Mathematics
The mathematics department aims to develop students’ abilities to calculate; to reason logically, algebraically, and geometrically; to solve problems and to handle data. We offer a stimulating environment and a variety of approaches to teaching and learning to engage and motivate students and demand their active participation.
Courses taught at the school include varied and frequent practice with increasingly more complex problems over time so that students develop conceptual understanding and the ability to apply knowledge accurately. We set challenging targets with high expectations of achievement and progression for all students. The department also looks to explore enrichment opportunities both within and outside the curriculum to enhance students’ enjoyment of mathematics.
Key Stage 3 mathematics
In Years 7, 8 and 9 students follow the National Curriculum in which students are required to develop mathematical fluency, reason mathematically and solve problems. The key strands of study across each of the Year 7, 8 and 9 include; Number; Algebra; Ratio, proportion and rates of change; Geometry and measures; Probability and Statistics. In Year 7, students receive an additional lesson of mathematics per week and the focus of this hour is to improve numeracy skills.
Key Stage 4 mathematics: Edexcel GCSE (1MA1)
Students continue to follow the National Curriculum across both Year 10 and 11 with an emphasis on reasoning mathematically and solving problems. The content is structured in the same strands as those at Key Stage 3 with differing emphasis according to the tier of entry.
| Strand | Foundation Tier | Higher Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Number | 25% | 15% |
| Algebra | 20% | 30% |
| Ratio, proportion and rates of change | 25% | 20% |
| Geometry and measures | 15% | 20% |
| Statistics and Probability | 15% | 15% |
Regardless of tier of entry, students will sit three 1.5 hour exam papers at the completion of the course, each with equal weighting. One of these papers is non-calculator while the other two are calculator allowed. The focus of the exam papers for the two tiers varies slightly; the foundation tier has a greater proportion of using standard techniques while the higher tier has a greater focus on solving problems as illustrated in the table below
| Focus of examination assessment | Foundation Tier | Higher Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Using and applying standard techniques | 50% | 40% |
| Reasoning, interpreting and communicating mathematically | 25% | 30% |
| Solving non-routine problems in mathematical and non-mathematical contexts | 25% | 30% |
Key Stage 5:
Students can choose to study either mathematics or mathematics and further mathematics in the Sixth Form. We follow the OCR syllabus. Students will have the opportunity to study:
- Mathematics: topics in pure mathematics as well as both statistics and mechanics
- Further mathematics: topics in pure mathematics as well as two optional areas chosen from statistics, mechanics, discrete mathematics or additional pure mathematics.
