The subject explained

Studying Mathematics

We expect every student to take responsibility for their own exercise book and to bring it to every lesson. Each student must bring equipment to every lesson. As a minimum this includes a pen, pencil, ruler and eraser. In addition, we expect every student to carry with them a calculator. We find Casio calculators the most straightforward to use - these can be purchased from the department.

Curriculum at KS3

Students are taught in mixed ability groups initially in Year 7 but are soon moved into sets when students' maths capabilities are assessed. Throughout Key Stage 3, students are regularly assessed (at the end of most half terms) and there is movement within sets where appropriate. Success in these exams is, not surprisingly, one of the best indicators of likely success at GCSE Mathematics. The levels obtained help us decide what GCSE course our students should be following.

At the end of Year 9, students will sit a GCSE in Statistics which will prepare them well for the first module of their GCSE Mathematics examinations in Year 10.

Curriculum at KS4

The Mathematics GCSE specification we use is EDEXCEL modular GCSE. There are two different levels of entry within GCSE Mathematics, Foundation (grades G - C) and Higher (grades D - A*). The good news with the modular course is that it is possible to transfer between levels during the course, giving us maximum flexibility.

Year 10

It is in this year that our students formally commence their Mathematics GCSE course. It is particularly important for the student to grasp very early on that important exam work takes place early in the year. The first modular exam is on November 13th of Year 10 and consists of work on Handling Data. Students will then take the two sections of their second module in March and June of Year 10.

If a student performs badly in these exams it could mean they have lost 50% of their final GCSE grade so it is crucial that students prepare well for the exams.

Year 11

This modular course saves a lot of the more demanding work until the final stage of the course. The final exam will assess content from the third stage but will also assess some content from both of the previous stages.

Year 11 brings the third modular exam in May/June.

Statistics GCSE

Year 9 students commence their study of GCSE Statistics after Christmas and sit their Statistics exam in June of Year 9. The GCSE consists of two levels of entry - Foundation (grades G - C) and Higher (D - A*).

The examination format is 75% final examination and 25% coursework project. Students will learn about probability, statistics and graphical display and will use the skills gained to complete their coursework project.

Enrichment

Maths Club runs every Wednesday lunchtime from 12:25pm until 12:55pm. This is available to all students – we run both GCSE Booster Sessions and also homework/class work help.