Intent:

At Saltash Community School, our Mathematics curriculum is designed to develop confident, tenacious learners who can apply mathematical thinking and problem-solving skills in a variety of contexts. A Mathematics student at Saltash is resilient, motivated, and unafraid to tackle challenges. They approach problems systematically, employing logical reasoning and creativity, and persist even when the solution is not immediately apparent. Our students understand that mistakes are part of learning, and they are encouraged to learn from errors to improve their understanding.

Problem-solving is central to the mathematics curriculum. We aim to build students' capacity to think critically, analyse data, and break complex problems into manageable steps. These skills extend beyond the classroom and are crucial in subjects like Science, Geography, and Technology, where mathematical concepts are regularly applied. Such interdisciplinary links help students see the relevance of mathematics in the wider world and enable them to succeed in other key areas of the curriculum.

Our students are motivated to engage with any mathematical problem, regardless of its difficulty. They are encouraged to take risks, try multiple strategies, and persevere until they arrive at a solution. Through this process, they develop both a growth mindset and the confidence needed to overcome challenges in and outside of school. Our learners understand that mathematics is not just about arriving at the right answer but about developing a structured approach to problem-solving that can be applied to everyday life.

Saltash Community School is rooted in the Cornish community, and we want to draw on local industries to show how mathematics is applied in the real world. Mathematics is used in the fishing industry to calculate quotas, manage stock, and optimise routes, while farmers use statistical analysis to monitor crop yields and manage resources. Furthermore, the importance of mathematics in the renewable energy sector, particularly wind and wave energy, are both crucial industries in Cornwall. This not only grounds their learning in real-world applications but also shows how mathematical skills can lead to rewarding careers in local industries.

Looking beyond Cornwall, we aim to broaden our students' horizons, showing them how mathematics opens doors to opportunities across the UK and globally. From engineering and finance to technology and data science, mathematics is a fundamental skill that is in demand in a wide range of professions. Our curriculum empowers students to aspire to high achievement, equipping them with the mathematical literacy to succeed in any field they choose, whether locally or on a global stage.

Concepts: