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Mathematics

Key Stage 3:

Students are taught in sets based on their ability. This allows teachers to personalise their individual learning needs and ensures that they have a clear pathway through the curriculum. Learning is supported by using the Framework Maths textbooks. Lessons are differentiated to match different learning styles and teachers are aware of any Special Education Needs of students within their classes.

Assessment in Key Stage 3 consists of a weekly comment in student’s exercise book, half termly tests and they are tested at the end of Key Stage 3. Assessment criteria are shared with students.

What do students learn in KS3?

Key Stage 4

Course Content

Students continue to develop and extend their knowledge, skills and understanding of number, algebra, shape, space and measures and handling data using relevant resources and textbooks. They will be expected to solve simple linear equations, draw accurate graphs, work out the answers to number problems (with and without a calculator), and have a basic understanding of probability. The content does, however, depend on the intended tier of entry at GCSE.

Assessment

There are two tiers of entry: higher (GCSE grades 9 to 4) and foundation (GCSE grades 5 to 1).

Students continue to work in sets towards their tier of entry. They are able to move sets when appropriate. Students will be entered into the examination that allows them to get their best grade. This is decided in Year 11.

Assessment at GCSE is based on three examinations taken in the summer of Year 11. There will be two calculator papers and one non-calculator paper.

Sixth Form - Mathematics

Course Content

The course covers a wide area of Pure Mathematics including Calculus, Trigonometry and Algebra and looks at applying these skills in Statistics and Mechanics. Pure Mathematics is assessed in the Core elements of the course and will be studied alongside the Applied units of Statistics and Mechanics. Students need to enjoy problem solving and must be prepared to work with thoroughness to arrive at solutions. A sound understanding of Algebra is essential.

Course Structure

The linear course will cover a wide range of Pure Mathematics topics. These will include proof, Algebra and functions, Coordinate geometry, Sequences and series, Trigonometry, Exponentials and logarithms, Differentiation, Integration and Numerical methods. The Applied modules will cover areas of Mechanics and Statistics. Topics will include Vectors, Kinematics, Newton’s Laws of Motion, Probability, Statistical Distributions and Hypothesis Testing.

Assessment

At the end of Year 13 there will be three two-hour papers for the students to complete. Paper 1 will cover the Pure elements of the syllabus and Papers 2 & 3 will be a mix of Pure and Applied Mathematics.

Sixth Form - Further Mathematics

Course Content

Further Mathematics is offered to our most able Mathematicians. The course allows students to study in greater depth many of the areas covered by the A level Mathematics syllabus and is tailored to their requirements. There will be a wide combination of topics modules available to accommodate students’ strengths in Pure Mathematics, Mechanics, Statistics and Discrete Mathematics.

Course Structure

The linear course will allow students to study in greater depth a wider range of Pure Mathematics. They will also be able to choose two elements from Discrete Mathematics, Mechanics or Statistics to pursue further. The Pure Mathematics topics will include; Proof, Complex Numbers, Matrices, Polar Coordinates, Further Calculus, Vectors and Hyperbolic Functions. There will be a wide array of topics to study in the Applied elements of the course.

Assessment

At the end of Year 13 there will be three two-hour papers for the students to complete. Papers 1 and 2 will cover the compulsory Pure elements of the syllabus. Paper 3 will assess the optional elements of Discrete, Statistics or Mechanics which the students will have studied over the two years.

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