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 Key Stage 3 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:
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Number
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Algebra
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Ratio, Proportion and Rates of Change
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Geometry and Measures
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Statistics
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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 Key Stage 4, 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.
| Foundation Tier | leads to the new GCSE grades 1 to 5 |
| Higher Tier | leads to the new GCSE grades 4 to 9 |
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 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.
