Maths

 

Aims

 

The Maths Department is made up of eleven members of staff and two dedicated Teaching Assistants. The department is made up of 8 standard sized classrooms plus one smaller room. Two of the rooms are equipped with computers. All of the rooms contain interactive Smart boards.

 

The ethos of the department is simple – we believe that our subject is vitally important to a child’s development and life chances. Therefore, we will at all times strive to show this through motivating and innovative lessons. We look to provide variety in our lessons, incorporating individual, paired and group work, practical activities, investigations and ICT based work wherever appropriate.

 

Keystage 3

 

In Year 7 consecutive tutor groups are paired and set broadly into upper and lower classes. In Year 8 we split into 5 sets. In Year 9 we split into 6 sets.

 

The Mathematics curriculum is divided into four separate areas – Number, Algebra, Shape and Space, and Data Handling. During Key Stage 3 we are always aiming to engage students and develop their interest in Maths whilst looking for a minimum of two levels of progress over three years.

 

Keystage 4

 

Based on an end of Key Stage 3 test, in Year 10, students are split into 7 sets. These remain in place for Year 11. Our students follow the AQA Modular course. We believe this course gives our students the best opportunity to gain the GCSE grade that they are capable of. Students follow either the Foundation (C – G grade) or the Higher (A* – D grade) course. All students take 3 exams as follows:

 

Module

Content

% of final grade

Date taken

Module 1

Data Handling

18%

November Y10

Module 3

Number and Algebra

27%

June Y10

Module 5

Shape and Space and Algebra

55%

June Y11

 

Students have the opportunity to re-sit their modules 1 and 3 at least once during Key Stage 4. Their highest mark in each module will count towards their final grade.
 
  

Study Plus

 

Study Plus is a non-accredited course for KS4 students. The ethos of Study Plus is one of Personalised Learning – we recognise the need for some students to brush up on their Maths and English skills in preparation for their GCSEs. This course aims to provide consolidation of key skills.

 

At all times, in Study Plus lessons we aim to:

 

  • Interest the group by using interesting or relevant topics
  • Always work towards key curricular targets for Maths and English
  • Allow an element of choice for the main tasks associated with the units

 

In essence, Study Plus is not just extra Maths and English. It is taught differently and focuses more on a student’s ability to apply the skills that they learn in their normal lessons. These are vital skills that are now being tested through functional skills tests at GCSE level. From 2012, without a pass at functional skills, a student will no longer be able to attain a GCSE grade of C or above in Maths and English.