Academic/Subject Departments

Mathematics

Our Aim

Our aim is to ensure that, in all classrooms, students enjoy their learning and contribute 100% to every lesson. Learning styles are varied to cater for audible, visual and kinesthetic learners and work is differentiated, supported by high quality teaching resources including the use of ICT. Verbal and written feedback is constructive and students know what they need to do in order to improve. Teachers are passionate about their subject and inspire creative thinking.

Key Stage 3

Mathematics is taught three times per week at Key Stage 3 and each lesson lasts for an hour. Although we do not follow the National Curriculum, the content of our syllabus is almost the same and we also follow the three-part lesson structure laid down by the National Numeracy Strategy.

Year 7
In Year 7, all students study properties of number, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratio, proportion, algebra, geometry, handling data and probability. Students are taught in mixed ability groups until October half-term. Following the October Assessment, they are placed into one of 5 sets depending on their ability in maths. Setting is reviewed termly after the February and June assessments, when students can move between groups depending on their individual needs.

During the spring term, all Year 7 students participate in a ‘Maths Activity Day’ where they perform mathematical tasks in groups in order to develop their skills and ability to work collaboratively.

Year 8
In Year 8, all students build on the foundations taught in Year 7. They study properties of number, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratio, proportion, algebra, constructions, geometry, graphs, scale drawings and handling data. Assessments are conducted in October, February and June and setting is reviewed termly.

Year 9
In Year 9, students begin preparing for the GCSE course. They study number, algebra, shape and space (including Pythagoras’ Theorem and trigonometry) and handling data in much greater depth than in Years 7 and 8.

During the summer term, all Year 9 students visit Drayton Manor Theme Park where they perform mathematical tasks in groups in order to develop their skills in applied mathematics.

Key Stage 4

At Key Stage 4, mathematics is taught three times per week and each lesson lasts for an hour. All students follow the Edexcel Higher Tier (Linear) GCSE syllabus. In Year 10, assessments are conducted in October, January and June. In Year 11, students sit a mock GCSE examination in January in preparation for their final examination in June.

Key Stage 5

What will I be studying?

A-level Maths consists of 3 main areas – – Core Maths (algebra, trigonometry, etc) – Statistics (data analysis, etc) – Mechanics (motion, forces, etc)

What does this subject involve?
You study a mixture of the three elements. An A2 qualification consists of 6 modules and an AS-level qualification is achieved with success in 3 modules. Further Maths can be taken in addition to the A-level by completing another 6 modules.

What skills/qualities will I need?

• A good GCSE grade (preferably A*/A)
• A genuine interest in the subject
• An ability to work independently
• Determination
• A logical mind

Future prospects?
A qualification in Maths opens many doors. As well as the obvious links with Science and Engineering related careers, many employers look favourably upon candidates who have studied Maths to A-level standard.

Maths Clinics
Each week throughout the school year, additional support is offered at lunchtimes by the Maths Department by invitation or on a ‘drop-in’ basis. These clinics take place on Monday, Wednesday and Friday lunch times.

Year 7 Maths Day
During Year 7, students spend a whole day completing mathematical activities in small groups. Marks are awarded for accuracy, presentation and their ability to work collaboratively. House points are awarded for success in the activities and it is an enjoyable day for all students.

Maths Activity Day at Drayton Manor Theme Park
During the summer term, all students in Y9 visit Drayton Manor Theme Park. Here they undertake a number of mathematical activities over the course of the day based around the rides. The purpose of the visit is to develop understanding and application of a variety of mathematical skills.