Maths
Mission Statement
At Dorchester Learning Centre, our aim is to help every student feel safe, supported and ready to learn. In maths, we focus on building basic skills and making learning engaging so that all our students feel confident, able to engage with learning and make progress. We enter students for appropriate qualifications to help prepare them for their future, including further education, training and employment pathways where mathematical skills are essential.
Meet the Maths Department
Intent
At Dorchester Learning Centre, the intent of the mathematics curriculum is to re-engage learners in their maths lessons through a supportive and personalised approach to maths. Many of our learners arrive with disrupted educational experiences, gaps in learning and low confidence in maths.
Our curriculum outcomes are to:
• Rebuild mathematical confidence and self-belief.
• Address gaps in knowledge.
• Promote resilience, independence and problem-solving skills.
• Support students to gain appropriate qualifications including Functional Skills and GCSE.
• Develop an understanding of how maths is used in everyday life and a wide range of careers, including areas such as construction, catering and mechanics.
• Support pupils’ social, emotional and mental health needs through a calm and structured learning environment.
We aim to show all learners that maths is accessible, relevant and achievable, regardless of their starting point, and that it plays a vital role in future employment and life opportunities.
Implementation
At Dorchester Learning Centre, we use the White Rose scheme of work, implemented through a flexible, trauma-informed and personalised approach.
Personalised Learning Pathway
• Baseline assessment on entry to identify strengths, gaps and barriers to learning.
• Ongoing formative assessment informs responsive teaching.
• Misconceptions are identified and addressed promptly.
Engaging and Relevance
• Lessons are designed to engage reluctant learners through practical, hands-on and visual approaches where appropriate.
• Real-life contexts are embedded into lessons, including budgeting, measuring, time management and problem-solving tasks linked to workplace scenarios.
Impact
The impact of our maths curriculum is seen in:
• Improved attendance in maths lessons.
• Increased pupil confidence and willingness to attempt challenging tasks.
• Improved resilience, independence and self-regulation within lessons.
• Progress from individual starting points.
• Pupils achieving Entry Level, Functional Skills and GCSE qualifications where appropriate.
• Improved understanding of how maths supports everyday life and future careers.
• Improved readiness for reintegration into mainstream settings, further education, apprenticeships or employment pathways where appropriate.
