To ensure breadth and depth of understanding in Mathematics, teaching in the department is supported by a detailed programme of study linked to comprehensive textbook schemes at all levels.
Mathematics
GCSE
Students begin to study the Edexcel IGCSE curriculum in Mathematics at Higher Tier in Year 9.
This course provides a solid basis for students wishing to progress to Edexcel Advanced GCE level, or equivalent qualifications, whilst remaining accessible to those who do not wish to pursue Mathematics at a higher level. Much of the work is an extension and elaboration of topics encountered in years 7 and 8.
The course will enable students to:
- Develop their knowledge and understanding of mathematical concepts and techniques.
- Acquire a foundation of mathematical skills for further study in the subject or related areas.
- Enjoy using and applying mathematical techniques and concepts, and become confident in using mathematics to solve problems.
- Appreciate the importance of mathematics in society, employment and study.
All students take the examination at the end of Year 11. The terminal examination consists of two two-hour papers of equal weight. There is no coursework requirement and calculators can be used in both papers.
Overview
Further Maths
Our highest achieving students in Year 9 will commence study of the AQA Further Mathematics course in Year 10, in parallel with the IGCSE course, taking the examinations at the end of Year 11.
The AQA Further Mathematics syllabus, is examined across two 105-minute papers, one of which is non-calculator, and there is no coursework requirement. The work is at a higher level than IGCSE and acts as a suitable, though not essential, bridge to A Level Mathematics. The examination has pass grades of 9 – 5. A student achieving Grade 9 at IGCSE and Further Mathematics will have demonstrated considerable mathematical talent. This course has six components: number, algebra, coordinate geometry, calculus, matrices, and geometry.
Curriculum
Year 7
Year 7 students will be taught within tutor groups. During the year, in addition to ensuring a sound basis of mathematical understanding, students will be assessed in order to identify the most appropriate set for them to be placed in for Year 8.
Years 8 and 9
Students in Years 8 and 9 are taught in sets, determined by their performance in regular internal assessments.
Years 10 and 11
We follow the Edexcel Mathematics 9 – 1 IGCSE course in Years 10 and 11. We continue to teach our students in sets.
The most able students in Year 10 follow an accelerated course, taking the Edexcel IGCSE examination at the end of Year 11 alongside OCR Additional Mathematics. This is to offer them a greater degree of stimulation, an introduction to important applications of Mathematics, and an introduction to A level study.
Trips, Activities and Clubs
- In addition to our teaching, there are a range of opportunities to support the development of mathematical knowledge including:
- Junior Maths Club – Maths Masters – This weekly club is for students in Year 7 and 8 who are interested in exploring interesting and challenging mathematical activities and problems. There are opportunities to engage in mathematical games, trails, and use of ICT to extend an interest in mathematics.
- Middle School Maths Society (MS)² – This weekly club is for students in Years 9, 10, and 11 who are ready for the challenge of Mathematical Olympiad style questions and who enjoy taking part in the UKMT Maths Challenges.
- Maths Clinic – provides the opportunity for all students to seek individual help and support with the development of mathematical understanding. Students may choose to attend on a regular or occasional basis, or their attendance may be recommended by their mathematics teacher. Whilst the Maths Clinic will be supervised by members of the department, it will be led by members of Sixth Form Mathematics groups as part of their contribution to community service.
- UKMT Mathematics Challenges – we enter every student in Year 7 and 8, the top sets in Year 9 to 11, and Sixth Form mathematicians into these national competitions.
- UKMT Maths Team Challenges – selected students in the Sixth Form will take part in the Senior Team challenge, whilst a team comprising of students in Year 8 and 9 will participate in the Junior Team Challenge.
- Hans Woyda Competition – the team for this competition comprises just four mathematicians, chosen from the best in the school – one each from Year 9, 11 and the Lower and Upper Sixths.
Staff
- Mr T Brook BSc (Head of Mathematics)
- Mr J Baldwin BSc (Master in charge of Cricket, Head of Livingstone and Assistant Head of Maths – Middle School)
- Mrs R Bevington
- Mrs N Bilsby BSc MA (Head of Wellbeing)
- Mr V Broncz BSc
- Dr Cianciaruso PHD
- Mr J Crowley BEng
- Ms R Gordon BSc (Assistant Head – Teaching and Learning)
- Mr G Hammond MEng PGCE
- Mr A Hon MA(Cantab) (Deputy Head of Sixth Form)
- Miss A Tsyba
- Mr L Watts BSc (Assistant Head – Head of Middle School)
- Mrs S Wood BSc (part-time)
