Maths

Succeed, Grow, Belong

A place where every person experiences success: We believe that every one can achieve and feel confident in mathematics. Our department fosters an environment where individual progress is celebrated, and everyone is supported to reach their potential.

A culture of continuous growth: We strive to create a learning community where both students and staff are motivated to keep improving, innovating, and deepening their understanding of mathematics.

A department people want to be part of: We aim to build a welcoming and inspiring Maths department—one that sparks curiosity, enjoyment, and a genuine passion for the subject, so that everyone looks forward to being in the Maths department.

Curriculum Overview

A Level Mathematics separates Mathematics into three strands, Pure, Mechanics and Statistics. It provides the opportunity to develop skills in problem solving, logic and statistics, unlocking the key skills learners will need to progress to degree courses.
Core Maths is equivalent to an AS level, which develops skills in statistics and data skills. These transferrable skills support the course content in the health, engineering, and science qualifications UCS offers.

KS3

At UCS, our Key Stage Three curriculum is designed to ignite curiosity and build the secure foundations students need for future mathematical success. We introduce essential concepts with precision and clarity, ensuring that every learner develops a deep understanding of the ideas that will underpin their progression into more advanced study.

Employability skills are not treated as optional extras; they are embedded throughout the curriculum. Through collaborative tasks, real-world applications, and opportunities to communicate mathematically, students grow in confidence and develop the competencies that today’s workplaces demand.

By blending strong mathematical foundations with these vital skills, our curriculum raises aspirations, strengthens engagement, and prepares learners not only for Key Stage Four, but for the challenges and opportunities that lie far beyond the classroom.

KS4

At UCS, we harness students’ potential with a Key Stage Four curriculum that not only meets the full requirements of the National Curriculum but goes further, preparing them for the world beyond the classroom. Our innovative schema embeds employability skills directly into every topic, ensuring learners gain the knowledge, confidence, and competencies today’s workplaces demand. From problem-solving to numerical fluency; it’s woven seamlessly throughout the learning journey. The result? A rigorous, future-ready curriculum that raises aspirations, boosts engagement, and equips every learner with the tools they need to thrive in further education, apprenticeships, and real-world careers.

KS5

At UCS Bolton, we empower students to excel through a mathematics curriculum designed for ambition, depth, and real-world impact. Our A-Level Maths programme offers a rigorous, intellectually stimulating journey through advanced algebra, calculus, statistics, and mechanics—building the analytical precision and problem-solving expertise demanded by top universities and competitive STEM careers. Expert teaching, high-quality resources, and a culture of academic challenge ensure every learner is stretched, supported, and inspired to achieve their full potential.

Alongside this, our Core Maths pathway provides a powerful alternative for students seeking to strengthen their quantitative thinking without committing to a full A-Level. Focused on practical, applied mathematics—such as financial modelling, data analysis, and statistical interpretation—Core Maths equips learners with the confidence and fluency needed for subjects like psychology, geography, business, and the sciences, as well as the mathematical demands of modern employment.

Together, A-Level Maths and Core Maths at UCS Bolton offer a future-focused, expertly crafted curriculum that broadens opportunity, boosts progression, and gives every student the mathematical edge they need to thrive in higher education and beyond. This, in turn, completes our Trust’s vision of supporting students from early years to employment.

Sparx Maths & GCSE Pod

At UCS, our commitment to high-quality mathematics education extends beyond the classroom through a tailored programme of additional learning. We use Sparx Maths to provide personalised, adaptive homework that strengthens core skills, builds confidence, and ensures every student practises the right content at the right time. Alongside this, GCSEPod supports learning with expertly crafted video content that reinforces key concepts, aids revision, and helps students consolidate their understanding at their own pace. Together, these platforms create a powerful, structured approach to independent study—enabling learners to make sustained progress and achieve their full potential in mathematics.

Extra Curricular

At UCS Bolton, our extracurricular maths programme is designed to challenge, inspire, and extend students beyond the core curriculum. We offer Axiom Maths sessions that enrich problem-solving skills and nurture mathematical curiosity, providing opportunities for students to tackle advanced concepts in a supportive, engaging environment. For those seeking additional academic stretch, we also provide Further Maths and Additional Maths pathways, enabling learners to deepen their understanding, explore higher-level topics, and prepare confidently for future study in STEM fields. Together, these opportunities create a vibrant mathematical community where ambition is encouraged and excellence is cultivated.

Year 11 Intervention

At UCS Bolton, we provide targeted support for our Year 11 students through dedicated intervention sessions held every Wednesday at 8 am. These focused sessions are designed to strengthen understanding of high-frequency GCSE topics, ensuring learners revisit essential content, address misconceptions, and build confidence ahead of their exams. By offering structured, early-morning support, we help students make meaningful progress and maximise their potential in GCSE Mathematics.

Teaching Maths

"Quality First Teaching" underpins our approach, ensuring lessons are engaging, inclusive, and tailored to foster deep understanding across all key stages.