Mathematics
Summary
We believe that the ability to understand, interpret and use Mathematics is a necessity for all our pupils. Mathematics is a core subject and every student is entered for a GCSE in Year 11.
We aim is to help all pupils:
- To acquire mathematical facts and skills in a way that encourages confidence and enjoyment.
- To apply Mathematics in response to the demands of society and the needs of the world of work.
Courses Taught
- EDEXCEL IGCSE Mathematics
- OCR FSMQ Additional Maths
- OCR AS and A Level Mathematics
- OCR AS and A Level Further Mathematics
Pupils are taught in general ability streams for Year 7. They are then put into sets according to ability and this is the case until the end of Year 11. The sets are of differing sizes enabling pupils to get the support and attention needed to make good progress. The more able pupils in Year 11 are given the opportunity to complete the OCR Additional Mathematics certificate. This allows them to develop their Mathematical skills and introduces them to topics on the AS Mathematics syllabus.
The Mathematics AS and A Level courses are flexible, including options in Decision Maths, Statistics and Mechanics as well as compulsory Pure Mathematics modules. Strong mathematicians can take an additional AS or A Level in Further Mathematics. The Sixth Form mathematics courses are very useful ancillary subjects for Sciences, Business Studies, Economics, Psychology and Geography.
Maths Challenge
We customarily enter the top sets in Year 8, the top set in Year 10 and all Year 12 maths students for the UK Maths Challenge.
The Maths Challenge is the largest Maths competition in the UK and therefore very prestigious. The candidates who do best in the Maths Challenges are not always the same ones who go on to achieve A*s in their GCSEs and A-Levels. It looks for different skills to those used in our normal curriculum, such as the ability to think round a problem and look for quick and inventive methods to solve it, so it provides an extension to learning and also an opportunity for a different sample of students to show their abilities.
