Mathematics
At Horizon we believe that every child is a mathematician who has the potential to achieve excellence in mathematics. Our mathematics curriculum is designed to empower and inspire our students to develop a deep understanding of mathematical concepts, build fluency in mathematical skills, and cultivate a positive mindset towards problem-solving. Our curriculum is firmly rooted in the national curriculum's aims and purpose, incorporating the principles of teaching for mastery, while drawing upon the White Rose Maths framework as a foundation.
The National Curriculum aims to provide all pupils with a high-quality mathematics education that equips them with the necessary skills to become numerate individuals who can confidently apply mathematics in various real-life situations. Our curriculum intent aligns with these aims by fostering a rich and inclusive learning environment where students develop a solid foundation in mathematics, nurturing their curiosity, resilience, and critical thinking abilities.
Teaching for mastery is at the heart of our curriculum. We believe that every child can succeed in mathematics, and it is our duty to ensure they do so. Through carefully sequenced and interconnected learning experiences, we aim to develop a deep understanding of mathematical concepts, enabling students to build a secure foundation for future learning. Our teachers use the Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract (CPA) approach, allowing students to engage with mathematical concepts through hands-on experiences, representations, and abstract thinking.
The core purpose of our mathematics curriculum is to develop students' proficiency in key mathematical concepts, as well as their ability to apply this knowledge in practical and real-life contexts. The overarching key concepts of our curriculum are:
- Number
- Calculation
- Measurement
- Geometry
- Statistics
- Algebra
By drawing on the White Rose Maths framework as a base, our curriculum ensures a logical progression of these concepts and skills, building upon prior knowledge and enabling students to make meaningful connections within and across mathematical domains.
We also recognize that mathematics is a subject that requires the development of three types of knowledge: declarative, procedural, and conditional.
- Declarative Knowledge: We prioritise the development of declarative knowledge in mathematics to provide our students with a solid foundation in the subject. Our curriculum is designed to progressively introduce, explicitly teach, and regularly revisit key mathematical concepts and facts. We believe that this approach fosters a deep understanding of mathematical principles and enhances problem-solving skills.
- Procedural Knowledge: Our curriculum emphasises the acquisition of procedural knowledge, ensuring students have a solid grasp of mathematical procedures, techniques, and algorithms. By providing a structured and progressive learning journey, we guide students towards fluency and accuracy in computational skills, calculation methods, and mathematical operations.
- Conditional Knowledge: Our curriculum goes beyond procedural knowledge by fostering students' conditional knowledge, enabling them to understand the conditions under which mathematical procedures are applicable and appropriate. Through problem-solving activities and open-ended tasks, we encourage students to analyse and evaluate problems, select appropriate strategies, and adapt their mathematical thinking to different contexts.
Through our mathematics curriculum, we strive to instil in our students a lifelong love for mathematics, nurturing their confidence and competence as mathematicians. We aim to prepare them for the challenges of secondary education and beyond, equipping them with the essential mathematical knowledge, skills, and mindset necessary to thrive in an ever-evolving world.
