Mathematics

The maths department see mathematics as an engaging and creative activity that develops a student’s ability to not only think in an organised and logical way, but also for them to look at imaginative ways to solve problems.  As such our emphasis is on students developing transferable skills that are honed using the traditional mathematics content and rigor, but with the students engaging with a more task-led curriculum, that allows them to identify the mathematics required to solve problems and gives them ample opportunity to experiment.

Key Stage 3

We have a two year Key Stage 3 where our aim is to teach the students to develop self-learning skills.  This is achieved by giving the students every opportunity to develop thinking skills through themed tasks.  The emphasis is not on a correct answer, but on developing a range of strategies to cope with the ever changing world of the 21^st century and for these skills to be transferable.  We wish to allow the students to continue to improve on their arithmetic, with an emphasis on the development of the “numerate student” who uses a variety of methods of calculation, that depends on the numbers used and the degree of accuracy required. The students also engage with geometry and algebra through tasks where “doing and applying” mathematics is not a separate part, but integral to their success.  This will enable them to enter their Key Stage 4 with the skill to pursue a functional approach to their learning.

Key Stage 4

Students are entered at either Higher or Foundation Level GCSE, but the skills initiated at Key Stage 3 are further developed and the aspects of functionality and enquiry are keenly pursued, so that students can transfer their skills to new and more demanding areas of mathematics.  We follow a linear course which has two terminal examinations.  Students are entered for their final exam when it is appropriate, with their final opportunity to take the examinations at the end of Year 11.

Key Stage 5

We offer both Maths and Further Maths at Key Stage 5.

A Level Maths has four Pure Maths core modules: two in Year 12 and two in Year 13, supported with Statistics in Year 12 and Mechanics in Yearr 13.

If a student opts for Further Maths, this is run in conjunction with the Further Maths support network where the students have a wide choice of modules that they complete online.