What will students be studying in Maths this year?
Students will complete a very wide variety of study encompassing topics from all sections of the KS3 national curriculum including number, algebra, shape and space and statistics. Our curriculum is challenging, as we only have the very best mathematicians in the area, it is right that they are exposed to interesting and complex mathematical ideas early.
What do we expect of the students in the classroom?
The students should turn up to every maths lesson with the correct equipment i.e. in addition to the normal items a calculator, ruler, protractor and compass. They should pay close attention in class and ask if they do not understand any part of the lesson. If they still don’t get it at the end they should tell the teacher who may see them at lunchtime to clarify any outstanding issues. There are sessions run every lunchtime Monday-Thursday for those requiring additional help.
What homework are they set?
Each week in Sparx, students are set topics by their teachers. These will make up the majority of questions that your child sees. Sparx personalises each child’s homework, making sure it is easy enough for them to complete, but not so easy that they’re not getting stretched! We appreciate that parents will of course want to support their child with their home learning. However, please understand that if you give your child the answers, there is a risk that the homework will get too hard for them. It is therefore really important that your child completes their homework themself and watches the support videos or reaches out to their teacher if they are stuck.
What are the major assessments this year?
There are ten unit assessments in each year of KS3. Each of these is supported by a check-up activity that closely reflects the assessment. Students should attempt these on top of their Sparx as part of their regular review. Students also have three end of term assessments as well as a larger end of year assessment. Setting is only based on the on End of Term assessments.
What should my child do if they feel they are struggling in the subject?
In the first instance, they should speak to their subject teacher. There are a host of resources on the onenote page for students.
How can I support my child?
Please do not worry if you do not understand the topics, you do not have to! The best way to provide general support to students is by talking to them about their work in the subject and how things are going. Encourage them to attempt the optional and extension work on Sparx. Encourage them to review their learning regularly by attempting the check-up activity for each unit assessment. After a unit assessment encourage them to attempt the strengthen or extend activity depending on whether they need support or challenge. Insist that they ask for help when needed. After an end of term assessment enquire which areas they need to improve on and ask how they are going to do it.
Who can I contact for further advice and information?
Please contact your child’s teacher in the first instance, but Mr Fernando as Head of KS3 Mathematics is available at kfernando@newsteadwood.co.uk as is Dr Neman as Head of Mathematics at aneman@newsteadwood.co.uk.