Maths
The maths curriculum at AIM North London is based on the principle that all students can achieve their potential through carefully sequenced lessons and knowledge acquisition alongside disruption free direct instruction from well-rehearsed teachers. We aim to build students with the critical outlook required of the modern era while equipping them with the skills necessary to make sense of an evolving world.
Year 7
In Year 7 students start a mathematics mastery curriculum. This builds students knowledge of key number concepts with an emphasis on problem solving and mathematical reasoning.
Students then progress onto algebra, shape, ratio and proportionality, with problems and tasks that reflect the changes in the curriculum made by the government and required to ultimately be successful in national assessments.
Students receive one piece of homework each week on an online programme called Sparx Maths. Sparx Maths can be accessed on any device with the internet, and the computers in the LRC and Edmonton Green Library are available after school. This homework consists of several questions linked to the topic the students are currently studying in maths, as well as revisiting previous topics they have learnt. Sparx Maths will learn what the students can do well, and where they need to improve and adjust the difficulty level of the homework accordingly. Each question has a bespoke video alongside it to support pupils when they are stuck.
Students are assessed at the start of the year to identify any gaps in learning. From this, interventions are put in place to ensure all students can make the expected progress by the end of the academic year. Alongside this students have smaller, formative quizzes every two weeks based on their lesson content in this time. At the end of each term students are assessed on the entire term of knowledge and this data is analysed to assess progress and to inform future planning to address any weak areas.
Year 8
Students continue to cover the five main areas of the Mathematics Curriculum; number, algebra, shape and measure, ratio/proportion and handling data. Through the curriculum design, students extend their knowledge as skills from Year 7 are developed through more complex problems and scenarios.
Students continue to use Sparx Maths as their homework platform with the homework requirements as in Year 7 but based on more challenging content.
Year 9
In Year 9 students start an intensive transition period whereby they start the GCSE syllabus. Students are taught in ability sets to allow all students to work at an appropriate pace and level of challenge. The curriculum is designed to bridge the gap between content and skills covered in KS3 to KS4 and to increase the level of exposure to challenging real world GCSE problems. Students follow the Edexcel Linear specification at one of two tiers; students can achieve a 9-4 on the Higher tier or 5-1 on the Foundation Tier.
At the end of Year 9, students complete a non-calculator and calculator Edexcel past paper internally in order to set students for the following year.
Year 10
In Year 10 students continue to develop their knowledge of the GCSE syllabus. Developing their understanding surrounding number, algebra, shape, data, probability, ratio and proportion. Students are taught in sets based on their assessments throughout Year 9 that can be changed during the year. Students continue to follow the Edexcel Linear specification at one of two tiers; students can achieve a 9-4 on the Higher tier or 5-1 on the Foundation Tier. Students continue to develop their skills within the 5 key areas of the curriculum, namely number, algebra, shape, data and ratio/proportion.
Students may also be entered for Functional Skills (Level 1, 2 and 3) to ensure that they have an appropriate pathway to success. This enables them to achieve a Maths qualification alongside their GCSE studies
Students continue to use Sparx Maths as their homework platform with the homework requirements as in Year 9 but based on more challenging content with a requirement of 2 topics to be covered.
Year 11
Year 11 students are taught in set ability groups targeting either a Higher or Foundation paper. Sets are reviewed after mock exams throughout the Academic year to ensure all students are appropriately challenged and reaching their full potential. Students follow the Edexcel Linear specification at one of two tiers; students can achieve a 9-4 on the Higher tier or 5-1 on the Foundation Tier. The mathematics department provides students with an extensive range of academic support; including revision sessions after school and before school, targeted mathematics tutoring and small group intervention.
Students continue to use Sparx Maths as their online homework platform but this may be supplemented by additional resources provided by classroom teachers to ensure all students have appropriate exposure and challenge with relevant content.
Students will complete internal mock exams through Year 11 in order to decide their final tier of entry for their G.C.S.E mathematics exam. Alongside these year 11’s will also complete fortnightly quizzes which will be based on GCSE style questions and the content covered in class which are used to provide formative feedback to improve performance.
Sixth Form
In the sixth form students that have not achieved a grade of 4 in Maths during Year 11 are re-entered for the GCSE in Year 12/13. These are extremely small groups that allow for effective teacher instruction and targeted support.
At A-Level students can further their study and appreciation of Maths by taking A-Level Maths and Further Maths. These A-Levels include units on Pure and Applied Maths and are taught in small, supportive groups with extensive outside of class resources and practice provided. Our Sixth form provision has allowed AIM NL to go on to study Biomedical Science, Chemical Engineering and Aerospace Engineering at top universities.
