Mathematics
Department Ethos
Mathematics is essential for everyday life and understanding our world; it is important to ensure that all pupils have the best possible mathematics education. We want pupils to be engaged, challenged, successful and have a curiosity and enjoyment of mathematics. Pupils will build in confidence and be continually challenged to ensure they reach their full potential. We aim to equip pupils with the numeracy and problem-solving skills they need to help them become independent learners, ready to tackle the real world.
“It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s that I stay with problems longer.” – Albert Einstein
Learn more about Mathematics at Key Stage 3
In Years 7, 8 & 9 pupils receive six lessons of Mathematics a fortnight and are taught in sets. The links below show you what is covered in the Scheme of Learning and Assessment (SOLA) during each year. Pupils get set weekly homework to complete and during each half-term they will complete an in-class assessment to test their progress, and sets are adjusted where necessary. These tests are marked by the class teacher, and a feedback lesson allows pupils to reflect on how they have done and what is needed to improve. They get a feedback sheet identifying their strengths and weaknesses; to glue in their exercise book and this is emailed to parents for their records.
We offer a Homework Support session once a week that any pupil can attend.
Our most able mathematicians will participate in the UKMT Maths Challenge. Inquisitive mathematical minds might also be interested in Parallel to learn about new areas of Maths and try weekly quizzes.
Learn more about Mathematics at Key Stage 4
Year 10 receive 7 lessons of Mathematics a fortnight, whilst in Year 11, pupils get 8 lessons a fortnight. The GCSE Maths specifications and assessment details (consisting of three terminal papers: one non-calculator and two calculator papers, each 1.5 hours in length) are shown below. The links below show you what is covered in the Scheme of Learning and Assessment (SOLA) during KS4. Pupils in Year 10 continue to get half-termly in-class assessments to monitor their progress. In Year 11, pupils will get frequent practice at exam papers including two sets of mock exams during the year. The GCSE course is fully taught by the Spring term in Year 11, giving plenty of time for revision and exam practice ahead of the final papers.
Our most able mathematicians may participate in the UKMT Intermediate Maths Challenge. Some pupils may also be entered for additional Maths qualifications such as AQA Further Maths (Level 2) and/or the Additional Maths qualification (FSMQ – Level 3) to enhance their GCSE Maths grade and support transition to A-level Maths.
GCSE details
Higher Tier: Pearson Edexcel GCSE
Three written exam papers;
- P1 Non-calculator, 1.5 hours
- P2 Calculator, 1.5 hours
- P3 Calculator, 1.5 hours
Foundation Tier: OCR GCSE
Three written exam papers;
- P1 Calculator, 1.5 hours
- P2 Non-calculator, 1.5 hours
- P3 Calculator, 1.5 hours
Pupils will need a pen, pencil, ruler, rubber, compass, protractor and scientific calculator. Pre-packed pencil cases (suitable for exam use) and scientific Casio calculators can be purchased through Arbor and collected from the Finance Office.
KS4 revision guides and other materials are also available to buy on Arbor
Extra-curricular opportunities
Mathematics homework support every Wednesday in ICT2 from 3-4pm.
Year 11 Maths revision – tbc
Links and downloads
Useful websites