and forming generalisations from specific answers. We encourage students to reason mathematically, to sketch diagrams and to add annotations to explanations as well as using precise mathematical notation and vocabulary.
An important aspect of our curriculum is supporting students to develop their confidence in mathematics. Our mastery approach identifies students’ starting points and builds from them, introducing ideas in small steps and allowing the students time to fully understand a new concept before moving on. We aim to foster a growth mindset and create a mistake friendly environment where students are praised for their effort and encouraged to learn from their challenges.
In Mathematics last year, 41.8% of students achieved grades 9 to 5; and 64.7% achieved grades 9 to 4.
In mathematics students are assessed regularly by their class teacher. This might be in informal ways such as through responses to class questions and work with mini whiteboards, and regular mini class tests. In support of this each student will have three formal summative assessments each year. These are marked and scored by the class teacher. Students should use the information from the regular assessments to inform their revision. In year 11 students are also expected to complete a mock examination in full exam conditions for which they will be awarded a mock exam grade.
Ms Laura McMahon – Associate Assistant Head and Head of Mathematics
Miss Stacey Messam – Deputy Head of Mathematics and Home Learning Lead
Mrs Julia Abbott – Teacher of Maths and Raising Aspirations Lead
Mr Daniel Alsop – Teacher of Mathematics and STEM Lead
Miss Emma Booth – Teacher of Mathematics
Mr Tristan Scott-Hallam – Teacher of Mathematics
Mrs Mirelle Tchoya – Teacher of Mathematics, Young Carers lead
Mr Ryan Williams – Assistant Headteacher
All students study Mathematics throughout their career at The Dorcan Academy.
In Year 7 students in the Extended pathway have 6 lessons a fortnight, whilst students in the Central pathway have 8.
In year 8, students in the Extended pathway have 6 lessons a fortnight, whilst students in the Central pathway have 7.
In year 9 students in the Extended pathway have 7 lessons a fortnight, whilst students in the Central pathway have 8.
In Years 10 and 11, all students have 8 lessons of Mathematics a fortnight.
The teachers at Dorcan have a keen interest in mathematics and are always keen to introduce ideas and discussions beyond the scope of the national curriculum. We also provide a range of enrichment opportunities. For example, we regularly enter students for the UK Mathematics Trust Challenges; this is a national competition where students can be awarded bronze, silver and gold awards and even potentially a qualification to the Maths Olympiad. There are also booster sessions and intervention periods which are offered both within and after the school day.
Sparx Sparx Maths
Maths Genie Maths Genie – Free Online GCSE and A Level Maths Revision
