General Information
The Maths team consists of seven full-time specialist teachers with a wealth of experience delivering Key Stage 3, GCSE and A level mathematics to students. In addition we have two dedicated Teaching Assistants who provide excellent classroom support and intervention for students in need of extra help. There are six classrooms in the department each equiped with an interactive whiteboard to incorporate the latest technology and software into teaching and learning. The department also has a break out space which students can use as a quiet study area. Laptops, calculators and mathematical equipment are available for use by students.
Key Stage 3
On entry Year 7 students are placed into sets based upon Key Stage 2 results and a baseline assessment. Students are regularly assessed to measure progress and have the opportunity to move sets based upon their achievement. Across Years 7 and 8 students will build up a solid foundation of knowledge to prepare them for Maths GCSE. This will involve number skills, algebraic manipulation, geometry, using and applying statistics and problem solving skills.
Key Stage 4
Through Years 9, 10 and 11 students will be taught the GCSE syllabus. We currently enter students for the AQA GCSE Mathematics (8300) qualification. Depending on their prior attainment in Key Stage 3 students will be entered for either Foundation level (Grades 1 – 5) or Higher level (Grades 3 – 9). The course is linear and they sit the final exams at the end of Year 11. There are three papers all 1 hour 30 minutes long; one paper is non-calculator, the other two are calculator based. Students can resit the exam in the following November.
Key Stage 5
The A Level Mathematics course consists of: Core maths, Mechanics and Statistics in which students will develop an understanding in the fields of coordinate geometry, algebra, calculus, representation of data, probability, statistical distributions, Kinematics and Vectors.
To be accepted onto the A level course we ask for students to have achieved at least a grade 6 after following the Higher Tier course in Key Stage 4.
We currently enter students for the Edexcel (9MAO) A Level mathematics qualification. The exam consists of 3 papers; 2 Pure Maths papers and 1 Statistics and Mechanics paper. There is no coursework element to the course.
At Key Stage 5 students can also re-sit the GCSE Maths course