Maths

What does maths learning look like?

At Lighthouse we want to ensure that all students have a secure knowledge and understanding in Maths at their level. Maths tells us how to look at the world in a numerical and relation way. We use this understanding with logical tools learnt in teaching to help us problem solve in all areas of life. Strong mathematical skills help students thrive in a heavily quantified world and give them the skills to breakdown and tackle problems at work, future education and in life. Each step of the curriculum from key stage to key stage is designed to support your child so that they will leave with a Maths qualification suitable for them and their next destination. We also ensure they have the skills to be as independent as possible and be able to tackle real life scenarios and situations.

What will my child learn in each Key Stage?

We use the Concrete Pictorial Abstract approach to ensure a depth of understanding, skills are repeated to ensure retention, applied and generalised in different context. We ensure all students have access to preparation for adulthood learning throughout their time at Lighthouse. This allows students to not only have key mathematical concepts and skills but they have knowledge of the application of maths in the real world and can generalise their skills to real life contexts and situations. Key Stage 3 is designed to be engaging and enriching using project based learning to address any gaps or misconceptions your child may have. We focus on a concrete approach, using manipulatives (numicon, coins, place value charts) to answer calculations and exposure to practical maths – measuring, weighing in practical contexts. Throughout our projects key concepts are repeated so your child fully understands the skill being taught but are challenged to apply these concepts in different real life contexts. If your child is moving on to GCSE pathway in KS4 & 5 they will also be taught preparation for adulthood learning to provide them with important life skills, such as managing finances, planning journeys and problem solving. In Key Stage 4 and 5 we move on to more pictorial and abstract concepts depending on your child’s level. For those students working on an entry level certificate pathway we continue with project based learning that has strong links with preparation for adulthood. These projects provide your child with opportunities to practise their maths skills in the real world, for example visiting café or shops to practise money skills, financial management and budgeting, or understanding how to measure a room and order furniture that will fit. We also focus on qualifications in KS4 & 5 preparing students to sit and pass qualifications relevant to them and their next destination.

How will my child be assessed?

Your child will complete a Number Age Assessment at the beginning of each academic year, which will provide your child with a number age. We group students supports us in ensuring students are in the correct group based on their academic ability. Your child will also be assessed termly, using teacher assessments such as quizzes, end of topic assessments and practice assessments. If your child is on a GCSE pathway they are assessed on each small unit of Maths and grouped per session accordingly, to ensure they are taught at the correct level to help maximise their potential to achieve the best possible grade for them. Students in KS4 and 5 will take their respective exams when we feel they are ready to take them. In most instances, students sit their exams at the end of the second year of starting their course

Maths Curriculum: