Mathematics
At Meadows we teach maths in an imaginative way that is tailored to the individual needs of our pupils. We encourage students to understand the importance of maths in every day life as well as teaching the National Curriculum, which offers students the opportunity to experience many areas of mathematics.
Since a 24 hour curriculum is on offer at Meadows School, students have the opportunity to attend extra-curricular activities around mathematics.
Maths at Meadows
In the mathematics department at Meadows we strive to promote a love and respect for numeracy. This is done through a variety of methods such as offering teaching which encompasses visual, auditory and kinaesthetic means of learning.
Each student is able to work at their own pace, and is offered support and guidance on how to improve their mathematical skills. Students are offered a safe environment in which to learn and make mistakes. High quality teaching, trusting relationships between staff and students and a knowledge that striving to do one’s best is the most important thing means students at Meadows are able to enjoy and grow in confidence in mathematics.
Maths in everyday life
The mathematics department feels strongly that students need to understand the importance of maths in every day life and, as such, examples from real life or work-related scenarios are used where possible. This enables the students to see where mathematics is an integral part of their future work and social lives.
The National Curriculum
The National Curriculum offers students the opportunity to experience many areas of mathematics. In Meadows we tailor this so it is appropriate to the needs of individual students.
Entry level maths
Students are offered an opportunity to sit Entry Level mathematics which provides the chance to experience and become confident with areas of maths such as money, time, calendars, measurement and basic data handling and statistics. By offering this course, all students, regardless of their ability become familiar with the breadth of areas covered by the word 'mathematics'. Students complete a portfolio for this course and whilst there are examinations that are applicable to this course, there is the opportunity to structure them in such a manner as to avoid undue stress for the students.
GCSE maths
Students are offered the opportunity to experience the standard GCSE course, which is a two-tier examination. Our students currently sit the foundation course which offers them the opportunity to achieve grades up to a C.
Unit award scheme
Students are also able to experience the Unit Award scheme which offers the opportunity to experience both practical and abstract mathematics. The practical maths allows the student to experience the application of the theory they have learned in other mathematics lessons. Students get the opportunity to use the school’s computer system so that they become familiar with interactive mathematical websites, offering the students an additional means of stimulating their interest in mathematics.
Teachers have good knowledge of the subjects that they teach and they plan carefully - Ofsted Education Report 2008.
