Mathematics Overview

Our Vision

We aim for our young mathematicians to leave their secondary mathematical education at Aylesford School, as confident mathematical problem solvers, equipped to face the challengers of everyday life, exploring both further and higher education.
Central to our mathematics curriculum is the development of mathematical Fluency, Reasoning and Problem Solving.

Fluency in Mathematics

Fluency is the knowing of key mathematical facts, calculations, associated vocabulary, and being able to recall these quickly and accurately. Students who are fluent in a particular skill are provided with the opportunity to apply these skills in a variety of ways.

To support the development of mathematical fluency, our mathematics teachers model calculations, identify misconceptions, and support the development of relevant mathematical language.

Reasoning in Mathematics

Reasoning in mathematics is the process of applying logical thinking to a situation to derive the correct problem-solving strategy for a given question. Mathematical reasoning is, then, the bridge between fluency and problem solving; it enables students to use their mathematical fluency to accurately solve problems.

To develop reasoning, our mathematics teachers provide students with a range of carefully selected problems to which they might think critically about, and apply their fluency skills. These problems are appropriately scaffolded to enable successful access by a range of student abilities.

Problem solving in Mathematics

We recognise that problem solving is not necessarily just about answering ‘worded problems. Problem solving is finding a way to apply knowledge and skills you developed to answer unfamiliar types of problems.

Problem solving is not be seen as something that some students can do and some cannot. All our students are born with an innate level of problem-solving ability. However, mathematical problem solving is a learned skill; we need to learn it.

Our ability to successfully problem solve, requires us to have a deep understanding of content and fluency of facts and mathematical procedures. Critical thinking processes such as reasoning and problem solving are intimately linked with factual knowledge.

Fluency and mathematical reasoning support students in the goal of solving problems.