Numeracy

At Avonbourne Academies we aim to develop an effective numeracy skillset among all students across all year groups, including basic arithmetic, mathematical techniques and the ability to solve quantitative or special problems in a range of contexts. We recognise that these skills are fundamental to the students’ motivation, self-esteem, engagement and behaviour, both within the classroom and beyond. The development of students mathematical fluency is also a key factor in embedding numeracy across the academies.  

The skills of numeracy are used across many different subjects and activities in school. With good numerical skills, we unlock the curriculum, problem solve and think logically, providing a foundation for excellence in all subjects and allowing our students the experiences and opportunities that are necessary for them to excel. 

Core aims:  

• Promoting and embedding numeracy across the curriculum and beyond 

• Supporting and assisting the transfer of numeracy skills across different subject areas  

• Rigorous focus on key terminology, oracy and developing mathematical fluency 

• Bridge the gap for students with disadvantaged backgrounds with an equity approach  

Curriculum development  

Our curriculum is designed to explore the fundamental mathematical operations and reasoning before moving into more complex and applied topics and problems.  

Measuring Impact 

Year 7’s are assessed in their first half term at the Academies, using MidYIS testing and a Baseline assessment so that we can determine the starting point of their journey so that students can be supported in the right direction. This allows us to gauge where pupils are regarding their age-related expectations and place in appropriate interventions. This allows us to track their progress through their years at the academies and take action where said progress is not being met.  

We support students and monitor their progress by making use of the following tools:  

• Bespoke retrieval practice at the beginning of every lesson for all year groups to track understanding, misconceptions and other possible gaps in students’ knowledge as they proceed through different topics  

• Regular KPI assessments completed in class, where teachers can use information gathered to respond with whole class feedback.  

• ROA, End of Year, and Mock examinations used at calendared points throughout the year with a focus on numeracy, oracy and problem solving.  

• Numeracy Interventions for students not making the expected progress we wish to see in lessons and assessments 

The Academies currently work with a group of students from disadvantaged backgrounds and host numeracy interventions for these students in small groups. We focus on one year group at a time to build confidence in a safe space in preparation for their GCSE’s. 

Interventions and Strategies  

At the Academies we have several interventions for Numeracy and maths:  

• Daily Sparx homework club run by maths specialist staff at break and lunch.  

• Tailored ROA revision sessions in preparation for ROA and mock preparation 

• Whole-class feedback to embed numeracy marking and review across all subject areas  

• Year 11 interventions during tutor time with numeracy provision  

• Knowledge organisers which embed subject specific terminology.  

• Catch up funding used for numeracy support and interventions for students where appropriate  

Classroom strategies include:  

• Retrieval in every lesson for students to practice low stakes numerical methods and terminology  

• Encouraging the use of estimation, particularly for checking work  

• Encouraging students to write down full numerical worked solutions and not simply their answer.  

• Encouraging students to write mathematically correct statements  

• Encouraging students to use non-calculator methods when possible 

• Encouraging students to use the correct mathematical language and oracy 

• Weekly NCETM ‘Checkpoints’ for all KS3 classes allowing students to express mathematical reasoning and terminology as well as solve engaging numerical problems.  

• Cross-curricular links to other subjects and careers so students are able to see the applications of numeracy and numerical methods and skills 

Sparx Homework 

Sparx Maths is used for weekly homework for students across all year groups where we praise engagement and completion and celebrate both the success and the progress that the students make when using the platform, using the REACH points system for said engagement. Teachers use this to track students’ progress and misconceptions using Sparx insights, and then use this information to inform their teaching. We have a daily SPARX homework club at break and lunchtime for students to come as they please and work on their maths homework, monitored by maths specialists to help students where necessary.  

Opportunities and events  

The Academies aim to harbour an interest and excitement in students when it comes to maths and numeracy through passionate teaching and linking skills to their practical applications. We offer students at KS4 the options of taking the Level 2 Statistics and/or Further Maths subjects to develop these areas and look beyond the current curriculum.  

Key Stage 3 are being offered the opportunity to participate in Axiom Maths circles, with a target approach towards Pupil Premium students, where pupils can immerse themselves in recreational numeracy and maths problems that are challenging, but also satisfying, and foster students’ abilities to think like degree level mathematicians.  

In addition to cross curricular links, we want students to experience real-life applications of numeracy, and have school trips planned through the year to excite students for the endless possibilities that numeracy can offer. We also celebrate National Numeracy Day, hosting activities for students to enjoy numeracy in different contexts.