YEARS 7, 8 and 9

The programme of study for Key Stage 3 is intended to provide pupils with a good grounding in the fundamental skills of number, algebra, shape and data-handling.  At the same time we aim to provide lessons that offer a variety of learning experiences for all pupils.  Each scheme of work includes a number of investigational, practical and ICT-based activities to supplement each topic.  Pupils in Years 7 to 9 will receive five hours of Maths per fortnight.

Setting

Year 7 pupils will initially be taught in form groups. Based on classwork, homework and the results of unit tests, they will be placed in ability bands at Christmas. This banding will allow pupils to progress through the scheme of work at a pace more suited to their ability; more able pupils will be given more opportunities to undertake challenging extension work, while there will be extra practice for those who need it.

Full setting will occur at the end of Year 7, with pupils in Years 8 to 11 being taught in five sets. Having five groups instead of four allows pupils to be taught in smaller classes (typically around 16 – 20 children per set, although lower sets tend to be smaller).

GCSE (Years 10 and 11)

The Department follows the OCR GCSE Mathematics Syllabus. The assessment objectives are grouped under four headings:

1.                   Using and Applying Mathematics

2.                   Number and Algebra

3.                   Shape, space and measures

4.                   Handling Data

Linear and Modular Courses

All pupils will be entered for the Higher tier papers, allowing pupils to gain grades in the range A*-D. Pupils are taught in one of five sets. The set that a pupil is in will determine the type of course that they are entered for. Pupils in the top two sets will all be entered for the linear course, with all examinations taking place at the end of Year 11.  Pupils in sets 3, 4 and 5 will follow a modular course, allowing pupils to take up to three module exams throughout Years 10 and 11.

Assessment

Both the linear and modular courses are assessed through examinations and coursework.  Coursework consists of two tasks, one investigational and one statistical, each contributing a total of 10% to the final GCSE grade.

AS & A LEVEL

Mathematics remains a popular choice for our students in Years 12 and 13, with over 70 students following one of our AS or A2 courses.  We follow the OCR Modular syllabus for Mathematics and Further Mathematics, which includes work in three main strands: Core Maths, Mechanics and Statistics.

All Mathematics modules carry equal weight and are assessed by examination in either January or June. Students taking A Level Mathematics are required to sit a total of six papers over the two years. Each exam is 90 minutes long.  There is no coursework in A Level Maths.

Further Maths students take twelve modules over two years, leading to a double A Level qualification.

Students who follow the Further Maths course may finish at the end of Year 12 (having completed a full A Level in Mathematics), or they could opt to finish after January of Year 13 having gained an A Level in Mathematics and an AS in Further Mathematics.