Mathematics

Mathematics is the means of looking at the patterns that make up our world and the intricate and beautiful ways in which they are constructed and realised. Numeracy is the means of making that knowledge useful.

Mathematics contributes to the school curriculum by developing pupils' abilities:

• to calculate;
• to reason logically, algebraically, and geometrically;
• to solve problems, and
• to handle data.

Mathematics is important for pupils in many other areas of study, particularly the sciences, geography and design technology. It is also important in everyday living, in many forms of employment, and in public decision-making.

As a subject in its own right, mathematics presents frequent opportunities for creativity, and can stimulate moments of pleasure and wonder when a problem is solved for the first time, or a more elegant solution to a problem is discovered, or when hidden connections suddenly manifest themselves.

It enables pupils to build a secure framework of mathematical reasoning, which they can use and apply with confidence. The power of mathematical reasoning lies in its use of precise and concise forms of language, symbolism and representation to reveal and explore general relationships. These mathematical forms are widely used for modelling situations; a trend accelerated by computational technologies.

The subject transcends cultural boundaries and its importance is universally recognised. Mathematics helps us to understand and change the World.

Curriculum
All pupils take Mathematics GCSE, it is one of the ‘core' subjects. Pupils are taught in sets, by ability level, from Year 7 onwards.
For Years 7 to 9, each topic is allocated 7-8 lessons. This allows sufficient time to cover the content required, and usually allows for some time to be devoted to extension or enrichment activities. For Years Ten and Eleven, most topics are also allocated two weeks' teaching time, though as the new specification (from September 2006) beds in, this situation may need to be reviewed.

Homework
Two homeworks will be set each week, of roughly the following lengths:

• Year 7 - 20 minutes
• Year 8 - 30 minutes
• Year 9 - 30 minutes
• Year 10/11 - 40 minutes

In the Sixth Form, students can expect to receive homework after every lesson. However, this is not always the case, and is left to the discretion of the class teacher

Exam Results and Statistics
In 2011, 50 pupils took IGCSE Mathematics. The pass rate at A-C was 96%, with 56% gaining A/A* grades. 18 pupils took GCSE Statistics. The Pass rate at A-C was 100%, 83.3% at A/A*. 
7 students took A-Level Mathematics, the pass rate was 100%, all at A/B grade. The average number of points was 8.57.

In 2010, 59 pupils took IGCSE Mathematics. The pass rate at A-C was 100%, with 66.1% gaining A or A* grades. 19 pupils took GCSE Statistics. The Pass rate at A-C was 100%, all at A & A*.
16 students took A-Level Mathematics, the pass rate was 100%, with 81.3% at A/B grade. The average number of points was 8.88.

In 2009, 54 pupils took IGCSE Mathematics. The pass rate at A-C was 96.3%, with 44.4% gaining A or A* grades. 21 pupils took GCSE Statistics. The Pass rate at A-C was 100%, with 76.2% gaining A or A*.
11 students took A-Level Mathematics, the pass rate was 100%, with 81.8% at A/B grade. The average number of points was 8.55.

Staffing
Mr. M. Hoarty BSc PGCE - Head of Department
Mrs. J. House Bed
Mrs. S. Illsley BSc PGCE
Mrs. V. Rossat PGCE

To see Year 7 Syllabus Click here
To see Year 8 Syllabus Click here
To see Year 9 Syllabus Click here
To see IGCSE Syllabus Click here
To see A-Level Syllabus Click here

The Maths Department also run the Chess Club and the Puzzle Challenge Club

Maths Puzzles

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