Maths

Head of Department - Mrs P Roberts

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Lower School

Outline of Subject

The maths curriculum provides a foundation for understanding the world and an ability to learn mathematically.  The programme of study for Years 7, 8 and 9 is organised into five key areas.

The areas are: Number, Algebra, Ratio, Proportion and rates of change, Geometry and measures, Statistics and probability.

Learning Content

Skill Development

1. Fluency in the fundamentals of mathematics, including through varied and frequent practice with increasingly complex problems over time, in order to develop conceptual understanding and the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately.

2. Reasoning mathematically by following a line of enquiry, conjecturing relationships and generalisations, and developing an argument, justification or proof using mathematical language.

3. Solving problems by applying their mathematics to a variety of routine and non-routine problems with increasing sophistication, including breaking down problems into a series of simpler steps and persevering in seeking solutions.

Assessment Styles

Assessment is a continual process and not exclusively conducted through the use of tests.  Formal and informal assessments are used throughout the course.  We use our assessment data to place students in sets.  However, Year 7 students spend the first 4 weeks of term in mixed ability tutor groups until they are banded.

Additional Information

Students who grasp concepts quickly are challenged through problem solving activities rather than being accelerated though the new KS4 content.  There are opportunities for individual and group work as well as interactive and practical tasks using a variety of resources.  There are also a variety of cross curricular projects and activities involving functional maths which develop key skills such as communication, team work and problem solving.

Upper School

Exam Board: EDEXCEL

Outline of Subject

Outline of Subject:

The Mathematics course is designed to support students to:

• develop fluent knowledge, skills and understanding of mathematical methods and concepts

• acquire, select and apply mathematical techniques to solve problems

• reason mathematically, make deductions and inferences and draw conclusions

• comprehend, interpret and communicate mathematical information in a variety of forms appropriate to the information and context.

The areas of Mathematics covered are:

Number, Algebra, Ratio, proportion and rates of change, Geometry and measures, Probability, Statistics

Course Content

Skill Development

​Many areas of mathematics are connected and understanding always builds on previous knowledge and skills. There is an emphasis on problem-solving, communication, proof and interpretation. Lessons will be varied throughout the course to promote and develop these skills.  There will be whole class teaching, pair or group work and individual working. A variety of resources will be used including ICT and other practical activities.

Assessment

The assessment consists of three equally weighted written papers at the higher and foundation tier of entry. The first paper is a non-calculator paper. All papers test the subject content across the full range of grades available and questions will be set in both mathematical and non-mathematical contexts. There is no requirement for a formal coursework element within the GCSE.

The qualification will be graded on a nine-point scale from 9 to 1 using the total mark across all three papers where 9 is the highest grade.

Additional Information

Students in Years 10 and 11 are taught in groups according to ability.  Students are entered for the GCSE in Mathematics at one of the two levels i.e. Higher (grades 9-4) or Foundation (grades 5-1).  They will be entered for the appropriate level of the examination in January of their Year 11, after the results of the trial examinations are known.