Welcome to the Mathematics Department

Mathematics is more than numbers and methods – it is about equipping our students with the skills they need to approach challenges with confidence. Our teaching nurtures perseverance, resilience, and creativity, encouraging learners to become problem solvers who seek unique solutions.

We are committed to success for all, ensuring every learner feels capable and empowered to reach their full potential.

How does the Mathematics Department achieve that?

We achieve our mission through a carefully planned curriculum that builds on prior knowledge and reinforces key concepts over time. Retrieval practice and a spiral approach ensure that students regularly revisit and consolidate their learning, strengthening understanding and confidence. A strong focus on numeracy equips students with the skills they need to apply mathematics across all areas of study and in everyday life.

Lessons are designed to challenge and stretch learners of all abilities, encouraging perseverance, resilience, and creative problem solving. Students are supported to think critically and approach problems from different perspectives, developing the skills of independent, confident mathematicians.

Qualification

Ultimately, at the end of their time at Harrow Way, students study for their GCSE Mathematics qualification. Our exam board is Edexcel and students are either entered for the foundation or higher tiers.

The awards for each tier are:

  • Foundation – grades 1 to 5

  • Higher – grades 3 to 9

The qualification for both tiers is graded through 100% examination, spread over three papers.

  • Paper 1 – 80 marks (non-calculator)

  • Paper 2 – 80 marks (calculator)

  • Paper 3 – 80 marks (calculator)

Equipment

It is very important that students are fully equipped for all their maths lessons. They may need any of their equipment at any point; familiarity with their own calculator and geometry set creates a sense of confidence.

Students in all year groups are expected to have the following:

  • Scientific calculator (eg: Casio FX-83GT)

  • Protractor

  • Pair of compasses

  • Ruler

  • Pencil and Black Pen

Calculators and Geometry sets are available to purchase from the school via SCOPAY.

Maths Team

  • Director of Mathematics –Mr E. Nias

  • Assistant Director – Mrs A. Semple

  • Lead Practitioner – Mrs S. Frape

  • Maths Teacher – Mr J. Ardron

  • Maths Teacher – Mrs C. Clackson

  • Maths Teacher – Mr J. Massiah

  • Maths Teacher – Mr N. Preece

Where to Get Help

Parental support is a key part of student success in mathematics. Encouraging regular practice of numeracy skills at home, discussing problem-solving strategies, and celebrating effort and progress helps build confidence and resilience.

Parents can support learning by asking about topics covered in class, reviewing homework together, and encouraging their child to revisit previous material to reinforce understanding. Practising fundamentals such as time, times tables, measuring, budgeting, and other everyday calculations provides simple and effective ways to strengthen key life skills and make maths meaningful.

We also provide resources, guidance and updates on the curriculum, so parents can feel confident in supporting their child’s learning journey. Engaged and informed parents help ensure every learner can achieve their full potential in mathematics.

There are many websites where students and parents can get help with homework or revision, this is by no way a comprehensive list but here are a few of our favourites.

Curriculum Content

Key Stage 3

Year 7

  • Basic Number Revision

  • All four operations

  • Working with decimals

  • Directed numbers (negatives)

  • Introduction to Algebra

  • Collecting like terms

  • Forming simple equations
  • Solving equations
  • Plotting coordinates and graphs
  • Proportion

  • Working with ratios
  • Converting units
  • Best value for money
  • Geometry

  • Types of angles
  • 2D and 3D Shapes
  • Angles in shapes
  • Simple constructions (accurate drawings)
  • Introduction to Pythagoras’ Theorem
  • Statistics

  • Calculating averages
  • Pie Charts and other diagrams
  • Basic Probability

Year 8

  • Number

  • Percentages (with and without calculators)
  • Factors and multiples
  • Directed numbers (negatives)
  • Mixed numbers
  • Algebra

  • Sequences
  • Solving further equations
  • Simultaneous equations
  • Proportion

  • Compound measures (speed, density)
  • Manipulating ratios
  • Geometry

  • Angles in polygons
  • Volume and capacity
  • Basic congruence and similarity
  • Extend Pythagoras’ Theorem
  • Statistics

  • Comparing averages
  • Displaying data
  • Probability of multiple events

Year 9

  • Number

  • Harder percentages
  • Prime factor manipulation
  • Standard form
  • Surds
  • Algebra

  • Harder sequences
  • Solving harder equations
  • Forming simultaneous equations
  • Proportion

  • Converting compound measures
  • Direct and inverse proportion
  • Geometry

  • Constructions and loci
  • Further congruence and similarity
  • Circle geometry
  • Statistics

  • Probability of dependent events

Key Stage 4

The Edexcel GCSE in Mathematics qualification requires students to:

  • Develop deeper knowledge, skills and understanding of mathematical methods, concepts and problem-solving skills in number, algebra, geometry, measures, proportion, statistics and probability.
  • Use their knowledge and understanding to make connections between mathematical concepts.
  • Apply the functional elements of mathematics in everyday and real-life situations.
  • Solve problems using their mathematical skills in both real-life and abstract contexts.