Garston Manor School Specialist School for Autism, Learning Difficulties
and Speech and Language
Numeracy/Mathematics
Throughout the school we encourage students to develop a positive attitude to Mathematics as an interesting and useful subject, helping them to develop an awareness of the uses of Mathematics in the wider world outside the classroom.
Key Stage 3
In years 7, 8 and 9, Mathematics is strongly linked to the National Curriculum. It allows students to develop their own individual skills, improve their basic numeracy and work on personalised learning programmes using software such as Success Maker and Education City. We link to the National Numeracy Strategy and students improve their number skills and mental maths skills through individual work sessions and topic based work linked to the Key Stage 3 skills based curriculum. In year 9, our most able students are given the opportunity to start a GCSE course at Foundation Level, leading to an examination at the end of year 11.
Key Stage 4
At Key Stage 4, Mathematics is a compulsory, core curriculum subject for all students up until the end of year 11. We encourage students to develop a positive attitude to Mathematics, giving them the opportunity to apply the subject to everyday situations and to satisfy the expectations of society and future employers. In years 10 and 11, in order to meet the individual needs of our students we offer the following accredited courses:
- GCSE at Foundation Level – Edexel syllabus
- Edexel Entry Level at levels 1, 2 and 3
Mathematics across the curriculum
There are mathematical cross-curricular links with many subjects, especially science, art, geography, food and English. Functional maths skills such as measuring, telling the time, using money and presenting data are also part of Life Skills in years 7, 8 and 9 and Skills for Living/Work in years 10 and 11.
Numeracy Targets – Each month all Family Leaders are given Numeracy Targets to display in their Family Rooms and spend time on during Family Time.