Mathematics
Not only is Mathematics an interesting and stimulating subject in its own right, but it also supports other subjects especially Science, Geography, Business Studies and Technology.
You will need the best qualification in Mathematics that you can achieve as you need to prove to future employers that you are numerate, in other words, that you can handle numbers.
The Mathematics course is structured in three levels throughout Years 7 to 9, Higher, Intermediate and Foundation. In Years 10 and 11 there are only Higher and Foundation levels. This means that it will be possible for you to transfer from one level to another as you develop and improve.
Department Staff
| Name | Position |
| Mr R Wardell | Head of Department |
| Mr A Taylor | Second in Department |
| Mr N Stott | Assistant Principal |
| Mr D Hargreaves | P / T Mathematics Teacher |
| Mr K Storer | Mathematics Teacher |
| Mr S Tombling | Assistant Head of Year |
| Mrs E Best | Key Stage 3 Co-ordinator |
| Miss V Cook | Numeracy Co-ordinator & AST |
| Mrs T Brown | P / T Mathematics Teacher |
| Mr T Morris | Mathematics Teacher |
| Miss L Yeoman | Mathematics Teacher |
| Miss A McLeod | Mathematics Teacher |
Syllabus
In years 7,8 and 9 the students follow a scheme of work, which is divided, into three differentiated parts, Foundation, Intermediate and Higher. The students follow the main outline of the National Numeracy Strategy and are supported by the 'Essential Maths' series and material from other sources.
In years 10 and 11 the students follow the GCSE AQA Modular course. The scheme is differentiated into Higher and Foundation with the corresponding textbooks for support. The course is now split into three modules, all of which are exam based there is no coursework. Modules 1 and 3 are completed in year 10. In year 11 the students complete the more demanding Module 5, which constitutes 55% of the whole course.
Post 16 'A'-Level Mathematics group is now split into two years, the first year AS, follows the Edexcel modular course. It builds upon topics taken on the Higher GCSE course and also introduces Calculus, a higher level of Algebra. Those who go into the second year again follow the A2 Edexcel modular course.
The department also offers Further Mathematics, which includes Decision Maths and Mechanics.
Examination Results
S.A.T's |
||
Year |
Percentage L5+ |
Percentage L6+ |
2008 |
92% |
74% |
2007 |
89% |
78% |
2006 |
95% |
81% |
2005 |
90% |
75% |
2004 |
89% |
66% |
2003 |
88% |
69% |
2002 |
87% |
70% |
GCSE's |
|
Year |
Percentage A*- C Grades |
2008 |
75% |
2007 |
73% |
2006 |
73% |
2005 |
75% |
2004 |
74% |
2003 |
60% |
Post 16 Mathematics
In Year 12
- C1 Pure (core) Mathematics (1)
- C2 Pure (core) Mathematics (2)
- S1 Statistics (1)
In Year 13
- C3 Pure (core) Mathematics (3)
- C4 Pure (core) Mathematics (4)
- S2 Statistics (2)
Pure Mathematics begins as an extension to the GCSE Higher Course. There is further work on graphs,algebra and trigonometry, plus new work on Calculus i.e. Differentiation and Integration. The Calculus becomes increasingly useful in Year 13 and can be applied to A level subjects such as Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Hence these subjects go very well with A level mathematics.
Statistics
The Statistic work again is a continuation of GCSE Higher Maths. It includes Probability, Correlation, Linear Regression and the Normal Distribution. Students taking many A level subjects will need to know some Statistics e.g. Sciences, Humanities subjects such as Psychology and Sociology.
All in all, A level Mathematics is useful for nearly all students to combine with their other A level subjects.
Maths Days
The Maths Days were introduced into Year 7 initially to give them a full day of varied rich diet of Mathematical activities. They are mainly hands on practical tasks or a stimulus to further Mathematical research.The students remain in their Tutor Groups and follow a route around the Department, tasting a variety of different activities as they move from one room to another.
Challenge Week
Years 7 and 8 have a Challenge Week in July, where they spend three days completing Mathematical activities, competing against their fellow peers. These challenges include a Treasure Hunt, breaking and deciphering codes and a graphical maze activity.
