Mathematics (GCSE Core Subject)

Belong 

In line with Altus Education Partnership’s vision, the Mathematics curriculum provides an inclusive and cohesive education that improves the lives of young people through intellectual curiosity and empowerment. It advances education so that students lead fulfilling lives and make positive contributions to their communities and wider-society.   

The intent of the Mathematics curriculum is to develop fluency in mathematical fundamentals through varied and frequent practice, allowing students to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately. Learners move from concrete to abstract understanding through coherent sequencing and revisiting key ideas such as number, algebra, geometry, ratio, and statistics. Emphasis is placed on reasoning and problem-solving, allowing students to make meaningful mathematical connections across domains and contexts. The curriculum is inclusive, ensuring access and challenge for all through adaptive teaching and scaffolded progression.   

Resilience is fostered as students persevere through complex problems; Responsibility is encouraged through independent and collaborative work; Empathy is shown through peer support and appreciation of diverse thinking; and Respect is built through discussion and recognition of multiple approaches to reasoning. 

Thrive 

Guided by the Science of Learning, the Mathematics curriculum integrates retrieval practice to strengthen long-term retention of key facts and procedures. Schema-building supports conceptual understanding and connections between topics such as proportional reasoning, algebraic manipulation and geometric proof. Spaced practice and interleaving allow students to revisit knowledge regularly, while cognitive load theory informs teaching so that concepts are introduced incrementally, allowing for mastery and confidence.   

Implementation of the curriculum is considerate of coherent sequencing, adaptive teaching and formative assessment. Teachers use questioning, modelled examples and diagnostic feedback to identify misconceptions and guide next steps. Summative assessments measure cumulative knowledge and ensure that learning builds systematically over time. Regular collaboration and professional development sustain high-quality teaching and shared pedagogical approaches.   

Resilience is strengthened through problem-solving challenges; Responsibility through precise reasoning and self-reflection; Empathy through collaborative learning; and Respect through valuing diverse strategies and logical debate. 

Achieve 

Students emerge as confident mathematicians who can think critically, reason effectively and apply their understanding to unfamiliar contexts. Impact is measured through formative and summative assessment, work scrutiny and student voice to ensure learners 'know more, remember more and can do more'. Outcomes reflect the Academy’s commitment to ambition, inclusion and excellence.   

Through Mathematics, students embody the values of Resilience, Responsibility, Empathy and Respect. They develop curiosity, precision and logical thinking that empower them to interpret, model and influence the world around them. This reflects Altus Education Partnership’s mission to advance education that enables young people to lead fulfilling lives and make meaningful contributions to society.   

Through Mathematics, students explore the patterns of the world, reasoning with precision, creativity and curiosity to shape a logical and connected future.

GCSE Mathematics

Mathematics has evolved from measuring, counting and describing objects to a structure of order and logical reasoning. Core understanding of Mathematics and mathematical concepts is crucial to every students' learning at GCSE. Be it managing money, being on time to school, or working out the best angle to take a free kick, mathematics is present in every aspect of life. Recognising where mathematics appears in everyday life can lead on to deeper thinking mathematicians and problem-solvers. GCSE Mathematics builds on prior knowledge to develop structure, problem-solving and reasoning. 

For more information on what will be studied and how it will be assessed in Mathematics in years 10 and 11, please refer to our Year 9 GCSE Options Booklet.

Learning Journeys in Mathematics