Mathematics allows us to understand the world around us, and we are passionate about passing on this knowledge.

Mathematics and its applications are of fundamental importance in today’s world and we aim to equip every pupil with the necessary tools to prosper inthis ever-changing environment.

As a Department we use a wide range of resources which encourage learners to think logically and creatively. The Mathematics Team are committed and energetic; and we provide all pupils with a wide variety of opportunities for challenge and enrichment.

The Department aims to stimulate an interest in, and an enthusiasm for, Mathematics. By doing this, we are able to help pupils achieve the very best Mathematical qualifications, and realise their potential both in this subject, and other areas of the Curriculum where Mathematical skills are used.

Students are placed in sets according to their Mathematical potential.  Homework is set regularly using mymaths and differentiated homework booklets on topics recently studied. They are formally assessed each term and monitored closely to ensure that they are making good progress. Students are encouraged to work both collaboratively and independently to develop confidence and strengthen problem solving.

All maths classrooms are equipped with interactive whiteboards and an IPad to encourage collaborative study and engage students in their learning.

Students will be expected to keep a neat exercise book which will hold notes, examples and their own work.  Students will have a folder throughout a key stage which will hold termly assessments and a learning log to track progress.

Students can move between sets after termly assessments, where appropriate.

We expect pupils to come to lessons properly equipped with pen, pencil, ruler and calculator.  Further maths equipment such as protractor and compasses would also be desirable.

During Key Stage 3 students will build on their progress made from Key Stage 2 and study a variety of topics. The course is divided up into the following areas of study:

• Number
• Algebra
• Shape, space and measure
• Handling data
• Using and applying Mathematics

Mathematics at Key Stage 4 follows a programme of study, which covers the four attainment targets of the National Curriculum. These are Number, Algebra, Shape and Space, Handling Data. Pupils are also taught how to use and apply their knowledge.

Pupils will follow a course, which has just two tiers of entry, Higher and Foundation. Higher level covers grades A*-D and foundation covers grades C to G.

We expect sets 1 and 2 to cover the Higher Syllabus sets 3 and 4 will cover Foundation work.

All pupils will follow the AQA Modular course. This comprises of modules to be studied in Years 9, 10 and 11. Some students may be entered for a linear exam.

Topics that will be covered will be:

• Unit 1 – Statistics and Numbers
• Unit 2 – Number and Algebra
• Unit 3 – Geometry and Algebra

Assessments:

• Unit 1 – 1 hour exam calculator paper (26.7%)
• Unit 2 – 1 hour 15minutes exam non calculator paper (33.3%)
• Unit 3 – 1 hour 30 minutes calculator (40%)

Further information can be obtained from www.aqa.org.uk 

or

Mrs Richardson, Head of Mathematics Exam Board: AQA/WJEC