‘A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.’
Albert Einstein

Our curriculum vision

At Harlington, Mathematics is a key life skill and is a language through which ideas can be explored, explained, and developed. The underlying aim in all mathematics teaching is to give children an understanding of the patterns and processes of mathematics. Through problem solving, the focus is to enable them to see the uses and purposes of what they are learning and its application to life skills, and to be resilient and independent learners.

Year 9

In Year 9, students complete study of the National Curriculum for Key Stage 3, preparing them for GCSE study in Years 10 and 11. Our model of curriculum sequencing allows students to master key knowledge and processes, underpinned by spaced retrieval practice and interleaving.

Year 9 curriculum map PDF here

Years 10 and 11

In Years 10 and 11, students follow the OCR GCSE Mathematics specification the details of which can be found below. There are two tiers of entry: Higher (Grades 9-4) and Foundation (Grades 5-1). Decisions regarding entry will be based on assessments and the advice of the class teacher.

All students are expected to provide their own equipment: pen, pencil, ruler, calculator, pair of compasses and protractor.

Teaching groups are set according to ability and prior attainment so that work can be carried out at a level most suited to the individual student. Our aim is for the students to enjoy their studies and to work at an appropriate pace.

Beyond the specification, some students will sit the Edexcel Algebra Award Level 3. Assessment is a single 2-hour exam which takes place in the January of Year 11. In addition, we complement the specification requirements with the teaching of a module on Finance to support students in developing their real-world financial literacy.

How to find out more

OCR GCSE Mathematics GCSE – OCR J560

Dr Frost Maths – Key videos and instant feedback on practice questions.

Mathsgenie – Practice questions by topic area.

Corbettmaths – Key videos and practice questions by topic area.