Mathematics at KS3 and hearing impairment

The National Curriculum for mathematics is statutory in all maintained, mainstream schools up to and including key stage 4. An appropriate version of the curriculum is used in maintained special schools. Key Stage 3 covers years 7-9 (children aged from 12-14 years).

The challenges and support required remain the same as at KS1 and KS2.

At KS3 there is an increased focus on selecting and applying mathematical tools and methods and using a creative approach to solve problems. Maths at KS3 becomes increasingly abstract and so concepts can be harder to understand if explanations are not heard clearly or if a pupil lacks confidence through having to struggle to hear. Part of KS3 maths curriculum requires communicating and reflecting on their work. This may prove challenging to a pupil with HI.

You can:

• Support the pupil with clear hand-outs which give examples and define keywords clearly. As in previous key stages check that the HI pupil has heard correctly, though being aware of the tact with which this should be done so as not to emphasise the pupil’s disability to other pupils
• Support the pupil’s feedback to others by allowing the pupil time to prepare what they want to say, writing it down if this helps them to better form their ideas