Preparation is the key to success. Our intent in KS3 Maths is to prepare students for their mathematical journey at school and beyond. Students experience a KS3 curriculum which supports them to gain a deeper understanding of topics and development of reasoning skills. The curriculum also aims to enable students to recall and apply key knowledge and apply a structured and logical approach to problem-solving effectively. Throughout our lessons, skills are broken down into key steps, and we ensure that students master each small step before moving on to the next. We then build these skills together towards the end of a topic to ensure students are able to make links between the skills and topics they have studied and so that they are able to apply them to complex problems.

 

KS4 is a three-year course. The Higher Tier follows the Edexcel Exam Board whilst the Foundation Tier follow the OCR Exams Board.

In May/June, Year 11 take three exam papers. For the Higher Tier - Paper 1 (non-calculator) and Papers 2 & 3 (calculator). For the Foundation Tier - Paper 1 (calculator), Paper 2 (non-calculator), and Paper 3 (calculator). Since 2017, there has been an emphasis on problem-solving as well as showing mathematical methods for both Higher and Foundation Tiers.

Students are taught Mathematics in sets by ability level. The top 2 sets follow an accelerated course to include an additional AQA Further Mathematics (Level 2) course. Students sit two exams; calculator and non-calculator based.

 

The department offers the following A-Level Mathematics course: Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE in Mathematics (9MA0).

This two-year course builds directly on the foundation of the GCSE Higher Level syllabus. It pre-supposes skills in basic algebraic manipulation and the ability to work logically through multistage problems to further develop mathematical understanding. Students are encouraged to think, act and communicate mathematically, providing them with the skills to analyse situations in mathematics and elsewhere. The mathematical knowledge gained will be broad and widely applicable, preparing students for a range of destinations in Higher Education and employment.

The A-Level specification has 3 components:

Year 1: Pure Mathematics 1 (Weighting: 33 1/3%)

• Indices and surds, polynomials, coordinate geometry, trigonometry, sequences and series, algebra and functions, differentiation and integration, numerical methods, exponentials and logarithms, proof, vectors

Year 2: Pure Mathematics 2 (Weighting: 33 1/3%)

• All Pure Maths content as above

Years 1 & 2: Applied Maths - Statistics & Mechanics (Weighting: 33 1/3%)

• Sampling, interpretation in context, standard deviation, binomial and normal distributions, hypothesis testing, use of large data sets, conditional probability (50% of paper)
• Newton's laws of motion, kinematics of motion in a straight line and under gravity, equilibrium of a particle, force as a vector and resolving forces, projectile motion, moments (50% of paper)

Regular assessment takes place, usually half-termly, to ensure students remain on top of their studies, with mock exams taking place in the Spring term. Final assessment is by three external written examinations of duration two hours each at the end of the two-year course, with no coursework.

Key Stage 5 Further Mathematics

The study of further mathematics adds breadth and depth to the topics covered in A-Level Mathematics. It introduces new topics, for example matrices and complex numbers. Such topics form an important part of maths-rich degrees in areas such as the sciences, engineering, statistics, economics and computing, in addition to mathematics itself. Some prestigious universities now require a Further Mathematics qualification.

The department currently offers Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE in Further Mathematics (9FM0). The specification has 4 components:

1: Mandatory Core Pure Mathematics 1 (Weighting: 25%)

• Proof, complex numbers, matrices, further algebra and functions, further calculus, further vectors, polar co-ordinates, hyperbolic functions, differential equations, trigonometry

2: Mandatory Core Pure Mathematics 2 (Weighting: 25%)

• Any of the pure mathematics above

3: Option 1 (Weighting: 25%)

4: Option 2 (Weighting: 25%)

Regular assessment takes place, usually half termly, to ensure students remain on top of their studies, with mock exams taking place in the Spring term. Final assessment is by four external written examinations of duration 1.5 hours each at the end of the Upper Sixth, with no coursework.