Mathematics
AIMS
- To provide pupils with the mathematical skills needed in everyday life and to understand the contexts in which these skills are used.
- To enable pupils to develop confidence in the use of Mathematics and thus to achieve their full Mathematical potential.
- Pupils should also develop technical skills that they can apply to a range of familiar and unfamiliar problems, and acquire the technical knowledge that may be needed for their study of other subjects. Above all, pupild should develop an attitude to the study of Mathematics as a valuable, worthwhile and useful subject and develop an enjoyment of Mathematics.
CURRICULUM
Key Stage 3
In Years 7-9, all pupils are taught the same course, following the Key Stage 3 National Curriculum. The higher the set or band, the greater the difficulty and depth each topic will be investigated. Maths sets are put in place early in Year 7 before pupils are banded across Maths, Science and English in Year 8. The sets/bands decrease in size, so that the lower sets have fewer pupils and can benefit from greater teacher contact time.
Key Stage 4
From Year 10 pupils follow the new 9-1 Edexcel Mathematics GCSE that has been introduced for first teaching in 2015 and first examination in the summer of 2017. The new GCSE places a far greater emphasis on problem solving and the overall level of difficulty is much greater with content moving down from A level. The top set also take an additional GCSE in Statistics (AQA) which has a 25% Controlled Assessment/Coursework element. Pupils considering further study are also given the option of taking the AQA level 2 Certificate in Further Mathematics which is taught as an additional course after school.
FACILITIES AND RESOURCES
The department is based in its own building, Ormerod House. Seven classrooms are exclusively used for the teaching of Mathematics, each with data projection. One smaller room is used only for Sixth Form teaching. Every class up to Year 13 has regular lessons in the ICT suite in Ormerod House. This facility consists of 28 new computers that offer the same software as available in the rest of the department, including Autograph, Cabri and Derive, calculator emulators and internet access for programmes such as MyMaths and Diagnostic Questions. Most Mathematics teacher use iPads to enrich their teaching. As well as IT resources, the department is well equipped with mini-whiteboards and a range of puzzles and activity-based learning resources to enrich the learning experience.
TRIPS AND VISITS
The Department runs a biannual trip to Paris and takes part in regional heats of both the UK Mathematics Trust Team Challenge and Senior Team Challenge. In recent years, groups of pupils have taken part in mathematics seminars and courses at local universities such as Manchester and Lancaster.
EXTRA CURRICULAR
The department runs additional courses and support sessions for Senior School and Sixth Form pupils at lunchtimes and after school throughout the week.
For more information:
Mr CA Marsden
Head of Mathematics and Computer Science