As a key academic discipline, Mathematics plays an important role in the curriculum throughout the College. The Mathematics Department’s approach to teaching uses a wide variety of techniques to stimulate, encourage and enhance pupils’ enjoyment and eventual success in the subject. Innovative and unique lessons and encouraged and ensure the inclusion of all pupils whatever their ability. Teaching of Mathematics links the subject with the world around us to help give a greater purpose and deeper understanding of Mathematics and its crucial role in society.
Resources
The Mathematics Department is located in the Goodwin and Jubilee Buildings in the main teaching area of the College campus. There are nine dedicated classrooms which host lessons and daily voluntary support sessions for pupils to improve on specific areas of weakness.
An online mathematics platform, Dr Frost Maths, enables all pupils to access lesson content and practice materials which support their classwork and prep. In major recent changes to schemes of work, there has been an emphasis on the introduction of ICT, problem solving and regular recall work.
Our focussed diagnostic approach to testing has developed a specific database aimed at highlighting pupils’ strengths and weaknesses. This information is used to inform teaching approaches, curriculum planning; and, most importantly, individualised learning and student development plans.
Additional Opportunities
Year 9 pupils explore the use of mathematical principles in the real world in an annual trip to Bletchley Park. Pupils across the year groups, wishing to further extend their understanding of the subject relish taking part in the three annual UKMT Mathematics Challenges. Scholars and senior pupils also get involved in mentoring their younger peers.
Curriculum
Key Stage 3
Mathematics lessons in Years 7 and 8 are short and evenly spread throughout the week to aid pupils’ concentration and learning. In Year 9, pupils are comprehensively tested at an early stage to inform planning and setting. The structure of academic sets allows excellent differentiation so pupils can benefit from specialised support and teaching.
GCSE
Mathematics is a compulsory subject for all pupils, as it holds a key position in pupils' academic development. A basic understanding of the subject is essential for everyday life. A strong performance will be required for most careers. IGCSE topics begin being taught in Year 9 with a thorough diagnostic testing programme and on-going assessments designed to identify areas for future development, pupils are then grouped into ability sets.
The syllabus has tiers of entry, which allows pupils to be entered for a level appropriate to them; foundation tier and higher tier are available. Each is assessed via terminal examination papers. In addition to the normal curriculum time allocation, support sessions are available Monday to Thursday during evening prep time. These sessions are open to anyone wishing to improve or wanting additional assistance with a specific topic.
More able Year 11 mathematicians are further challenged with entry for an additional mathematics qualification. The AQA Level 2 certificate in further mathematics aims to challenged the most able students, whilst bridging the gap to a demanding A-level curriculum.
Sixth Form
Retention of pupils from IGCSE to A-level mathematics has improved significantly in recent years. This has established mathematics as one of the most frequently selected sixth form subjects at the College. Students wishing to study mathematics at A-level will need to achieve a grade 7 or higher at GCSE/IGCSE.
The course is comprised of two main branches: pure and applied mathematics. Pure mathematics is a continuation of the subject which was taken at IGCSE/GCSE where the principles of algebra, geometry and trigonometry are developed to a higher level. Applied mathematics consists of mechanics and statistics modules.
Those who qualify in A-level mathematics are in the fortunate position of having a wide range of career choices. A mathematics degree should enable you to turn your head to a variety of careers including finance, statistics, engineering, computing, teaching or accountancy.
Sixth form students not opting for A-level mathematics who, nonetheless, want to strengthen their mathematics skills for their other A-level subjects, can opt to take the AQA Level 3 certificate in mathematical studies qualification in their option slot. As well as developing skills required in other subjects, such as statistical analysis, this qualification has the added benefit of developing understanding of loans, mortgages, National Insurance and Tax. These real-world topics prepare students for life beyond the college.
Further Mathematics
A number of our very able mathematicians also opt to study Further Mathematics at A Level. This is a demanding course which requires another six modules to be studied in addition to the six required by the standard Mathematics course. Further Mathematics is regarded as a benchmark of exceptional academic ability by university admissions tutors, and it helps to meet the entry criteria for almost every academic discipline.