Key Stage 3 Aims

 

At Key Stage 3, in addition to our general aims, we aim to develop understanding and application of skills, knowledge and concepts introduced at Key Stage 2. Pupils follow a suitable course appropriate to their ability in mathematics; realistic targets are set for all pupils.

 

We set high expectations of all pupils and hope to use teaching strategies that engage and motivate pupils, and demand their active participation.

 

We hope to develop confidence in, and enjoyment of high school mathematics.

 

Homework Policy

 

The careful and thoughtful setting of regular homework helps to promote good standards and encourages pupils to develop skills of independent learning. For the class teacher, it is a valuable tool for assessing understanding and retention of work.

 

All pupils receive homework at least once a week. Generally the homework for any group is set on the same day each week, and the class teacher chooses this. This encourages good work habits as pupils get into the routine of doing their maths homework at the same time from week to week, and parents are in a better position to support their children. 

 

Pupils note all homework in their planners. The details are written down alongside the deadline. Pupils are always given more that one evening to complete homework.

 

Homework is always checked by the class teacher, and returned to the pupils as soon as possible, and certainly within a week of setting the work. Feedback to pupils is made in the form of written comments, as well as general verbal comments made to the whole class.

 

 

 

Homework is set to give pupils the opportunity to practise further the skills and methods taught in the lesson. It enables pupils to consolidate understanding and between lessons, reminds them of work covered.

So that pupils are not easily discouraged from attempting homework, generally the questions set are very similar to, and no more difficult than those covered during a lesson. If a challenge is set, then pupils are aware that the problem is difficult, and are given a time limit for the question. Homework is designed to build confidence.

 

In the week before a half-termly test, pupils are expected to revise for the test at home. Clear and detailed guidance is given on what to revise.  A revision sheet will be set as homework. Pupils are reminded that revision takes the form of practising answering questions and not simply reading through their books making notes.

 

If a pupil fails to complete set homework a note is made in the student planner. For a second offence the class teacher gives a homework detention. If the problem is a persistent one then the pupil is put on Faculty Report.

 

PUPIL GROUPINGS AT KEY STAGE 3

YEAR 7: Pupils are taught in mixed ability forms throughout the first term.
At Christmas, pupils are set across pairs of forms into two groups. Results from two internal tests set by the faculty, the KS2 teacher assessments and the results from the CATs testing are taken into account when allocating pupils to a group.

 

YEAR 8: Pupils are set across pairs of forms into two groups. Results from the internal tests set by the faculty in Year 7, the end of Year 7 examination, the KS2 teacher assessments, the results from the CATs testing and class teacher recommendations are taken into account when allocating pupils to a group.

 

 

YEAR 9: The year group is divided into two populations according to form. Each half-year group is divided into 5 ability sets. Year 8 test results, end-of year exam result, CATs score and class teacher recommendations are taken into account when allocating pupils to a group. Some consideration is given to the KS2 teacher assessments.

 

 

Investigations at KS3.

When you are writing up an investigation the following guidelines should be used.

PROBLEM SOLVING AND INVESTIGATIONAL WORK.


1. The problem

Explain the problem in your own words

2. My strategy

How you are going to try to solve the problem.

3. Rough working

Show all your working
Neat results Present your results clearly

4. My hypothesis

Look for patterns in your results

5. Testing my hypothesis

6. Conclusion

7. Extension

Can you think of a related problem?