Support
We aim to equip students with the skills in numeracy that will allow them to calculate, understand and interpret the mathematics they encounter in their everyday lives. The initial focus is on gaining fluency and accuracy with mental and written calculations and being able to use these skills in functional contexts and to solve everyday problems. They will have opportunities to apply these skills with straight-forward number problems and calculations involving money, time and mensuration. With a firm foundation students can then further develop their understanding of interpreting data and more abstract concepts including algebra and geometry.
Nurture
Using initial baseline assessments to inform planning each student follows an individually tailored programme to allow them to make progress. A variety of methods for written calculations will be explore to allow each individual to gain confidence and accuracy. Number skills will be regularly consolidated and extended alongside developing skills with algebra, geometry and handling data. Regular feedback and continuous assessment ensures that teaching strategies are well matched to the developing needs of each student. Students will be supported and encouraged to develop confidence and resilience when faced with concepts they may initially find difficult.
Inspire
Regardless of initial starting points all students will be encouraged to go as far as the can with their mathematics. Even when the focus is on key skills students will be given opportunities to explore the potential for mathematics with the aim to challenge them to want to gain more skills, confidence and understanding. It is important that students see beyond mathematics being just a necessary skill but also as a language for describing and interpreting the world around them.
Empower
By gaining recognised qualifications and accreditation in mathematics (Entry Level, Functional Skills and GCSE) students will able to progress to further education and training with a wider range of options. Due to the often challenging circumstances of students at On Track Education we seek to ensure that opportunities to enter for nationally recognised qualifications are taken whenever possible. Most students will complete their Entry Level Certificate at the earliest opportunity before progressing to preparing for Functional Skills (Level 1 then Level 2) and GCSE examinations. Where appropriate students may be entered for Foundation GCSE in Year 10 to allow an opportunity to be entered for Higher GCSE in Year 11.