Welcome to the Oak Bank Mathematics Department
Our Maths and Numeracy curriculum at Oak Bank is designed to provide all students with a robust academic foundation, ensuring they are challenged, achieve success, and make progress within the framework of the National Curriculum.
Broad, Ambitious, and Grounded
As a SEND school, our approach to Numeracy emphasises real-life learning and adopts a Maths Mastery approach, fostering deep, lifelong learning. We aim for all students to attain qualifications and apply mathematical skills in various contexts beyond the classroom. At Oak Bank, we challenge the notion that maths is simply about finding the right answer; instead, it’s viewed as a problem-solving process that encourages exploration and learning from mistakes. Our holistic approach to learning ensures strong relationships with students, focusing on their overall development. The Maths team uses baseline assessments and practice papers to prepare students for exams, fostering a whole-school approach that cultivates a sense of pride and accomplishment in mathematical proficiency.
Knowledge Rich
Our vision is for students to develop numeracy skills across all subjects, enhancing their foundational knowledge for life. We concentrate on three core areas—Measurement, Time, and Money—each term, integrating practical maths problems and competitions across subjects such as Food Technology, Animal Care, Design and Technology, and Trade Skills. The Asdan team focuses on financial literacy, embedding maths into everyday decision-making processes like budgeting and salary calculations. This approach ensures that maths is not only taught but applied meaningfully throughout our curriculum.
Intelligently Planned
To build long-term knowledge and a cross-curricular approach, we integrate essential numeracy skills into lesson planning. Collaborating with Enigma Maths Hub, we align our curriculum with Maths Mastery and the National Curriculum, tailoring it to meet the diverse needs of our students. Our structured approach incorporates termly focal points and specific learning objectives (‘S’ Plans) from Year 1 through to GCSE, fostering problem-solving skills, collaborative work, and data-driven decision-making across subjects.
Culturally Rich
Promoting numeracy across the school, our interactive central board features diverse topics and challenges, creating a fun and engaging environment for all students. We enrich their understanding of global cultures through discussions on currencies, taxes, and their societal impacts. These discussions not only broaden horizons but also deepen students’ appreciation for numeracy as a fundamental life skill.
Reading Focused
Incorporating reading into numeracy lessons, we enhance comprehension and problem-solving skills through word problems and vocabulary development. Students are encouraged to vocalise their reasoning, ensuring clarity and understanding of mathematical concepts.
Context-Specific
Recognising diverse learning needs, particularly among students not yet secondary-ready or confident in numeracy, we employ a multi-sensory approach. Through play, interactive tasks, and tailored interventions, we build confidence, promote reasoning skills, and nurture a positive attitude towards maths. Our goal is to instil enthusiasm for numeracy by demonstrating its relevance and application in everyday scenarios.
Values-Driven
Respect is integral to our maths lessons, fostering an environment where all students feel valued as mathematicians on their unique learning journey. We promote a growth mindset, encouraging students to embrace challenges and learn from mistakes. Through Maths Mastery, students identify and address weaknesses, celebrating individual strengths and fostering a supportive learning community.
Underpinned by Rules
Aligned with Oak Bank’s holistic approach, our values of Respect, Responsibility, and Safety guide every aspect of our maths curriculum. We prioritise students’ social, emotional, and mental well-being, promoting self-esteem and resilience in problem-solving across all subjects. ASPIRE nominations recognise and reinforce positive achievements, while our behaviour policy sets clear expectations for respectful classroom conduct.
Thank you for visiting our Maths & Numeracy Across the Curriculum page. At Oak Bank, we are committed to equipping students with the mathematical skills and confidence they need to succeed both academically and in their personal lives.
