Mathematics

Introduction

The Mathematics curriculum at Kingsway Park High School  aims to provide engagement and challenge where students, regardless of age, background, gender or ability develop an enthusiasm for and deep theoretical understanding of mathematics and its relevance to the world around them.Our goal is to provide breadth, stretch and depth in the curriculum to encourage students to become independent thinkers as well as creative and strategic problem solvers, with the skills required to be financially and numerically literate to make sound mathematical decisions in their personal life and the ever-changing world of work. 

In particular, we endeavour to nurture a sense of curiosity and give students the confidence to practise abstract thinking, as well as an aptitude for forming logical conclusions and problem solving. We want students to experience the mathematics that is all around them and see the beauty of mathematics.

Within our department, we foster a growth mindset to create resilient learners who understand the importance of making and learning from incorrect answers. Through this, we challenge students to explain their reasoning and methods to draw out misconceptions, embed understanding and achieve greater success. Students are encouraged to explore and tackle real-life problems using a variety of approaches within a safe and supportive environment. We appreciate the challenge of Mathematics confidence and we aim to not only skill up our learners but to embed the self-belief that they can be mathematical thinkers. Our primary goal is to ensure all of our students achieve their personal best academically, through the mathematical knowledge and understanding we teach, so that our students have high aspirations and gain the transferable skills to enable them to have a successful future.  

How Mathematics Supports Our School Values

We Co-operate
Our Mathematics curriculum gives our students opportunities to work together to solve problems, explain reasoning, and evaluate different mathematical processes. Often, we work collaboratively on group investigations and paired problem-solving. Peer learning helps our students to articulate how to solve mathematical problems and we encourage learning from not only the specialist teacher, but each other. We believe that confidence comes from working on shared processes supporting each other.  

We Pioneer
We aim to promote a sense of pioneering by encouraging students to explore unfamiliar problems, take intellectual risks, and develop clear ways of solving mathematical problems. We give our students opportunities to investigate open-ended tasks where sometimes there is no single fixed method, allowing them to think creatively and independently. Some tasks are inquiry-based and enable students to pose their own questions, test hypotheses, and refine their ideas through trial and error. This process helps them see mathematics as a dynamic and evolving discipline rather than a set of rigid rules.  

We Belong
The department prides itself on creating a strong sense of belonging by ensuring that all students feel valued, included, and capable of contributing every lesson. We design collaborative activities so that students can support each other with their thinking. Working collaboratively builds strong peer groups where everyone’s contribution is valued. We want all our young mathematicians to feel seen, heard and supported at KPHS. 

Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) in Mathematics

Studying Mathematics develops logical reasoning, analytical thinking, problem-solving, and data interpretation skills. These skills are highly valued across many career areas, helping students tackle complex problems, make informed decisions, and work with quantitative information in a wide variety of professional contexts.

Career Areas Linked to Mathematics:

• Data, Analytics & Statistics – using probability, statistical analysis, data modelling, and trend interpretation to support evidence-based decision-making across industries.
• Finance, Economics & Risk Management – applying mathematical reasoning, financial modelling, interest rate calculations, and probability to assess risk and manage financial systems.
• Engineering, Technology & Computing – employing algebra, calculus, logic, and optimisation to design systems, develop software, and solve technical problems.
• Research, Operations & Mathematical Modelling – using modelling, simulations, differential equations, and data interpretation to optimise processes and explore real-world phenomena.
• Teaching, Education & Training – communicating mathematical concepts, reasoning, and problem-solving strategies to learners of all levels, fostering numeracy and analytical skills.

For more information about careers linked to Mathematics, visit: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/groups/c2e2vnne0nkt