Mathematics

The Mathematics Faculty consists of spacious classrooms each with an Interactive Whiteboard. In addition, there are new wireless laptops, which can be booked out for use in classrooms. 

Key Stage 3

Mathematics is important both in its own right and as a tool to aid understanding in other subject areas. It helps develop logical and abstract thought processes as well as being applicable to a wide range of practical situations.

All students in Years 7, 8 and 9 follow detailed schemes of work, which aim to ensure that all students become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, reason mathematically and can solve problems by applying their mathematics to a variety of routine and non-routine problems.

The scheme of work for key stage three is split into six main topic areas. Students focus on the understanding of the core mathematical content initially and then focus on mathematical key processes, learning to formulate and solve mathematical problems, as well as using and applying their skills in other subject areas. 

The topics studied are from the following areas:

• Number

• Algebra

• Ratio, Proportion and Rates of Change

• Geometry and Measures

• Statistics

• Probability

We set homework once a week which is aimed at confirming their knowledge which they have learnt in class; occasionally we may use websites such as  www.mymaths.co.uk which can allow the pupil to gauge their current understanding of the topic. The pupil can also review the lesson material on that website.

Key Stage 4

During Years 10 and 11, pupils will work towards their GCSE in Mathematics and all students follow the Edexcel syllabus. There are two tiers of entry at GCSE level, Foundation and Higher. Each student will be entered for the one which is appropriate to their ability. 

At the end of Year 11 all students will be assessed by three terminal exams, one without a calculator and two where a calculator is allowed. 

Key Stage 5

Students who undertake Mathematics beyond GCSE from September 2017, will study for the new linear A-Level. This is examined at the end of two years’ study and consists of Pure Mathematics, Mechanics and Statistics. The students who will be entering year 13 will continue to study the modular A-level course. They will take modules in four Core areas (covering differentiation, integration, coordinate geometry, sequences and vectors) and two Applied areas. The applied modules include Statistics and Decision.

In addition to the main A-Level we also offer the opportunity to study A-Level Further Maths, this builds upon and extends the content met in the main Mathematics A-level. It gives students the opportunity to explore a wider range of applied modules and explore further elements of the Core areas.