Maths & Business Studies

“The most important thing about maths is not to be afraid.”

Mathematics is a universal language and it is our vision at Trafalgar School to ensure all students become fluent in the mathematics that they need to be successful in their future lives. 

We aim to do this through a balanced and varied curriculum which allows students to build upon what they have previously been taught and exposes them to both the fundamentals of mathematics and more complex concepts over time. This will allow students to develop their conceptual understanding of mathematics and their ability to recall and apply their knowledge rapidly and accurately.

Our aim is that students will be able to problem solve by applying mathematics to a variety of routine and non-routine problems, with increasing sophistication; breaking down problems into a series of simpler steps and persevering in seeking solutions in order to promote independence, resilience and perseverance.

As a department we will ensure that lessons are inclusive for all of our students' needs: with support being given to those that need it and challenge to those that grasp concepts rapidly. 

We wish for all students to develop a passion for mathematics that continues throughout their school life and beyond.

For students taking statistics view this journey

View our Business Studies journey here

Key Stage 3: 

Key Stage 4:

GCSE Mathematics  – https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/mathematics-2015.html

Our students complete their homework using Sparx Maths.

Sparx is an exciting online platform that offers every student a personalised maths homework.

How does Sparx homework work?

Sparx personalises each child’s homework, creating a weekly set of questions tailored to their level of understanding and learning pace. The questions are designed to be achievable whilst offering the stretch that learners need to make progress.

Each week, topics are set by your child’s maths teacher and will make up the majority of the homework questions. Questions from previous topics will also be included in the homework so that students can keep practising the skills they have learned.

How can I help my child with their homework?

We appreciate that you will of course want to support your child with their home learning but please try not to help them with a question until they’ve had a go first! It is really important that they complete their homework independently, and that questions are marked as correct. They can watch the support video if they need to. This way, Sparx can make sure your child continues to see homework that’s at the right level for them.  

https://www.sparxmaths.uk/

KS4 students are also expected to complete one piece of home learning each week that should take up to 60 minutes to complete.

This may be using an online platform, or a written piece of homework.

Online home work may be set on the following:

https://hegartymaths.com/

https://vle.mathswatch.co.uk/vle/

https://www.mathspad.co.uk/

https://www.sparxmaths.uk/

Home learning will build in directed revision tasks as students prepare for upcoming exams.

Welcome to Mathematics at Trafalgar School! 

I am proud to be the Director of Mathematics, working with a fantastic team of staff to deliver the absolute best mathematics curriculum for our students. We are all passionate mathematicians and believe that, with the right support, inspiration and motivation, all students can access and succeed in mathematics.

Through our curriculum we aim to expose students to new concepts and ways of thinking that allows them to apply their mathematical knowledge to a range of problems both inside and outside of the classroom. We want to ensure that our students leave Trafalgar with the key skills they need to be mathematically successful in their life beyond secondary school.

Claire Parsons (Director of Mathematics)  cparsons@trafalgarschool.org.uk 

Carrie Alexander (Lead Practitioner)  calexander@trafalgarschool.org.uk

Thalia Bothma (Second in Department) tbothma@trafalgarschool.org.uk

Julie Smith jsmith@trafalgarschool.org.uk

Sarah Brockwell sbrockwell@trafalgarschool.org.uk

Mark Cathie mcathie@trafalgarschool.org.uk

Ellie Potter epotter@trafalgarschool.org.uk

Chris Furnell cfurnell@trafalgarschool.org.uk

Oraine Wheatle owheatle@trafalgarschool.org.uk

Elizabeth Nutbrown enutbrown@trafalgarschool.org.uk

Julianne Lefebvre jlefebvre@trafalgarschool.org.uk

Joyce Dalaba jdalaba@trafalgarschool.org.uk