Maths at The Levels School
The maths curriculum is broadly based on the National Curriculum. In KS2 and Years 7 and 8 there is a strong emphasis on students acquiring and learning to apply the four operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division), with opportunities for repetition and extension of knowledge built into the curriculum. All teaching will start at the concrete level, using appropriate equipment to encourage mathematical understanding and promote multi-sensory learning. Calculator use will be encouraged when learning new skills that are not the four rules of number, to reduce the load on the working memory.
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Year 9 and KS4 will focus on working towards GCSE as we are following a 3 year curriculum for GCSE. Students will build on the skills that they have developed and teaching will continue to start from the concrete, where possible, to maximise understanding and retention of knowledge.
Key Stage Two
KS2 students are taught in mixed-age and mixed-ability groups consisting of children from Years 4 to 6. All KS2 children are taught the same curriculum which is adapted for individual needs.
Key Stage Three
GCSE
At The Levels School, maths is a core subject at KS4, meaning it is compulsory for all students. We offer Edexcel International GCSE (9 –1) Mathematics (A), which consists of two exam papers at the end of three years of study. Find out more details about the iGCSE below.
Exam Papers
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There are two exam papers, both taken at the end of Year 11.
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Each paper is 2 hours long.
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Each paper is worth 50% of the total qualification.
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Papers each contain 20-25 questions with varying marks.
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More challenging questions at the end of the papers are worth a maximum of 6 marks each.
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Calculators can be used in both papers.
Holiday Activities
If you're looking to support your child's maths studies at home, try the following activities:
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Cook or bake at home, and encourage your child to take responsibility for measuring ingredients.
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Play card and board games, and encourage your child to add or subtract with the dice. Yahtzee, Monopoly, Battleships and Shut The Box are great board games for supporting maths. Card games like Sevens can improve sequencing skills.
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Play Bingo. This is great fun for all the family.
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When doing DIY at home, encourage your child to take responsibility for measuring.
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When shopping, encourage your child to get involved to work out the best deals and estimate the bill.
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Practice times tables, as this can speed up mental calculations.
