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Maths

Maths is an exciting and challenging core subject that plays an important role in everyday life. At The Rowans, we aim to develop pupils' confidence, independence and understanding of Maths, ensuring they gain the essential skills needed for their future education, employment and everyday experiences.

We recognise that Maths is all around us, from managing money and understanding time to measuring, calculating and interpreting information. Functional mathematical skills are promoted throughout school life and across other subject areas, helping pupils recognise the relevance and importance of Maths beyond the classroom.

Our Maths curriculum is broadly based on the White Rose Maths scheme of learning, providing a structured approach to developing mathematical knowledge and understanding. However, we recognise that our pupils have a wide range of abilities, starting points and additional needs. We therefore maintain a flexible approach, adapting the pace, sequence and content of learning to ensure lessons are accessible, engaging and appropriately challenging.

Each topic follows a consistent structure, beginning with the introduction of new concepts, followed by opportunities to develop fluency, practise key skills and apply learning through problem-solving activities and exam-style questions. This approach helps pupils build confidence, secure their understanding and develop the skills needed to progress towards GCSE Mathematics and beyond.

Key Stage 3 (Years 7, 8 and 9)

At Key Stage 3, pupils follow a curriculum informed by the National Curriculum and the White Rose Maths scheme of learning. Our focus is on developing strong mathematical foundations, addressing gaps in prior learning and preparing pupils for the demands of Key Stage 4.

Pupils explore a wide range of mathematical topics, including:

  • Number and the four operations
  • Fractions, decimals and percentages
  • Ratio and proportion
  • Algebra, formulae and sequences
  • Shapes, angles and geometric properties
  • Perimeter, area and volume
  • Measures and conversions
  • Graphs and coordinates
  • Statistics and probability
  • Problem-solving and functional Maths

Lessons are designed to be engaging, practical and accessible, with opportunities for pupils to develop their understanding through games, investigations, real-life problems and independent learning.

We recognise that many pupils arrive at The Rowans with gaps in their mathematical knowledge or low confidence in the subject. Our flexible approach allows us to revisit key concepts, provide additional support and ensure pupils develop the skills and confidence needed to progress.

Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11)

At Key Stage 4, pupils continue to follow a curriculum broadly informed by White Rose Maths, aligned with the GCSE Mathematics 9–1 specification.

Building on the knowledge and skills developed at Key Stage 3, pupils focus on strengthening their mathematical understanding, improving problem-solving skills and developing confidence with GCSE-style questions.

Teaching is adapted to reflect pupils' individual starting points and learning needs, with a particular focus on securing essential mathematical knowledge and addressing gaps in understanding.

Throughout Key Stage 4, pupils are supported to develop their exam technique, mathematical reasoning and ability to apply their knowledge independently. Regular assessments, retrieval activities and mock examinations are used to monitor progress and identify areas where further support is needed.

Alongside GCSE preparation, we continue to place a strong emphasis on functional numeracy, ensuring pupils develop practical mathematical skills that will support them in everyday life, further education and future employment.

Our KS4 maths curriculum is split into Core and Foundation pathways so that all pupils can access learning suited to their individual needs and starting points. Both pathways build essential mathematical knowledge, skills and confidence, with appropriate support and challenge to help every pupil make progress. Our flexible approach enables pupils to develop at their own pace while working towards suitable qualifications and preparing to use maths in everyday life and beyond school.

Adaptive Practice and SEND

At The Rowans, we recognise that every pupil is different and that many of our pupils have additional learning needs which can impact their confidence, engagement and progress in Mathematics.

Adaptive practice is central to our teaching, ensuring that all pupils can access learning, experience success and make progress from their individual starting points.

Teachers use information from Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), pupil profiles, assessments and ongoing observations to identify barriers to learning and implement appropriate adjustments.

Our approach includes:

  • Small, manageable steps: Breaking learning into achievable stages to support understanding and prevent pupils from becoming overwhelmed.
  • Clear modelling and explanations: Using worked examples and the I do, we do, you do approach to build confidence and independence.
  • Practical and visual resources: Using manipulatives, diagrams, number lines and real-life examples to support mathematical understanding.
  • Retrieval and repetition: Regularly revisiting previous learning to strengthen recall, address misconceptions and secure key knowledge.
  • Targeted questioning: Checking understanding throughout lessons and adapting teaching in response to pupils' needs.
  • Scaffolding and support: Providing visual prompts, key vocabulary, worked examples and additional adult support where appropriate, gradually reducing this as pupils become more independent.
  • Flexible pace and progression: Adapting the sequence and pace of learning to address gaps in knowledge and ensure pupils have secure foundations before moving on.
  • Engaging and practical activities: Incorporating games, investigations and real-life problem-solving to encourage participation and maintain engagement.
  • Positive reinforcement: Recognising effort, progress and achievement to develop confidence, resilience and a positive attitude towards Maths.

We understand that pupils with SEND may experience a range of barriers linked to cognition and learning, communication and interaction, social, emotional and mental health (SEMH), and sensory or physical needs. Our teaching is adapted to reflect these individual needs whilst maintaining high expectations for all pupils.

Assessment and Progress

Assessment is used throughout the mathematics curriculum to identify pupils' starting points, monitor progress and inform future teaching.

Regular retrieval activities, questioning, end-of-topic assessments and GCSE-style questions help teachers identify strengths, misconceptions and gaps in understanding.

At Key Stage 4, pupils also complete mock examinations throughout the year to develop familiarity with exam expectations, build confidence and identify areas for further development.

Assessment information is used to adapt teaching, plan targeted interventions and ensure pupils receive the appropriate level of support and challenge.

Building Confidence and Independence

We recognise that some pupils arrive at The Rowans having experienced difficulties with Mathematics or feeling that they are unable to succeed in the subject. A key part of our approach is helping pupils overcome these barriers and develop a more positive attitude towards learning.

We aim to create a supportive environment where pupils feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes and challenging themselves. Through positive relationships, practical learning and opportunities to experience success, we encourage pupils to develop resilience, independence and confidence in their mathematical ability.

Our overall aim is for every pupil to leave The Rowans with improved mathematical knowledge, greater confidence in their abilities and the essential numeracy skills needed for their next steps in education, employment and everyday life.

The Hidden Curriculum in Mathematics

At The Rowans, we recognise that Maths is about more than developing mathematical knowledge and achieving qualifications. Our curriculum also provides opportunities for pupils to develop essential life skills, confidence and personal qualities that will support them beyond the classroom.

This is particularly important within our alternative provision setting, where many pupils experience challenges with emotional regulation, confidence, resilience and social interactions.

Through our Maths lessons, we aim to develop:

  • Resilience and perseverance: Encouraging pupils to overcome challenges, learn from mistakes and keep trying.
  • Confidence and independence: Celebrating achievements and encouraging pupils to take responsibility for their learning.
  • Emotional regulation: Supporting pupils to manage frustration, remain focused and develop positive strategies when faced with challenges.
  • Communication and teamwork: Encouraging pupils to share ideas, listen to others and work collaboratively.
  • Problem-solving and decision-making: Developing logical thinking and the confidence to approach unfamiliar situations.
  • Functional life skills: Applying Maths to everyday situations, including budgeting, managing money, understanding time and measuring.
  • Preparation for adulthood: Recognising the importance of Maths in further education, employment and independent living.

Our school values of kindness, commitment and resilience are embedded throughout lessons, encouraging pupils to support one another, take pride in their learning and persevere when faced with challenges.

We recognise that progress is not always purely academic. Developing the confidence to attempt a question, work alongside others or manage frustration can be just as significant.

Our aim is to ensure that Maths supports both academic achievement and personal development, helping pupils become confident, resilient and independent young people.

Department Staff
  • Miss Wordie
  • Mr Mansford
  • Miss King
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