Mathematics

We provide a supportive and encouraging environment where all students follow the same curriculum in Key Stages 3 and 4, ensuring a strong foundation in key mathematical skills. Our experienced subject-specialist teachers take the time to know each pupil as an individual, offering the right level of challenge and support to help them progress.

In Years 7 and 8, Mathematics focuses on building essential skills in number and algebra, laying the groundwork for future learning. Pupils develop fluency in fractions, ratio, and proportional reasoning, alongside a deep understanding of algebra, particularly solving equations. They also explore geometry, strengthening their reasoning with angle facts, and gain confidence in data handling. Whether pupils need additional support or greater stretch, we are committed to helping every learner thrive in Mathematics.

Logical thinking, analysis and problem solving, along with critical thinking and reasoning are all essential life and professional skills and the study of Mathematics supports development in these areas.

Mathematics is taught for three hours per week throughout Key Stage 3. Students are taught in a flexible two tier grouping based on ongoing progress, which is carefully monitored ensuring all pupils have the support they need.

GCSE Mathematics

We teach the Edexcel IGCSE syllabus. Building upon pupils’ work in Key Stage 3 we focus on the key areas of:

• Number
• Algebra
• Geometrical reasoning
• Working with data

As well as improving judgement and analytical ability, Mathematics allows students to think about any problem in a rigorous manner.

Through a carefully constructed teaching scheme, students build up the large body of knowledge and understanding required for the IGCSE course with regular consolidation of previous topics to ensure retention of knowledge.

Co-curricular Activities

We offer a wide variety of activities across year groups outside of the classroom:

• Year 7 Mathematics Day – a House competition with teams working to solve a succession of mathematical problems and challenges
• UK Mathematics Trust Maths Challenge competition (all year groups)
• Lunchtime Maths Challenge club – supported by our Year 13 prefects
• Sheffield University workshops and guest lectures
• National Cipher Challenge
• Mathematical Olympiad for Girls (Year 13)

Support

Every Mathematics teacher at Sheffield Girls’ makes themselves available to support students outside of lessons when it is needed. There is also a structured programme of dedicated lunchtime clinics (three times per week) to which students can drop in to get help with their work. These are staffed by members of the Mathematics department and Sixth Form prefects.

Students who need more support to make excellent progress with their Mathematics are taught in a smaller group with additional one-to-one support available from a teaching assistant. Sixth Form Mathematics students run intensive coaching sessions with small groups of younger students identified as needing extra help with specific topics.

All of our Year 11 students are provided with a revision guide to support their exam preparation and have access to our year group Firefly Mathematics pages with dedicated resources and advice.

AQA Level 2 Certificate in Further Mathematics

Students also have the option of studying for the AQA Level 2 Certificate in Further Mathematics during Year 11. This is a challenging course which offers a superb foundation for continued study of Mathematics at A Level, and which gives our students an additional qualification.