At Leigh Academy Minster, our Mathematics curriculum is explicitly designed to support the mission “Where ambition takes flight” by developing students who embody Ambition, Character, Achievement, and Responsibility. Our curriculum is integrated within the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), ensuring every pupil is equipped with the logical and analytical skills needed to thrive.
We commit to an accessible and ambitious curriculum, fostering inclusivity through adaptive teaching to make mathematics tangible for all. We achieve this by linking abstract concepts to MYP Global Contexts and developing essential Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills—such as Thinking and Communication—which build intellectual Character.
Our learning units focus on both deep knowledge (Number, Algebra, Geometry) and critical skills (reasoning, problem-solving), driving genuine Achievement. By fostering Ambition through inquiry and embracing the MYP Learner Profile, we ensure students learn to think logically, methodically, and critically, using mathematical reasoning with the Responsibility required for informed decision-making in the wider world.
The Mathematics curriculum at Leigh Academy Minster seeks to develop confident, logical, and resilient mathematicians who embody the academy values of Ambition, Character, Achievement, and Responsibility. Our vision, fully aligned with the IB MYP framework, is to empower every student, regardless of background, to succeed and raise their aspirations.
We cultivate a deep conceptual understanding by connecting mathematical knowledge to Global Contexts and emphasizing the MYP Key and Related Concepts. By prioritising inquiry and critical thinking and employing adaptive teaching methods, we ensure excellence for everyone, fostering the intellectual Character and analytical skills necessary for success in their ongoing education and future careers.
Pupils will gain secure knowledge across the core domains (Number, Algebra, Geometry, Data) and develop mastery in fluency, mathematical reasoning, and problem-solving. Key skills developed include abstract reasoning and the effective use of MYP Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills, such as Self-Management (organization) and Thinking Skills (critical and creative).
Students will understand how to model real-world situations and apply mathematical principles with Responsibility. This rigorous approach ensures consistent Achievement and builds the Ambition to tackle complex challenges confidently.
The curriculum is structured as a coherently sequenced and spiral journey throughout Key Stage 3. Progression is underpinned by the MYP framework; each unit utilises a Statement of Inquiry that explicitly links content (National Curriculum) with a Global Context and the Key and Related Concepts (e.g., Change or System). This structure builds conceptual understanding progressively. We embed ATL skills instruction and utilise continuous retrieval practice to strengthen long-term memory. Our units are intentionally sequenced to build upon prior knowledge, ensuring mathematical Achievement is cumulative and fostering the Ambition required for complex problem-solving.
We ensure an accessible and highly ambitious learning experience for all pupils by prioritising inclusivity through the strategic use of adaptive teaching. This approach allows us to tailor input and support in real-time to meet individual pupil needs, upholding the value of Achievement for everyone. Challenge is built into the curriculum through rich, non-routine tasks that require critical thinking and application of ATL skills. This fosters the Character attribute of perseverance, encouraging all pupils to engage fully and meet the high expectations set for the entire cohort.
Students enhance their cultural capital by exploring mathematics through diverse Global Contexts, recognising its historical significance and practical application in various global careers. Enrichment includes participation in the Leigh Maths Challenge against other schools within the trust, which fosters teamwork, logical reasoning, and a sense of shared ambition. By explicitly linking mathematical principles to real-world decision-making, we encourage a sense of Responsibility and help pupils connect their classroom knowledge to their potential future success.
