Mathematical thinking is important in personal decision-making as well as in the workplace, business and finance. Students gain great satisfaction when solving mathematical problems, discover more elegant solutions, or notice hidden connections when working through problems. Mathematics is a creative discipline and the language of mathematics is international.
Mathematics is taught in all years by qualified specialist teachers in recently refurbished classrooms. All maths classrooms have interactive whiteboards and access to the Internet.
KS3 Mathematics
The Mathematics curriculum at KS3 follows the National Framework. The aims help the pupils understand the basic requirements & concepts needed to succeed at GCSE Level.
Four areas are taught throughout KS3
- Algebra
- Geometry & Measures
- Number
- Statistics
Throughout KS3 pupils are regularly assessed and their progress monitored & tracked. Pupils are set in the first term of year 7 dependant on their mathematical ability. In general pupils follow one of three levels of mathematics:
- Extensions - Levels 6-8
- Core - Levels 4-6
- Support - Levels 2-3
Mathematics in KS4 follows the OCR Modular ( Graduated Assessment ) course, syllabus J517. In addition to sitting three modules in years 10 & 11, the pupils also sit a final Terminal paper either at Foundation or Higher Level depending on their ability. The possible GCSE grades achievable at Higher level range from A* to D whereas the Foundation Level range from C to G. The course based on this specification requires candidates to demonstrate their knowledge, understanding and skills in the following objectives:
- Using & Applying Mathematics (AO1)
- Number & Algebra (AO2)
- Shape, Space and Measures (AO3)
- Handling Data (AO4)
Pupils sit two of the three modules in January & June of Year 10 and their final module in March of Year 11. These modules account for 50% of the GCSE and the other 50% comes from the Final Terminal paper. The number of UMS marks awarded for each module together with the Final Terminal paper all contribute towards the final GCSE grade awarded in August of year 11. There is no coursework in GCSE Mathematics.
Additional GuidanceRevision books can be purchased from the Mathematics Faulty prior to the public exams in January, March & June. In addition to this extra booster classes are taught on a voluntary basis by members of the Mathematics team before & after school.
