In the Mathematics department we aim to help students develop confidence in the use of mathematical skills and to project the subject as a positive and enjoyable experience.

Facilities

The Mathematics department is in a relatively new purpose-built block with five specialist classrooms. All rooms have a data projector and two rooms have interactive whiteboards. There is a trolley of 16 portable laptops within the department and access to computer suites in the same building.

The seven teaching staff are all specialists in Mathematics. We provide training for at least one new teacher per year and we have a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) specialising in Mathematics.

Key Stage 3

Students are placed in ability sets when they enter the school in Year 7 and follow the Key Stage 3 National Numeracy Strategy. Students have three one hour lessons per week. The main areas of study are: using and applying mathematics, number, algebra, shape space and measures, and handling data.

Assessment

Short written tests are used at the end of each term to assess pupil progress. Transition form one set to another can take place and is dependant upon test results and teacher recommendation. Pupils are entered for the Key Stage 3 National Tests in Mathematics (SATS) in May of Year 9. Sets 1, 2 and 3 are entered for the National Optional Tests at the end of Years 7 and 8. Some pupils are entered for the National Progress Tests at the end of Year 7.

Key Stage 4

Students continue to be taught in sets and are prepared for the AQA GCSE in Mathematics, following the new two tier course which consists of Higher tier (grades A* - D) or Foundation tier (grades C – G)

Assessment

From 2009, assessment will be done entirely by termly written examinations. 

It is expected that for pupils to study for a GCSE qualification they will have reached a minimum of Level 4 in the National Curriculum at Key Stage 3. Entry level qualifications are provided for the pupils who do not meet this requirement.

AQA GCSE Statistics maybe undertaken by pupils in Set 1. This course is examined by a piece of coursework (25%) and two written papers (75%).

Key Stage 5

With AS/A” Mathematics we offer the OCR Modular course, leading to assessment by examination only.

Year 12: two pure examinations (Core 1& Core 2) and one applied examination (Statistics 1 or Mechanics 1).

Year 13: two pure examinations (Core 3& Core 4) and one applied examination (Statistics 1 or Mechanics 1).

Homework

Homework is set weekly for all classes increasing in duration from Year 7 onwards. It is seen as an important and effective method of consolidating skills learnt during lessons. Homework tasks may consist of the following elements:

• Further examples/practice questions
• Coursework/project work
• Gathering Information
• Learning for tests/exams
• Updating due to absence/illness
• Research

Extra Curricular

Extra curricular activities play an important role in nurturing an appreciation and enjoyment of mathematics.

Pupils with a keen interest in mathematics are able to be a member of the Mathematics Tutor Group.

Able pupils can take part in the UKMT Challenges. Master Classes in Mathematics take place for invited participants during the course of the year.