Mathematics Policy

This policy gives guidance to staff and should be read alongside the Teaching and Learning Policy, Marking Policy, Assessment Policy and Calculation Policy.

Introduction

At the Link School, we believe that Mathematics is a tool for everyday life. It is a whole network of concepts and relationships which provide a way of viewing and making sense of the world. It is used to analyse and communicate information and ideas and to tackle a range of practical tasks and real life problems. It also provides the materials and means for creating new, imaginative worlds to explore.

Rationale

Mathematics contributes to the school curriculum by developing learners’ abilities to calculate; to reason logically, algebraically, and geometrically; to solve problems; and to handle data. Mathematics is important for learners in many other areas of study, particularly Science and Technology. It is also important in everyday living, in many forms of employment and in public decision-making. As a subject in its own right, Mathematics presents frequent opportunities for creativity and can stimulate moments of pleasure and wonder when a problem is solved for the first time, especially when learners have had to work hard for the solution. It enables learners to build a secure framework of mathematical reasoning, which they can use and apply with confidence. The power of mathematical reasoning lies in the use of precise and concise forms of language, symbolism and representation to reveal and explore general relationships. These mathematical forms are widely used for modelling situations, a trend accelerated by computational technologies. The subject transcends cultural boundaries and its importance is universally recognised. Mathematics helps us to understand and change the world.

Aims 

We aim to develop and raise the standards of Mathematics for all of our learners. This means developing the ability of learners to use numeracy skills effectively in all areas of the curriculum and beyond. Learners should use numeracy skills to cope confidently with the demands of further education, employment and adult life. 

Our aim is to develop: 

• a positive attitude towards mathematics and an awareness of the fascination of mathematics 
• competence and confidence in mathematical knowledge, concepts and skills 
• an ability to solve problems, to reason, to think logically and to work systematically and accurately. 
• initiative and an ability to work both independently and in cooperation with others 
• an ability to communicate mathematics 
• an ability to use and apply mathematics across the curriculum and in real life 
• an understanding of mathematics through a process of enquiry and experiment 
• to make at least good progress in maths and obtain formal qualifications where appropriate e.g. KS2 SATS or KS4 GCSE’s. 

You can read our full Mathematics Policy by downloading the PDF below:

  Mathematics Policy.PDF