Maths is a core curriculum subject, studied by all pupils at Orchard Mead Academy.
All students at Orchard Mead Academy study Maths for GCSE during Years 10 and 11.
From the 5th of January 2026, Years 7–10 will follow the White Rose Maths curriculum. This approach provides a carefully sequenced, mastery-based programme designed to build deep understanding and confidence in mathematics. Topics are broken down into small, connected steps, allowing students to secure key concepts before moving on. Lessons emphasise problem-solving, mathematical reasoning and the use of visual models to support understanding. This consistent structure across year groups helps pupils make stronger progress, revisit learning effectively, and develop the fluency and resilience needed for success in GCSE mathematics and beyond.
In Year 11, students follow a bespoke mathematics curriculum designed to ensure they are fully prepared for their GCSE examinations. This tailored programme focuses on the key concepts, skills, and question types that have the greatest impact on GCSE success, whilst also addressing any gaps identified through ongoing assessments. By adapting the curriculum to the specific needs of the cohort, we can provide targeted practice, build confidence, and maximise students’ readiness for the summer examination series.
Reading Intervention:
Selected students in Key Stage 4 will have Maths intervention during their 30-minute reading lessons. These sessions run from Tuesday to Friday, providing two extra hours of focused support led by our maths teachers. These sessions are designed to strengthen key skills, reinforce understanding, and offer personalised guidance to help students confidently work towards securing their target grade. This structured time ensures every learner receives the targeted help they need to make strong, sustained progress in mathematics.
Additional Support Programme:
To ensure every student can thrive, we offer support programmes such as direct instruction in years 7 and 8. This is so that those who may need extra help with key mathematical ideas. Our aim is to build confidence, close gaps early, and give all learners the tools they need to succeed. This includes some students receiving an Entry Level Certificate in Mathematics.
Entry Level Courses:
For students who benefit from an alternative pathway, we provide Entry Level Mathematics courses in years 9 and 10. This qualification focus on building essential numeracy skills and ensuring that students experience success at an appropriate level. The programme is flexible, supportive, and designed to celebrate progress while preparing learners for their GCSE examinations in year 11.
Further Mathematics:
For high-attaining Year 11 students seeking additional challenge, we offer the opportunity to study Further Mathematics alongside the standard curriculum. This course deepens understanding, introduces advanced topics, and supports students who may wish to pursue A-level Mathematics or STEM pathways. It is designed to stretch and inspire learners who enjoy exploring mathematics at greater depth.
Assessment in Mathematics:
Assessment plays a crucial role in ensuring that every student makes strong progress throughout the curriculum. Throughout the year, pupils complete carefully aligned end-of-unit assessments which allows teachers to pinpoint specific areas for further practice and support which is delivered in a feedback session and further practice will be assigned as part of their Sparx Maths homework.
In addition to ongoing formative assessments, students will also sit summative assessments throughout the year. Allowing us to monitor long-term progress and readiness for GCSE in year 11, whilst ensuring that students are placed in suitable classes throughout their time at Orchard Mead Academy. This consistent model of assessments allows us to teach to the needs of each class and ensure that all learners are securing knowledge and making progress.
Homework:
All students will be set 30 minutes of Maths homework per week on Sparx Maths.
This is set on a Thursday afternoon and due by 21:00 the following Thursday. Instructions are sent out on Satchel One every week.
Sparx Maths is a proven platform that sets personalised weekly homework that automatically adapts to student understanding and ability and supports mastery through structured practice and retrieval. Every task has a supporting video, example and practice questions to help students build strong mathematical skills. Teachers will receive detailed insights into progress and engagement which will allow us to support pupils and celebrate their achievements.
For information about enrichment clubs and revision clubs please visit our clubs page here.
Useful websites and resources
- White Rose Maths Maths home learning | Home learning | White Rose Education– Offers clear, structured worksheets, videos, and practice questions that align directly with the curriculum.
- Sparx Maths Sparx Maths Login– Our homework platform. A proven platform that sets personalised weekly homework, adapts to student understanding, and supports mastery through structured practice and retrieval
- BBC Bitesize (Maths) Maths – BBC Bitesize– Provides straightforward explanations, revision guides, quizzes, and videos for all major KS3 and GCSE topics.
- Corbettmaths – Videos and Worksheets – Corbettmaths Excellent for practice: videos, textbook exercises, 5-a-day tasks, exam-style questions, and revision checklists.
- Maths Genie – Maths Genie • Learn GCSE Maths for Free Free GCSE-focused site with graded worksheets, past papers, and worked video solutions to build exam confidence.
- DrFrostMaths – Dr Frost Maths for Students | Build Maths Confidence Interactive practice, personalised revision routes, topic tests, and detailed analytics to support independent learning.
Subject Leader/s
Mr. O Cranmer
