Mathematics

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Mathematics is a creative and highly interconnected discipline that has been developed over centuries, providing the solution to some of history’s most intriguing problems. It is essential to everyday life, critical to science, technology and engineering, and necessary for financial literacy and most forms of employment. A high-quality mathematics education therefore provides a foundation for understanding the world, the ability to reason mathematically, an appreciation of the beauty and power of mathematics, and a sense of enjoyment and curiosity about the subject.

The primary aim of the Mathematics department is to develop the mathematical knowledge, skills, concepts and strategies of every pupil to the maximum possible level. This includes providing the students with the mathematics they need for everyday life and for other school subjects, and to provide, where appropriate, a foundation for further study. Students will be made aware of methods of investigation and given an insight into the development of mathematics and the power of mathematics as a language. This is an essential development in the analysis and communication of information and ideas.

 

Key Stage 3

Mathematics is taught as a series of modules. All students will be taught through a variety of â€‹research informed methods within these various modules, supporting the use of mental and written methods of calculation. Reasoning and problem solving mathematics will form part of each unit and students will be encouraged to learn how to use a calculator and ICT appropriately.

Students in Year 7 are mainly taught in mixed-attainment groups, whilst those in Years 8 and 9 are grouped appropriately to support their learning. Regular assessments of students' progress will take place and allow for easy movement between groups.

In Years 7, 8 and 9 students will study modules that cover the following core content:

Expressing Relationships Fractions, Decimals and Percentages
Geometry Interpreting Data
Measures Number and Place Value
Numbers and Operations Position and Direction
Powers and Roots Probability
Properties of Numbers Properties of Shapes
Ratio and Proportion Using Equations, Functions and Graphs

 

Key Stage 4

Topics taught in Key Stage 4 extend those previously covered in Key Stage 3, ensuring students have mastered the fluency skills are able to extend into the reasoning and problem solving with confidence. At GCSE mathematics we follow the AQA specification with grades 9 - 1 being awarded. It is assessed through three 90 minute terminal examination papers; the first is a non-calculator paper and the second and third are calculator papers. Candidates can be entered for either foundation or higher tier.

 

Key Stage 5

At A level we offer Mathematics and Further Mathematics. These A levels cover pure mathematics, mechanics and statistics. Pure Mathematics is designed to develop the skills and techniques necessary to manipulate and solve mathematically formulated problems. They include work in the fields of algebra, co-ordinate geometry, functions and graphs, calculus and trigonometry. Statistics examines the application of mathematical probability to the drawing of inferences from data. The theory of random variables, significance testing and probability are given special attention. A large data set will be used to teach this aspect of the course. Mechanics develops the principles needed to model the physical world. Statics, dynamics and kinematics are introduced.

 

We also offer Core Maths. Studying Core Maths helps students develop their quantitative and problem-solving skills. This is valuable preparation for the quantitative skills they will need for many degree courses, particularly subjects such as psychology, geography, business-related courses, sports and social sciences, and natural science courses that do not require AS/A Mathematics.