Maths

GCSE

The Mathematics Department aims to provide a supportive learning environment that will enable each student to:

develop the mathematical skills needed for their everyday life;
develop a positive attitude towards mathematics, including confidence, enjoyment and perseverance;
work both independently and cooperatively;
develop an appreciation of the role of mathematics in society;
achieve their full potential in formal examinations.

Course description

Students study a two year Key Stage 3, followed by a three year GCSE course. Maths is taught in mixed ability groups.

Students in years 7 and 8 follow a spiral scheme of work.

Students start their GCSE course in year 9. Our specification is AQA GCSE Mathematics Specification 8300. There are two tiers of entry available. The foundation tier covers grades 1 to 5 and the higher tier covers grades 4 to 9, although a grade 3 can be awarded to students who narrowly miss achieving grade 4 on the higher tier. In general, students aiming for grades 1 to 5 will sit the foundation tier, with only students aiming for grades 6 to 9 sitting the higher tier. Tiers of entry are finalised after the second mock exam in year 11.

Students are expected to achieve a grade 7 or better if they wish to study maths in years 12 and 13.

What will you learn about?

The mathematics curriculum is broken down into the following topic areas:

To be successful in this subject students will need to be good at and enjoy:

thinking mathematically, precisely, logically and creatively;
communicate mathematical ideas effectively by using specialist vocabulary and accurate written notation;
apply their knowledge, skills and understanding to a range of mathematical concepts and situations;

Progression routes & career opportunities

Students may go on to study either maths, or a maths related subject at University. Where this is likely, we recommend that students take further maths at A level.

Possible careers for maths graduates include:

Homework/extended learning

Students should expect to receive homework regularly. Although this may be a written task, the majority of homework in maths is set online using either Hegarty Maths or Mathswatch.

Homework should not cause undue stress or loss of sleep. If, on occasion, your child is unable to complete their homework due to other commitments, they are expected to bring a note from a responsible adult to explain this. The note may request an extension or, if the person writing the note feels that it is appropriate, they may request that the student be excused completely from the set work. In the absence of a note from a responsible adult, students who fail to complete their homework should expect to be given a detention after school.

Students who simply encounter difficulty with their homework are expected to try and resolve the problem by using:

a revision guide;
resources from their Google classroom;
one of the online resources provided, Both Hegarty Maths and Mathswatch include video tutorials;
internet sources such as Youtube.

Help is routinely available at lunch-times for students who encounter problems with their work, or indeed those who simply want to extend their learning outside of lessons. The use of tutors is not recommended.

Additional information

Before starting in year 7, it is hoped that students will have the following key skills in place:

Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division with whole numbers.
Can read and write numbers by using their knowledge of place value.
Can use a ruler to measure or draw lines accurately.
Can use a protractor to measure or draw angles accurately.
Can tell the time using an analogue clock.
Can use mathematical vocabulary relating to naming 2D shapes, 3D shapes and types of angle.

We do not offer early entry to GCSE Maths.

A Level (KS5)

A level Mathematics is an interesting and challenging course which extends the methods you learned at GCSE and includes the application of mathematics, wth a unit on Statistics and Mechanics.

A level Further Mathematics is fun and rewarding. It broadens your mathematical skills and promotes deeper mathematical thinking. You will be introduced to interesting new areas of pure mathematics such as complex numbers and apply mathematics in a wider range of contexts.

Course description

A level Mathematics is examined through three 2 hour exams, all sat at the end of year 13. These include two Pure papers and one Statistics and Mechanics paper.

What will you learn about?

Pure – Learning techniques needed for all forms of further mathematical study. Pure mathematics encompasses many elements, including; algebra, coordinate geometry, sequences and series.

Statistics – Collecting and analysing data and using this to make predictions about future events. Many subjects make use of statistical information and techniques. An understanding of probability and risk is important in careers like insurance, medicine, engineering and the sciences.

Mechanics – Modelling and analysing the physical world around us, including the study of forces and motion. Mechanics is particular useful to students studying physics and engineering.

Further Maths Students will extend their understanding by studying the following additional units:

Core Pure 1
Core Pure 2
Further Statistics 1
Further Mechanics 1

To be successful in this subject students will need to be good at and enjoy:

Strength in algebra and graphs form the basis of much of the course, but solid logic and perseverance are also a necessity. Curiosity and love of problem solving are essential.

Progression routes & career opportunities

Mathematics and Further Mathematics are versatile qualifications, well-respected by employers and are both “facilitating” subjects for entry to higher education. Careers for individuals with good mathematics skills and qualifications are not only well paid, but they are also often interesting and rewarding. People who have studied mathematics are in the fortunate position of having an excellent choice of career. Whilst the number of young people studying A level Mathematics and Further Mathematics is increasing there is still a huge demand from science, engineering and manufacturing employers.

The reason why so many employers highly value mathematics qualifications is mathematics students become better at thinking logically and analytically. Through solving problems you develop resilience and are able to think creatively and strategically. The writing of structured solutions, proof and justification of results help you to formulate reasoned arguments. And importantly you will have excellent numeracy skills and the ability to process and interpret data.

Homework/extended learning

Typically each lesson will require an additional hour of additional study for every hour of class time.

Students are supported by the having access to the Integral website.

The option of more advanced learning if offered through the ‘STEP support programme’ that is run within the school, there is also support for students preparing for MAT.

Additional information

We do not offer early entry to A level Maths.

The Coopers’ Company & Coborn School

St. Marys Ln,
Upminster,
RM14 3HS

01708 250500
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The Coopers’ Company and Coborn School is a company limited by guarantee, and an exempt charity, registered in England and Wales under company number 07547060. The registered address is: St Mary’s Lane, Upminster, Essex. RM14 3HS