Maths

Welcome

The focus of the Mathematics Department is the continual development of a pupil’s ability.  The team runs many extra curricular events starting with visiting Year 6 pupils in local Primary schools through to regional Maths Competitions in Year 11, with lots of inter school competition thrown in!  We believe that Mathematics does not have to always be taught in a conventional manner: all the dedicated mathematics rooms are equipped with interactive whiteboards and computer software that allows pupils to learn in different environments.  The pupils regularly have lessons taught in the ICT suites, whether it be completing on line homework or drawing Bar Charts in Excel.

KS3 Information

Pupils follow the National Curriculum as this forms the basis of their learning.  We have split the curriculum into 2 or 3 week blocks, all with end of unit tests.  This is to help pupils monitor and improve their understanding and enable the team to target specific help.  Topics that are covered in detail are:

• Number

• Algebra

• Data Handling

• Shape, Space and Measure

All of these topics form the core elements of their Functional Skills exam that every pupil will have to undertake as part of their portfolio of studies.

KS4 Information

Pupils will follow GCSE Modular Maths.  This means that their GCSE is split into 3 different modules: Data Handling, Number and Shape, Space and Measure.  The timings of when a pupil is entered for each module are driven by the pupils themselves, and whether they feel they are ready to sit each exam.  The majority of pupils will sit these exams at the end of Year 9, end of Year 10 and end of Year 11 respectively. Pupils who don’t reach their potential are supported through dedicated after school revision classes, and are able to resit each exam in order to obtain a better grade.

The more able students will be given the opportunity to learn AS Maths and AS Statistics alongside their GCSE.  We will also be offering these pupils the new GCSE Statistics option.
 
In Year 11 the pupils sit “Maths Challenges” and maths competitions at local Further Education colleges and universities.  You only have to look at the Trophy Cabinets to see how successful our pupils are!  In 2009, we had one pupil that went on to the National Olympiad at Birmingham University, where along with 17 other Year 11 regional champions they spent a week doing maths master classes!  This year we have 2 Year 9 pupils that have been invited to compete in a similar environment at Leeds University.  

Next Steps

KS5 courses:

• AS/A2 Mathematics

• Applied Diplomas

Future careers:

• Accountant

• Statistician

• Economist

• Engineer

Maths Related Websites

• AQA
• My Maths
• Sumdog

Images from the recent school ACE day - 28th June 2011