Maths

Key Stage 3

What do students study?

Mathematics is studied by all students for seven lessons per fortnight at Key Stage 3. Students are taught in mixed ability classes. In lessons, students will develop their skills in Number, Algebra, Geometry, Ratio & Proportion and Probability & Statistics, as outlined in the Mathematics National Curriculum. This follows a scheme of work designed to allow students to consolidate the basic skills they need, whilst challenging and extending their problem solving skills.

There is always an opportunity for students to get help with their Maths studies from any of the teachers in the department and we run regular sessions on Mondays and Wednesdays both at lunchtime and after school to help. We also run numeracy interventions to assist students to get back on track if they require extra support in Maths.

How are students assessed?

At the end of each 12 week cycle, students will be given a formal assessment test where progress will be checked. The teacher will regularly indicate the level at which the student is working and provide feedback with suggestions for improvement.

Key Stage 4

What do students study?

In lessons, students will study a range of topics developing their skills in Number, Algebra, Geometry, Ratio & Proportion and Probability & Statistics.
We currently follow the AQA GCSE course.

Maths is a tiered subject, meaning Foundation tier students will study topics from GCSE grade 1 up to grade 5 and Higher tier students will study topics from GCSE grade 4 up to grade 9 in Years 10 and 11.

There is always an opportunity for students to get help with their Maths studies from any of the teachers in the department and we run regular sessions on Mondays and Wednesdays both at lunchtime and after school to help. In year 11, we provide a period 6 session every Tuesday as well.

How are students assessed?

Students will sit three exam papers at the end of Year 11 which will determine their grade. The papers are all equally weighted with one non-calculator paper and two calculator papers. Students should have their own scientific calculator and it is preferable to buy one early into Key Stage 4 (or before) so they are familiar with to how to use it.

Key Stage 5

What do students study?

The exam board we currently use is AQA – A Level Mathematics students study Pure Mathematics together with Statistics or Mechanics.

Students are encouraged to use a graphic calculator and IT is regularly used to demonstrate concepts visually. Additional support materials are accessed via the internet.

A GCSE Grade 6 or above is required for students to take this A Level course. We also require a recommendation from a student’s GCSE teacher about their attitude towards learning and suitability for the course. Students need to have covered the work at GCSE up to Grade 9 or complete this work prior to starting the course.