Differentiation is the key to success for our students at Frewen College. Year groups are split by ability into small classes, and it is this ability spilt and class size that enables teachers to provide lessons tailored to individual students' needs and learning styles. Multisensory techniques are applied wherever possible, with students working both in the classroom and around the wonderful grounds of the Frewen Estate; direct discovery teaching is also used frequently as a teaching and learning tool. Whenever possible, mathematical concepts covered in class are linked to practical situations; demonstrating the relevance of such concepts to real-life scenarios.

 

Lessons are split into three sections and this is evidenced in the departmental planning sheets. The first section of the lesson takes the form of quick mental warm up exercises. These are designed to improve memory re-call as well as focusing the students� minds on Mathematics. The second section of the lesson covers the main learning objective of the day / week. Students work on these learning objectives through both whole class and individual tasks. Learning objectives are carefully stepped, and opportunities for over learning are taken into account in the scheme of work. The third section of the lesson, known as �the plenary�, aims to provide students with a task or game that further consolidates the main learning objective of the lesson. Vocabulary needed for the lesson is also highlighted in the lesson planning sheets. 

The Department makes use of a variety of resources to assist the teaching and learning of the students at Frewen College. Practical, hands on, equipment is used to facilitate more kinaesthetic learning styles. Resources are also selected and used for their visual qualities, thus enabling students to understand and work on learning objectives in a way that suits their learning style and needs.

 

Some resources in the Mathematics Department have been designed and produced by members of Frewen staff. These resources have been created with the specific needs of our students in mind. For example students in both years 10 and 11 have been given �Revision in your Pocket� sets. These consist of a series of laminated cards on a key ring. Each card has a key word or phrase on one side and a brief explanation and example on the reverse. Students use these cards to revise and can access them in class and during prep times; an aide memoir. These promote independence in the learning environment and assist with short term and working memory issues experienced by some of our students.