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.
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:
- 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;
- 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:
- Actuary
- Accountancy
- Data Analysis
- Secondary Maths Teacher
- Software Engineer
- Statistician
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.