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.
Our mathematics curriculum ensures students have the building blocks to enable them to become confident problem-solvers.; students are taught the prerequisite knowledge to access each topic explicitly and have adequate time to practice. An important aspect of our curriculum is supporting students to develop their resilience in mathematics. Our 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 build students self-discipline and personal responsibility through independent practice and academic prep. Furthermore, our classrooms foster a mistake friendly environment where students are praised for their effort and encouraged to learn from their challenges
Students are given mathematical problems that develop their ability 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 access topics 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. We take an inter-disciplinary approach to key skills and topics, particularly STEM subjects, to ensure consistency of teaching across the academy.
We ensure that all students are given the opportunity to excel and have the foundations to enable them to succeed in their futures post-16. We highlight to students the STEM.
In Maths, over 67% achieved grades 9-4, and nearly 49% achieved grades 9-5.
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, as well as regular mini class topic tests.
All students will have three formal summative assessments each year. These are formally marked and scored by the class teacher.
Year 10 and 11 students will complete a set of mock examinations in full exam conditions for which they will be awarded a mock exam grade.
Ms Laura McMahon – Head of Mathematics
Miss Stacey Messam – Deputy Head of Mathematics and Academic Prep Lead
Mr Daniel Alsop – Teacher of Mathematics
Miss Emma Booth – Teacher of Mathematics
Mr Tristan Scott-Hallam – Teacher of Mathematics
Mrs Mirelle Tchoya – Teacher of Mathematics, Young Carers lead
Miss Arushi Saini – Teacher of Mathematics
Mr Ryan Williams – Assistant Headteacher
All students study Mathematics throughout their career at The Dorcan Academy.
In Year 7 students following the Extended curriculum have 7 lessons a fortnight, whilst the majority of students following the Core curriculum have 8.
In year 8, students following the Extended curriculum have 7 lessons a fortnight, whilst students following the Core curriculum have 8.
In Years 9, 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
