Einstein said “Mathematics in it’s own way is the poetry of logical ideas”. Through mathematics we explore the power of numbers. Using the language of the universe, we can discover the true power and beauty of solving complex problems.
Our curriculum is designed to equip students to be able to use their knowledge of Mathematical concepts to solve unfamiliar problems , and undertake complex reasoning. We use a Mastery approach that allows all students the opportunity to develop a deep understanding of Mathematical ideas with the focus on being able to answer Why as well as What and How.
In year 7 we create the Mathematical knowledge base that support successful progression and development through the succeeding key stages. Building on this in the year 8 to 13 curriculum developing their Mathematical thinking. Mixed ability setting in year 7 enables us to make the subject pathway available for every student and allows all students the opportunity to achieve.
We aim to support the successful progression and development of all students and enable them to move confidently onto the next stage of their Mathematical journey. For some this will be A Level Mathematics and others will be able to apply the theory in the workplace.
Maths Curriculum Map
a level maths curriculum map
a level further maths curriculum map
curriculum overview
year 7 knowledge organiser
year 8 knowledge organiser
year 9 knowledge organiser
year 10 and 11 knowledge organiser
Working Independently
Below are a number of links to resources available to support independent learning:
Please see Satchel:One and Mathswatch for Maths work set.
- Mathswatch – videos, interactive questions, worksheets, 6-week revision schedule + more.
Login Information:
Year 7 – 11 (example) username – 20jbloggs@northgate (the number indicates the year you started Northgate) password – 20jbloggs@northgate
- Sparx Maths – currently being used by Years 8 and 10 for personalised Maths homework (Top Tips can be found here)
- Mathsgater – past papers, resources, links + videos.
- Corbett Maths – videos, 5-a-day questions, worksheets, exam questions + revision cards.
- GCSEpod – podcasts for all topics + subjects.
- Seneca Learning– GCSE clips and interactive questions.
- BBC Bitesize – revision notes and an interactive test.
- On Maths – online GCSE papers, type in your answer and it marks it for you!
- Dr Frost Maths – an infinite amount of practice with questions that regenerate.
- Mr Barton Maths – worksheets, videos and an interactive quiz.
- Mathsbot – infinitely generated practice with answers.
- Maths4Everyone – an incredible collection of practice questions, complete with full worked solutions.
- Transum – problems, games and puzzles that are perfect for Year 7,8 and 9
The recommended calculator for school use is the Casio FX-83CT-CW and can be purchased from most retailers.
At points throughout the GCSE course we have Maths Revision Resources available for students to purchase via Parent Pay. These are ordered 2 to 3 times throughout the year as they are not kept in stock.
Assessment in Maths
In KS3 students are given core knowledge to learn for each topic and have quick 10 question style tests to complete at the end of the topic. Longer assessments take the form of a booklet which will contain a number of topic areas that students have covered over a longer period of time, these assessments also concentrate more on the application of the skills they have learned. After each assessment students use an analysis grid to look at which topics they need to target for future learning.
In KS4 students complete a skills test once a fortnight which covers topic at the correct level for each class. Using their own analysis grid students can identify areas to revise to help make progress. Throughout the two years full past papers are used as assessments so that students get plenty of practise in answering exam questions. Analysis grids are produced for each assessment so that revision can be targeted to those areas that each student needs to make progress.
Personal Development and Cultural Capital in Maths
Throughout the year we offer opportunities for students to take part in a range of challenges and events. These include the UKMT Maths challenges, Year 10 Maths Feast, Year 9 Summer snack and a visit to the Maths Symposium. These encourage mathematical reasoning and promote the love of problem solving.
Mathematical challenges are set regularly for the students to try independently and toinspire them to apply their Mathematical knowledge. We have a year 7 and 8 Maths fortnightly puzzle, Parallelogram puzzles (https://parallel.org.uk/) and Barvember puzzles.
Year 7, 8 and 9 take part in Mathematical challenges that contribute to the school house competition. There is an Easter egg race, London Underground activity and an eco-friendly competition.
We also have two days dedicated to celebrating Mathematics – Number day and Pi day. During these days students in all year groups take part in a variety of different activities and discuss the history and importance of numbers and Pi.
Who Teaches Maths
Head of Department: Mrs. J. Smith, M.Sc. (Hons), P.G.C.E.
Email: jsmith followed by @ng6.unity-ed.uk
Mrs Smith has a BSc (First Class HONS) in Physics with Medical Physics from Swansea University and an MSc Information processing and Neural networks from Kings College, London. She has over 15 years teaching experience mainly teaching GCSE and A Level Mathematics but she also teaches ICT and Computer Science. Prior to teaching, Mrs Smith worked for several companies as an analyst computer programmer and this involved applying ICT and Mathematics to financial models. So Mathematics has always been an essential part of her life.
Second in Department: Miss K. Theobald, B.Sc. (Hons), P.G.C.E.
Email: ktheobald followed by @ng6.unity-ed.uk
Miss Theobald has a BSc first class honours in Mathematics from the University of East Anglia. She has over 15 years experience in teaching Maths from KS3 to KS5, including A-level Further Maths. Miss Theobald is the department lead for White Rose Maths, embedding mastery into KS3. As well as her active role in the Maths department, Miss Theobald has also been running the School Council since 2011, alongside some excellent Team Council Leaders, and she produces the Northgate monthly bulletins.
Other Staff:Mr. J. Atkin, M.Sc., P.G.C.E. N.P.Q.H. (Director of Sixth Form)
Email: jatkin followed by @ng6.unity-ed.uk
Following degrees in Mathematics and Industrial Mathematics Mr Atkin worked in the Petro-Chemical and Chemical industries in the fields of research and logistics. Since entering Education he has taught through Year7 to Year 13 and has been a Head of Department, Head of Faculty and is currently part of the Senior Leadership Team.
Other Staff:Mr. S. Carter, B.Sc. (Hons), P.G.C.E. (Lead Intervention Mathematics)
Email: scarter followed by @ng6.unity-ed.uk
Mr Carter has a BSc in Mathematics from Sheffield University. He has 7 years experience in teaching Maths from KS3 to KS5. He has trained as a NCETM, Maths HUB Angles Mastery development specialist. Since 2020 he has been the intervention coordinator for Maths at Northgate.
Email: nchalmers followed by @ng6.unity-ed.uk
Mrs Chalmers has a BSc Mathematics degree from Cukurova University in Turkey and her PGCE Maths from the University of Leeds. She has been teaching for 5 years and has previously worked as a Tutor.
Other Staff:Mr. A. Darlow, B.A. (Hons), P.G.C.E. (Director of Personal Development, Behaviour and Welfare)
Email: adarlow followed by @ng6.unity-ed.uk
Other Staff:Miss K. Petcher-Ellison, B.A., P.G.C.E.
Email: cpetcherellison followed by @ng6.unity-ed.uk
Other Staff: Mr. J. Stirling, B.A. (Hons), P.G.C.E
Email: jstirling followed by @ng6.unity-ed.uk
