Maths
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.
What will you learn about?
The mathematics curriculum is broken down into the following topic areas:
- Number
- Algebra
- Probability
- Ratio and Proportion
- Shape, Space and Measures
- Statistics
To be successful in this subject students will need to be good at and enjoy:
- thinking mathematically, precisely, logically and creatively;
- communicating mathematical ideas effectively by using specialist vocabulary and accurate written notation;
- applying their knowledge, skills and understanding to a range of mathematical concepts and situations;
Maths Groups:
The majority of Maths is taught in mixed ability groups. In years 9 to 11, there is a nurture group in each teaching block. This is for students who need a higher level of support.
Course description
Students in years 7 and 8 study a two year Key Stage 3 course. We follow a spiral scheme of work. Students will be issued with a unit book for each half-term, along with a warm up booklet. Support is available for absent students through the KS3 Maths website. Students can access this from their Google Classroom.
Equipment
- Pen, Pencil, Rubber and Sharpener
- Glue stick
- Protractor
- Compass
- Ruler
- Scientific Calculator. We recommend Casios.
Students will also need the CGP workbooks for their current year. These are available for purchase at a discounted rate through parent pay.
Homework
Students will be set homework each week on Sparx Maths. The homework includes a 1 hour compulsory section. All students are expected to complete this fully, scoring 100%. The homework will be differentiated both in terms of the level of difficulty and the amount, making this achievable. Further support is available through the video tutorials that accompany every question.
Additional work is available through the XP Boost and Target sections on Sparx. These are both optional. The XP Boost homework gives students approximately 30 minutes of additional questions that are of a similar level to the compulsory homework. The Target homework offers students the opportunity to complete some questions that are slightly more challenging.
Students can also complete work independently on both Sparx Maths and Mathswatch.
All students have an account with Times Tables Rockstars, which can be used to practice their multiplication tables on a regular basis.
Homework Club
Maths homework club is at lunchtime on Fridays in HL2.
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.
Course Description
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.
Students aiming for grades 1 to 5 should sit the foundation tier. Only students aiming for grades 6 to 9 should sit the higher tier. Tiers of entry are finalised after the second mock exam in year 11.
Students who intend to study maths for A level, will need to achieve a minimum of a grade 7. Grade 8 or 9 is recommended for those who wish to study Further Maths.
Support is available for absent students through the KS4 Maths websites. There is a website for each tier of entry, and students can access these from their Google Classroom.
Equipment
- Pen, Pencil, Rubber and Sharpener
- Glue stick
- Protractor
- Compass
- Ruler
- Scientific Calculator. We recommend Casios.
Students will also need the CGP workbooks for their planned tier of entry. These are available for purchase at a discounted rate through parent pay.
Homework
Students in years 9 and 10 will be set homework each week on Sparx Maths. The homework includes a 1 hour compulsory section. All students are expected to complete this fully, scoring 100%. The homework will be differentiated both in terms of the level of difficulty and the amount, making this achievable. Further support is available through the video tutorials that accompany every question.
Additional work is available through the XP Boost and Target sections on Sparx. These are both optional. The XP Boost homework gives students approximately 30 minutes of additional questions that are of a similar level to the compulsory homework. The Target homework offers students the opportunity to complete some questions that are slightly more challenging.
In Year 11, Sparx homework is optional. Students are set a practice paper for homework each week, supported by video or written solutions. The practice papers are set on Mathswatch.
Students can also complete work independently on both Sparx Maths and Mathswatch.
All students have an account with Times Tables Rockstars. It is recommended that students who are not secure with their multiplication tables continue to use this to practice these basic skills on a regular basis.
Homework Club
Maths homework club is at lunchtime on Fridays in HL2.
Additional information
We do not offer early entry to GCSE Maths.
Why Study A Level Maths?
A level Mathematics is an interesting and challenging course which extends the methods you learned at GCSE and includes the application of mathematics. Our exam board is Edexcel.
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.
A Level Course Description
The A level Mathematics course is made up of pure mathematics, statistics and mechanics.
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 particularly useful to students studying physics and engineering.
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.
Support is available for absent students through the KS5 Maths website. Students can access this from their Google Classroom. The website includes support for students studying Further Maths.
Further Maths Course Description
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
Homework
Typically each lesson will require an additional hour of additional study for every hour of class time.
Students are supported by them having access to the Integral website.
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 careers. 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 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.
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:
- Actuary
- Accountancy
- Data Analysis
- Secondary Maths Teacher
- Software Engineer
- Statistician
Additional information
We do not offer early entry to A level Maths.
