Maths
Mathematics contributes to the school curriculum by developing students’ abilities to solve problems, to calculate, to reason logically, algebraically, and geometrically and to make sense of data.
Mathematics is important for students in many other areas of study, particularly Science and Technology. It is also important in everyday life, in many forms of employment and in decision-making.
As a subject in its own right, Mathematics presents frequent opportunities for creativity. It can stimulate moments of pleasure and wonder; especially when problems are solved or when more elegant solutions to problems are discovered. Mathematics is one means of making knowledge useful. Mathematics enables students to build a secure framework of mathematical reasoning, which they can use and apply with confidence. The power of mathematical reasoning lies in its use of precise and concise forms of language, symbolism and representation to reveal and explore general relationships.
We want all our students to become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, to be able to reason mathematically and to solve problems by applying their mathematical understanding to a variety of problems. Mathematical Mastery for all is our over-riding aim.
Within the Mathematics subject area, we aim to set challenging targets with high expectations for all students. We strongly believe in the importance of offering a variety of different approaches to teaching and learning to help motivate students. We will always look to ensure that the students are actively participating and enjoying mathematics.
KS3 Maths
Summary
Maths is taught seven lessons per fortnight in Years 7, 8 and 9. Year 7 are currently taught in mixed ability groups. In Years 8 and 9, students are taught in sets based on ability.
Course Description
Topics studied are Number, Algebra, Ratio Proportion and Rates of Change, Geometry and Measures, Probability and Statistics. Students are assessed regularly.
Throughout Years 7 to 9 students have the opportunity to develop their investigational skills as well as consolidate their number skills. The aim is for students to become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, and to be able to reason mathematically by being able to communicate an argument, justification or proof using mathematical language.
Homework/Extended Learning
Students are given Extended Learning tasks each week. Each piece should take between 30 minutes and 45 minutes to complete. On the whole, extended learning will relate to the topic studied in class, but it may take the form of a revision topic or an investigational task.
KS4 Maths
Exam Board: Students follow the Edexcel GCSE (9-1) in Mathematics (1MA1) syllabus
Course Content
Each teaching group will study these six content areas at the appropriate ability, and will build upon the mathematics that students have studied at Key Stage 3.
The six areas of content studied are:
- Number
- Algebra
- Ratio proportion and rates of change
- Geometry and measures
- Probability
- Statistics
To Be Successful In This Subject Students Will Need To Be Good At And Enjoy:
- Solving problems and puzzles
- Mental maths
- Communicating ideas / reasoning
- Logical thinking
- Resilient
Some suggested progression routes and career opportunities this subject support include:
- Statistician
- Computer Programmer
- Engineer
- Architect
- Accountant
- Economist
- Scientist
Additional Information:
The qualification consists of three equally-weighted written examination papers at either Foundation tier or Higher tier. The school will decide on the tier of entry for each student based on assessments and teacher knowledge. Paper 1 is a non-calculator assessment and a calculator is allowed for Paper 2 and Paper 3. Each assessment. The qualification will be graded and certificated on a nine-grade scale from 9 to 1 using the total mark across all three papers where 9 is the highest grade.
Foundation tier: grades 1 to 5. Higher tier: grades 4 to 9 (grade 3 allowed)
GCE Mathematics | Pearson Edexcel (course code 9MA0)
A level Maths is a demanding course, extending student knowledge from the top end of Higher tier GCSE. The beginning of the A level Maths course consolidates the grade 7+ GCSE topics, as well as introducing new content.
Papers 1 and 2 consist of Pure Mathematics, and include the following topics:
• Proof
• Algebra and functions
• Coordinate geometry in the (x,y) plane
• Sequences and series
• Trigonometry
• Exponentials and logarithms
• Differentiation
• Integration
• Numerical methods
• Vectors
Both papers can have questions from any of the above topics.
Paper 3 consists of Statistics and Mechanics. Topics include:
Section A: Statistics
• Statistical sampling
• Data presentation and interpretation
• Probability
• Statistical distributions
• Statistical hypothesis testing
Section B: Mechanics
• Quantities and units in mechanics
• Kinematics
• Forces and Newton’s laws
• Moments
Assessment
The course runs for 2 academic years, and is examined at the end of year 13. Students are examined by 3 examinations (each examination is 100 marks and lasts for 2 hours). Each examination contributes 1/3 of the final marks. Appropriate calculators can be used in all exams.
Progression Routes A level mathematics can help students to either move into a career requiring high levels of numeracy, or on to further study requiring a high level of mathematical content such as maths, sciences or engineering.
Additional Information
Students will be required to keep their work for the course in a suitable, organised folder.
Books used are:
• Edexcel AS and A level Mathematics Pure Mathematics Year 1/AS
(ISBN 978 1 292 18339 8)
• Edexcel AS and A level Mathematics Statistics and Mechanics Year 1/AS
(ISBN 978 1 292 25253 9)
• Edexcel A level Mathematics Pure Mathematics Year 2
(ISBN 978 1 292 18340 4)
• Edexcel A Level Mathematics Statistics and Mechanics Year 2
(ISBN 978 1 446 94407 3)
GCE Further Mathematics | Pearson Edexcel (course code 9FM0)
A level Further Maths is an extremely demanding course, aimed at very able mathematics students. It is aimed towards students that are intending to continue further mathematical studies at university or courses that require a significant mathematical content such as Engineering. To study Further Maths, students must also be studying Maths A level.
Papers 1 and 2 consist of Core Pure Mathematics, and include the following topics:
• Proof
• Complex numbers
• Matrices
• Further algebra and functions
• Further calculus
• Further vectors
• Polar coordinates
• Hyperbolic functions
• Differential equations
Papers 3 and 4 consist of optional modules. These options include:
• Further Pure Mathematics 3
• Further Statistics 1
• Further Mechanics 1
• Decision Mathematics 1
• Further Pure Mathematics 4
• Further Statistics 2
• Further Mechanics 2
• Decision Mathematics 2
The options used will be carefully selected to suit students. For example, students who are also studying Physics A level would be suited to Mechanics content.
Assessment
Assessment consists of 4 exams. Each paper is 1 hour 30 minutes and is 75 marks. Each exam contributes 1/4 of the final marks. Paper 1 and 2 are compulsory components.
Progression Routes
Further maths is ideally suited to students wishing to continue Mathematical studies / Physics / Engineering at degree level.
Additional Information
Students will be required to keep their work for the course in a suitable, organised folder.
Books used are:
• Edexcel AS and A level Further Mathematics Core Pure Mathematics Book 1/AS (ISBN 978 1 292 18333 6)
• Edexcel A Level Further Mathematics Core Pure Mathematics Book 2 (ISBN 978 1 292 18334 3)
Two additional books will also be used, depending on which optional modules are studied. The most common modules will be:
• Edexcel AS and A level Further Mathematics Decision Mathematics 1 D1 (ISBN 978 1 292 18329 9)
• Edexcel AS and A level Further Mathematics Further Mechanics 1 FM1 (ISBN 978 1 292 18331 2)
• Edexcel AS and A level Further Mathematics Further Statistics 1 FS1 (ISBN 978 1 292 18337 4)
Level 3 Maths in Context (Core Maths) | Pearson Edexcel (course code 7MC0)
The level 3 Certificate in Maths in Context is a one year course, leading to a level 3 certificate. It is a relatively new course, first examined in 2016.The course is particularly suited to students that want to increase their mathematical skills without committing to Maths Advanced level. Students that are studying A levels that require some mathematical understanding, such as Geography or Science, but not studying A level maths would also benefit from the skills gained.
Course content covers four main strands:
• Applications of statistics
• Probability
• Linear programming
• Sequences and growth
Around 80% of the content is GCSE Higher level maths, with 20% of content beyond GCSE content.
Assessment
The course is examined at the end of year 12, with two examinations:
Paper 1 is a Comprehension Paper, and contributes 40% of the exam. The paper is 1 hour 40 minutes, and is 60 marks. The paper is split into two sections, A and B. A source data booklet, detailing two real-life contexts is provided around a month before the exam. One context is examined in section A and the second in section B.
Paper 2 is an Applications Paper, and contributes 60% of the exam. The paper is 1 hour 40 minutes and is 80 marks. The paper has two sections, A and B. Section A will have a themed task, based on one of the contexts from Paper 1. Section B contains three separate themed tasks. A different source booklet will be provided in the examination.
All four strands of applications of statistics, probability, linear programming and sequences and growth can be assessed in either paper. The focus for assessment is not just mathematical, but also requires students to apply problem-solving skills, comprehend, interpret and analyse content. Therefore, students will also require good literacy skills to be successful on the course.
Progression Routes
Level 3 Maths in Context is a one year course, aimed at students wanting to improve their mathematical studies beyond GCSE. Students that wish to pursue further study in a course that has some mathematical content, or those wishing to pursue a career that requires some mathematical skills, such as finance would benefit from studying it.
Additional Information Students will be required to keep their work for the course in a suitable, organised folder.
A variety of resources will be used throughout the course, including the following text book:
• Edexcel Level 3 Maths in Context project book
(ISBN 978 1 292 14928 8)
