The Mathematics Department aims to enable all students to acquire mathematical skills and knowledge and to provide opportunities for them to use these skills to undertake problem solving with confidence, enjoyment and success. Students are encouraged to think for themselves within a clear, rigorous mathematical framework, to be critical of their own thinking and prepared to test, justify and improve their conclusions or solutions.

Key Stage 3

Year 7
In year 7 the aim is to ensure that the students experience of transfer to secondary school is positive and challenging. Formal, whole class learning is introduced, especially of topics new to all. There is an intended overlap with the primary school syllabus on basic topics. Exercises are set on these basic topics to reassure, to build confidence and to challenge. Mathematical activities are planned which enable teachers to get to know students individually and which encourage students to work cooperatively. Emphasis, encouragement and support is given to the establishment of the standards of organisation (equipment, books, deadlines) and of presentation of written work that are expected in a secondary school. Year 7 students are divided into sets after 3 weeks of term 1. The initial setting of students is based on Key Stage 2 results and our own formative assessment.

Year 8 and 9
In year 8 and 9 basic understanding and competence are established in fundamental mathematical topics – algebraic simplification, solving equations, using percentages and ratio, finding areas and volumes, drawing graphs, finding and using averages and calculating probability. Problem solving tasks and investigations are based on recognising patterns, solving puzzles and appreciating strategy in mathematical games. Tasks are chosen in which it is possible for the student to relate their solution to the underlying mathematical structure. The curriculum provides the foundation from which students tackle their GCSE course in Years 10 and 11.

In Year 8 the topics of number and data handling are followed by the autumn assessment. Measures, fractions, decimals, percentages and angles precede the spring assessment. Algebra, probability, number, transformations, ratio and proportion are followed by the summer assessment.

In Year 9 the number and angles topics are followed by the autumn assessment. Probability, number and algebra precede the spring assessment. Data handling, graphs, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratio, proportion and measures are followed by the summer assessment.

GCSE (Edexcel: 1MA1)

Mathematics is a core subject at GCSE and all students will take a full GCSE qualification or an Entry Level certificate. The Maths GCSE encourages students to develop confidence in, and a positive attitude towards, mathematics and to recognise the importance of mathematics in their own lives and to society. It prepares students to make informed decisions about the use of technology, the management of money, further learning opportunities and career choices.

What will I learn?
The students will develop their knowledge, skills and understanding of mathematical methods and concepts in the following areas:
– Number
– Algebra
– Geometry
– Measures
– Statistics and probability

They will use their knowledge and understanding to make connections between mathematical concepts and apply the functional elements of mathematics in everyday and real-life situations.

The content of the GCSE course is a natural progression from the Key Stage 3 syllabus. Topics covered in Year 9 will be revisited to ensure that progression through each unit of work is based on a solid foundation.

How will I be assessed?
The exam board is Edexcel (code: 1MA1)

The GCSE is available at Higher tier (grades 9 – 4) and Foundation tier (grades 5 – 1).

The assessment consists of three exam papers lasting ninety minutes which are taken at the end of Year 11. One exam paper is non-calculator. There is no controlled assessment.

The Entry Level Certificate is assessed using a series of tasks which are completed during normal lessons.

A-Level Mathematics (Edexcel 9MA0)

This course is designed so that you will develop your ability to reason logically, extend your range of mathematical skills and use mathematics as an effective means of communication.

You will study Pure Maths which will build upon the topics studied at GCSE.

These topics provide the foundation upon which all other modules are based.

Your studies will be supplemented by applications units in Mechanics and Statistics.

In Mechanics we look at the forces acting upon objects and the mathematical modelling of these forces.

In Statistics we look at the process of data collection and how such data can be analysed.

The exam board is Edexcel (code: 9MA0). There are 3 exam papers taken at the end of Year 13.

AS-Level Further Mathematics (Edexcel 8FM0)

This course is designed for students who wish to study Mathematics at university or pursue a mathematics related subject beyond A-level.

This course builds upon the Pure Mathematics component of the A-level course with additional work in Mechanics, Statistics and Decision Maths.

Decision Maths looks at the use of algorithms to solve problems.

It is an aspect of maths that has developed in line with growth in computer technology. Students will complete the AS course in Further Maths in Year 13.