'Mathematics is, in its way, the poetry of logical ideas' Albert Einstein.
Our curriculum has been built around this premise; promoting and embedding the skills, reasoning and problem solving needed to engage with final assessments, but also ensuring the beauty and wonderment of mathematical ideas can be explored. This enables all our students to be the best mathematicians they can be whilst promoting our core values of independence, resilience and care in all our pupils.
KS3
Year 7 and 8 build on previous knowledge to enhance and develop mathematical understanding and interest. During Year 9 students further develop these core skills, build on the mathematical processes and embed problem solving. Knowledge and skills developed at KS3 includes:
- Numbers and the number system
- Calculating
- Checking, approximating and estimating
- Counting and comparing
- Visualising and constructing
- Investigating properties of shapes
- Algebraic proficiency: tinkering
- Exploring fractions, decimals and percentages
- Proportional reasoning
- Pattern sniffing
- Measuring space
- Investigating angles
- Calculating fractions, decimals and percentages
- Solving equations and inequalities
- Calculating space
- Mathematical movement
- Presentation of data
- Measuring data
- Integers and Indices Angles Functions and Sequences Ratio and Proportion Perimeter, Area and Volume Pythagoras and Trigonometry
- Factors and Multiples Fractions and Decimals Estimation and Approximation Transformations Direct and Inverse Proportion Circles and Cylinders
- Expressions and Formulae Theoretical and Experimental Probability Graphs Percentages Congruent and Similar Shapes Charts and Averages
- Equations and Inequalities 2D and 3D Shapes Gradients Angles in Polygons Compound Units Bearings and Scale Diagrams
GCSE
Years 10 and 11 continue towards their final GCSE 9-1 graded examination:
- Data Collection and Sampling Accuracy and Bounds Constructions and Loci Graphical Solution of Equations Standard Form Compound Units
- Organising, Presenting and Analysing Data Circles, Spheres and Pyramids Geometric Proofs Algebraic Solution of Equations Surds 2D and 3D Representations
- Primes, Factors and Multiples Pythagoras and Trigonometry Direct and Inverse Proportion Fractions and Decimals Inequalities Trigonometry
- Algebraic Manipulation Proofs and Formulae Percentage Change Bivariate Data Circle Theorems Straight Line Graphs Transformations Functions
- Probability Real-World Graphs Similar Figures Vectors Sequences Non Linear Graphs Transformations of Graphs
All year groups are assessed each term, working towards the final GCSE exam at the end of Year 11.
Assessment
Students in maths sit the OCR exam series.
There are three papers to be taken at the end of the GCSE course in Year 11.
Each paper will be 1 hour and 30 minutes long.
The Foundation tier covers grades 1-5 and the Higher tier covers grades 4-9.For two of the papers a calculator is allowed and for one paper a calculator is not allowed.
If you require any further information, please contact the maths faculty.
Entry Level Maths
Those students who are working towards a GCSE grade in Year 11 study the Entry Level Certificate in Maths. This consists of eight 45 minute assessments and is graded 1-3.The 8 component topics are:
- Properties of number
- The four operations
- Ratio
- Money
- The calendar and time
- Measures
- Geometry
- Statistics
If you require any further information about the Entry Level Certificate in Maths, please contact your son’s Maths teacher.
Further Maths
For our most able students we also offer the AQA Further Maths Level 2 qualification. This is suitable for those students who are expected to get grades 8 and 9 in GCSE Mathematics and who are likely to progress to A-level study in Mathematics and possibly Further Mathematics
It gives high achieving students an introduction to AS level topics that will help them to develop skills in:
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Calculus
- Matrices
- Trigonometry
- Functions
- Graphs
Assessment is linear: paper 1, non-calculator paper 2, calculator, both 1 hour 45 minutes. This qualification is now graded 9-1.
Teaching Staff:
- Ms R. Taylor – Head of Maths
- Ms D. Broderick – Assistant Headteacher / Maths Teacher
- Ms G. Stark – Second in Maths
- Mr U. Saleem – KS3 Maths Progress Lead
- Ms Z. Tyson – Maths Teacher
- Ms E. McIntosh – Maths Teacher / House Leader (Maple)
- Miss D. Flitcroft – Maths Teacher
- Mr S. Haider – Maths Teacher
- Ms J. Corbett – Maths Teacher
- Ms A. Cutuli - Maths Teacher
- Miss N. Hamid - Maths Teacher
- Mr E. Wheelan – Maths Academic Mentor
- Mr M. Jama – Maths Teaching Assistant