At The Chase, we view mathematics as the foundation of logical thinking, problem-solving, and real-world application. Our curriculum is designed to equip students with essential skills, deep knowledge, and a lifelong passion for learning. We are committed to fostering a comprehensive understanding of mathematical concepts while nurturing critical thinking, creativity, and resilience.
Through our curriculum, we empower students to become confident, independent learners who see mathematics as a powerful tool for understanding the world and solving complex problems. By cultivating a growth mindset and a love for learning, we prepare our students to succeed in an ever-evolving global society.
At Key Stage 3, we prioritise building a strong conceptual foundation in mathematics. Students engage with mathematical ideas through concrete manipulatives, visual aids, and real-world contexts. This hands-on approach allows students to connect abstract concepts to tangible experiences, fostering deeper understanding and long-term retention.
We follow the ambitious non-statutory guidance from the DfE, ensuring our students are taught using the latest pedagogical methods. In Year 7, we build on the knowledge gained in Key Stage 2 by deepening students' understanding of place value and embedding key concepts such as fractions, algebraic expressions, and equations.
In Year 8, students extend their learning to include coordinate geometry, multiplicative relationships, and an introduction to statistics. By Year 9, they will explore applications of prior knowledge and delve into topics like Pythagoras' theorem and trigonometry. Towards the end of Year 9, we ensure that all Key Stage 3 knowledge is securely embedded, revisiting key concepts as needed, and preparing students for Key Stage 4 with a solid understanding of the fundamentals.
At The Chase, we see Key Stage 4 as a continuation of learning from Key Stage 3, viewing the curriculum as a five- or even seven-year journey. Our Key Stage 4 curriculum is carefully sequenced to maximise every student’s potential, with no decisions regarding foundation or higher tiers made until February of Year 11.
In Year 10, students explore topics such as growth and decay, geometry, statistics, and probability. Towards the end of the year, they will focus on ratio and be introduced to surds. By Year 11, students are expected to be confident with previous material, enabling them to focus on more advanced topics such as algebraic concepts, trigonometry, and functions. Throughout Key Stage 4, knowledge and skills from Key Stage 3 will be continually interleaved and expanded.
Mathematics is an extremely popular subject with many students continuing their study beyond GCSE. Students are able to complete AQA Level 3 core maths which is aimed at students who have passed GCSE Maths but are not pursuing A-Level Maths. It focuses on practical mathematical skills relevant to real-life situations, such as personal finance, data analysis, statistics, and probability. The course is assessed through written exams and is designed to help students apply maths to everyday contexts, making it particularly useful for those planning to study subjects like business, social sciences, and sciences at university. It also earns UCAS points, which can aid in university applications.
Students choosing to complete their A-Level Mathematics qualification will build on concepts from GCSE Maths, offering deeper study in areas like pure mathematics, statistics, and mechanics. The course is designed to develop problem-solving skills and mathematical reasoning, with applications in fields such as engineering, physics, economics, and computer science. The curriculum includes algebra, calculus, trigonometry, and geometry in the pure maths section, while statistics covers data analysis, probability, and hypothesis testing. Mechanics focuses on forces, motion, and energy.
We also offer A-Level Further Mathematics which will see students complete their A-Level Mathematics in Year 12, and study Further Mathematics in Year 13. Students studying Further Mathematics will deepen their understanding beyond the standard A-Level Maths curriculum. It covers more complex and abstract topics, including advanced algebra, matrices, complex numbers, and differential equations, alongside two optional choices from further pure, mechanics, statistics, and decision mathematics. Further Mathematics is highly regarded by universities, especially for STEM degrees, and provides a strong foundation for higher-level study.