Links: GCSE (KS4)

 Links: Key Stage 3

The Mathematics Department seeks to:

• offer a broad based curriculum to all pupils.

• develop a positive and confident attitude to Mathematics as a fascinating, practical and powerful subject and not just as a set of sums or rules.

• encourage pupils to recognise the application of Mathematics in a wide variety of everyday situations.

• encourage the development of pupils’ analytical skills and to nurture a spirit of enquiry.

• develop oral and written communication skills within the subject. 

• employ teaching methods and resources that will allow all students to have equal access to Mathematics and to experience success and enjoyment in the subject.

• contribute to other areas of the school curriculum where mathematical skills may be relevant.

Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4

Programmes of study are primarily based on the National Curriculum and GCSE Mathematics Specification A (AQA). 

The curriculum content is split into three broad areas: Number and Algebra, Geometry and Measure, and Statistics.  Pupils study material from each of these areas throughout the Key Stages at a level appropriate to their ability.  They are expected to apply their knowledge in a variety of contexts.

At the end of KS3 our pupils sit the statutory SAT tests but our focus in KS3 is about setting firm foundations for GCSE and beyond.  Thus, by the end of Year 11, the majority of pupils are ready for Higher tier GCSE entry. 

We extend our top sets beyond NC expectations, both in depth and breadth of study.   In some cases, exceptionally able pupils follow an individualised programme of study leading to qualifications such as Additional Mathematics (OCR) or AS level Mathematics (MEI).  Some pupils are also involved in the Olympiad mentoring enrichment programme. 

A and AS LEVEL MATHEMATICS

Board: Oxford & Cambridge (MEI)

MEI – Mathematics in Education and Industry

Why choose Mathematics?

Mathematics combines both with the Sciences and with the Humanities.  In addition to the obvious relevance of mathematics to engineering, medicine, business and commerce, the use of quantitative techniques is becoming increasingly important in history, geography and the study of language. Both the wide application of the subject and the recognition that an A level pass is a mark of rigorous academic training imply that, when it comes to choosing a career, many opportunities will be open if Mathematics is included in your A level combination.

Three modules are required for AS and six for a full A level.  The following modules are taught.

C = Pure Mathematics,  M = Mechanics, S = Statistics

Examinations are in January and June each year.  The first examination, C1, is taken in the January of Year 12, with C2 and M1/S1 taken in June.  C3 is taken in the January of Year 13, with the remaining modules taken the following summer.  Modules may be retaken.

Course Details

Pure Mathematics includes Algebra, Calculus, Geometry and Trigonometry. It contains a body of knowledge that can be studied and enjoyed for its own sake and it is used in the applied modules.

Mechanics is the study of forces and how physical objects either move (such as the working of a nutcracker) or stay still (an erect building).  It is about developing the critical faculties required to approach problem solving across a wide range of activities, using the effect of forces as the main context.

Statistics involves the study of the principles and methods of statistical analysis.  It provides a good basis for all subjects requiring data collection and analysis.

The course is designed to teach students to apply the Mathematics taught in a real world context.  Module C3 has a coursework component in which students use graphical calculators and computers to solve a variety of equations.  Module C4 includes a comprehension paper on a mathematical topic. 

Further Mathematics

Mathematics is so important that it is the only traditional subject with a second A-level. 

An A level qualification in Further Mathematics is highly regarded as a measure of intellectual ability when applying for any undergraduate course.  In particular, it provides an excellent preparation for subjects with a strong mathematical content such as Mathematics, Economics, Physics, Engineering and Computing. 

Applicants for these Mathematics –related courses will be at an advantage if they have studied Further Mathematics to at least AS level.  This is particularly the case if seeking admission to courses at the more prestigious universities such as Cambridge, Oxford, Warwick, Durham, Imperial, Bath, Birmingham, UCL, Manchester and Leeds.  All of these universities state that they prefer or recommend candidates to have taken the subject for entry to at least one of the above courses and will, in some cases, make a reduced offer if the subject has been taken at AS or A2 level.

Further Mathematics is an AS/A level qualification designed to extend the standard A level in both breadth and depth and is intended to provide a stimulating experience for the most able students who are likely to achieve an A* at GCSE level.

The course requires the study of a further 3 modules for AS and 6 modules for the full A level.  The choice of Applied modules depends on which modules are being studied in the single subject.

FP = Pure Mathematics, M = Mechanics, S = Statistics, D = Decision Mathematics 

Decision Mathematics introduces a range of methods used to find the optimal solution to a variety of problems that occur in computing, business and project management.

Higher Education and Career Opportunities

It is possible to study for a degree in Mathematics at most universities.  Mathematics itself has many different branches and most degree courses allow some choice in the later stages. It is also possible for Mathematics to be offered as part of a joint degree as Mathematics combines well with almost any other subject.

It is a good basis for many careers as it shows evidence of a sound logical mind and of a person who is able to think analytically and lucidly. These are qualities which are essential in a variety of careers such as Engineering, Architecture, Economics, Business Studies, Computing, Accountancy, Psychology, Management, Education, Law, Medicine and Scientific Research.

Employers find A Level Mathematics an attractive qualification even if it is unlikely that the work will involve Mathematics to any great extent. On the other hand there are many areas of industrial or commercial employment where a mathematical background is very useful and does actually enter into the job being done.