Menu Login Quick Links Numeracy What is Numeracy? We think of Numeracy as proficiency in “everyday” mathematics. Success in this area is the responsibility of every student, member of staff and parent - not just Maths teachers! Mathematics is an enabling subject. In addition to what they study in their Maths lessons, we aim to equip students with the fundamental skills that they require for their studies across the school and beyond. Our vision is for every student at Edgbarrow School to leave the school equipped with the numeracy skills that they need outside of a school environment. Being numerate in today’s society is, put quite simply, essential. Whether you are shopping for groceries, paying household bills or planning a budget the numeracy and problem-solving skills that students develop now are incredibly important. What do we do now? Mathematical Vocabulary and Notation In Maths lessons, students are explicitly taught mathematical vocabulary and notation. Vocabulary is taught to enable students to have a common framework to discuss problems. All members of the Maths department encourage students to use correct mathematical language in each lesson. We expect the highest levels of mathematical notation from our students. The standards of notation required for A-level study are familiar to all members of staff in the department and we bring this expertise to all Mathematics lessons beginning in Year 7. Our high expectations of notation are reinforced throughout the Key Stages. At Key Stage 5, we have developed a marking shorthand that is shared with students and aims to focus their attention on language, layout and syntax. Calculator use All students have access to a calculator in Mathematics lessons. These are used, not to remove the need for numeracy, but to reinforce numerical principles. Students use their calculators to reduce the cognitive load to allow them to better reflect on the numerical ideas on which they are focusing. UKMT Mathematics Challenges Every year, students across the school take part in both the individual and team Math competitions run annually by the UKMT and AMSP. This promotes an innate understanding of numeracy coupled with a problem-solving focus. Numeracy in other subjects Students are taught skills in Mathematics lessons which are required across the school. Fundamental numerical principles underpin elements of each subject and competency and fluency with these are essential. Whether considering calculation skills required for Science or measurement and proportion skills in Art it is clear that mathematical principles are used across the curricula. Numeracy is also taught as part of the PSHE curriculum covering a wide range of topics including income tax, mortgages and loans and budgeting. The Maths department teaches a range of topics to support this throughout Key Stage 3 and, where possible, use examples of these techniques from different subjects. Intervention We recognise that numeracy is not something that comes easily to all students. We ensure that our setting structure allows students who need more support are placed into smaller groups. In addition to this, our Progress team run regular numeracy interventions for identified students to boost their achievement in this area as part of our ongoing commitment to ambition and success for all. Moving forward? Mathematical Vocabulary and Notation We will continue to provide opportunities to enable all staff to develop their mathematical vocabulary and notation to better support students. Calculator Use We will continue providing top quality instruction to our students throughout the school on how best to use their calculators to support their numerical understanding. Specific calculator skill lessons will be delivered to Year 7 during the Autumn term to ensure a strong foundation for them to build on throughout their learning. Extra-Curricular opportunities We will increase the availability of extra-curricular Mathematics for students across the school. We will be relaunching our whole school Numeracy competition during the next academic year and this will be available to all students. Numeracy in other Subjects To further develop consistency across different subjects, we are continuing to include specific references in our schemes of work to applications in other subjects. This will enable us to make it more explicit to students when and where they will use the skills and processes across the school. Continuing discussions between Heads of Department and the Maths team will increase the links between Math lessons and content in other lessons. Numeracy in Tutor Time In September 2020 we are re-launching our weekly tutor time numeracy activity. We are introducing a new challenge called Numeracy Ninjas! This is designed to provide a ‘little and often’ approach to filling gaps in students’ mental calculation strategies and empowering them with the numeracy skills required to access concepts across the curriculum when they move to Key Stage 4. In Key Stage 4, we are introducing a slightly different numeracy activity built on the Corbettmaths Conundrum activities. This will enable students to consolidate and practice the key numeracy skills they have learned. These activities aim to further develop core numeracy skills whilst celebrating the mathematical literacy of the whole staff and student body. Intervention We will continue to work proactively with the Progress team so that identified students are suitably supported in developing their numeracy. Time Tables Rock Stars - a carefully sequenced programme of daily times tables practice. Edgbarrow School Tuesday, 05 May 2020 Within this Section Corvus Learning Trust Headteacher's Welcome Curriculum Curriculum Key Stage 3 Key Stage 4 Key Stage 5 Edgbarrow8 Literacy Numeracy Highest Ability and Talented Pastoral Support Departments Governors Pupil Premium Newsletters OFSTED Parent View Policies Safeguarding School Vision & Values Latest News Sixth Form Open Evening 2021 Edgbarrow School Grant Road, Crowthorne Berkshire, RG45 7HZ 01344 772 658 01344 776 623 Email Us Get Directions Edgbarrow School is an academy and part of the Corvus Learning Trust, a charitable company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales, company number 11045796, registered at Corvus Learning Trust, Grant Road, Crowthorne, Berkshire, RG45 7HZ. Tel: 01344 772658 © 2021 Edgbarrow School. All Rights Reserved. School Website by INCO