Mathematics

Mathematics is the study of patterns abstracted from the world around us. It is a truly global language.
Our aim is for your child to develop a powerful set of tools that can be used to reason, problem solve and think in abstract ways.

In Mathematics at Key Stage 3 there are four attainment targets:
Using and applying mathematics
Number and algebra
Shape, space and measures
Handling data

Your child will be given opportunities to study each of these areas and assistance in making connections between each one.

What will your child study?
Your child will take increasing responsibility for planning and executing their own work.

Using and applying mathematics. Your child will develop problem solving, communication and reasoning skills by completing investigations on open ended tasks.
Number and algebra. This involves extending your child's calculating skills to fractions, percentages and decimals, and beginning to understand the importance of proportional reasoning. They will start to use algebraic techniques and symbols with confidence. Simple equations will be generated and solved using algebraic and graphical skills.
Shape, space and measures. Your child will start to use definitions and reasoning to understand geometrical shapes. They will encounter algebraic and geometric proofs and begin to understand reasoned arguments.
Handling data. Practical activities are used to study handling data and they will be introduced to a quantitative approach to probability.

Although pupils enter from a range of schools and backgrounds, we set for mathematics in Year 7, using prior information. The sets are flexible and movement between the upper and lower groups is possible at any stage in the year. From year eight onwards sets are frequently reviewed to ensure that students are best placed to make the most of their potential and should we decide to move a student we will always discuss it with parents first.

How will your child be assessed?
Your child's classwork and homework will be regularly assessed
Half term tests are set on the work covered in that period
Exams based on nationally set examinations are used in our summer exams, although they are marked internally

The work is differentiated through:
Setting by ability
Differentiated resources for each set
Differentiated exercises where some pupils will be moved on to the extension questions
Range of activities such as working in pairs, group work and investigations
High expectations to ensure all pupils feel they can contribute and are suitably challenged

Homework is used to support the work done in class. Your child may be asked to :
Answer questions from the textbook or a worksheet
Complete an investigation or activity
Do research on an agreed topic
Practise mental arithmetic
Revise for a test

What activities will your child take part in?
If your child is in the upper set, they may be entered for the UK Junior Maths Challenge held in the Spring Term each year. This is an opportunity for the gifted and talented students in mathematics to apply their knowledge and skills to more complex problems.

Mathematics is the study of patterns abstracted from the world around us, so anything we learn in the subject has many applications - in arts, sciences, finance, health and leisure. It has been described as "the Queen and Servant" of Science and lies at the core of scientific understanding, and of logical thought or argument. The study of almost any scientific subject will inevitably involve Mathematics. Hence, it is an invaluable preparation for careers in the areas of Science, Engineering, Computing, Medicine, Business, Finance and Accountancy.

Most further education courses require a GCSE grade of C or better in Mathematics, even those where Mathematics will not obviously be used at all in the course. Mathematics is a subject where the more you put into it, the more you are likely to enjoy it. Attempting questions is the key to successful learning; reading through your notes or the textbook is not sufficient.

The course covers the following areas:

Using and Applying Mathematics - counts for 20% of the GCSE mark
Number and algebra - counts for 40% of the GCSE mark.
Shape and Space (Geometry and Trigonometry) - counts for 20% of the GCSE mark.
Data Handling - counts for 20% of the GCSE mark

You will be assessed solely through terminal examinations which count for 100% of the GCSE mark. You will sit two papers in June of year 11, one calculator and one non-calculator paper each lasting 1 hour 45 minutes.

The top GCSE set will be an accelerated set with the aim of taking their exams in November of year 11, or earlier. They will then immediately begin an extension course such as the Core 1 module from AS maths.

The subject can be entered at one of two levels (Foundation, or Higher), with increasing content at each level.

The Foundation Tier is aimed at those who find the subject difficult. There is less content with grades C to G being available. We usually have one small group taking this tier.

The Higher Tier is very demanding and is aimed at grades A* to D. The top three groups  will work towards this tier of entry.

Entry at the correct tier is important because any marks below the minimum level would lead to an unclassified result. A final decision as to your level of entry will be made after your child’s mock exam in year eleven.

Since 2009, coursework is no longer used as a means of assessment at GCSE. However, small pieces of coursework may be set from time to time to assist pupils in understanding and applying some material.

Specification: Edexcel Mathematics A - Linear 1MAO
Click here to download the current specification for this GCSE course.

AS and A Level Mathmatics

(See below for Further Mathematics)

Mathematics is suitable for inclusion with either Science or Arts subjects, being particularly recommended if Physics, Chemistry or Biology are taken at A level.  Statistics is being used increasingly in other subjects, if not at A level, then in more Advanced courses e.g. in Psychology, Economics or Geography.  Students are advised not to start the AS level course unless they have followed the GCSE Higher Tier course and gained grade A or better in the subject as it is considerably more demanding than at GCSE level, and contains a lot of algebra.  Students with a B will be considered.

All Sixth Form Mathematics courses contain both Pure and Applied Mathematics (Mechanics and Statistics). The Pure Mathematics includes calculus and more advanced algebra and trigonometry; the Mechanics is based initially on Newton’s laws of motion and includes both statics, the study of forces on stationary bodies, and dynamics – bodies in motion.  Many of the mechanics topics are studied, from a different perspective, in the Physics course. The statistics units aim to help students select appropriate statistical techniques for handling data.

A and AS level Mathematics
Mathematics can be taken at AS level or A level. This is achieved by using a modular system which will not change until 2012.

For AS level three units are required – two compulsory Pure units, the third either Mechanics or Statistics.

For A level six units are required – four compulsory Pure units, the other two can be chosen from four Mechanics and four Statistics units.

Generally our candidates take one mechanics and one statistics unit in addition to the four compulsory Pure ones.

Specification: OCR Mathematics AS 3890 A level 7890
Click here to download the current specification for this A level course.

Student comments
“AS Maths combines core Maths and Mechanics and Statistics and it would be easier than you would expect. After a bit of practice, it’s actually quite fun.”  Zhenbo

“AS Maths is quite a step up from GCSE, but it is manageable if you’re confident and put the work in.  It’s very popular, probably because by studying AS Maths, you’ll reap the benefits in later life.”  Callum

“AS level Maths may seem like a big jump from GCSE Maths, but once we get into it, it’s still quite a straight forward course, simply depending on the time and effort we put into it. Core Maths is something I feel is very similar with GCSE Maths in a way which we solve the questions but Mechanics 1 and Statistics 1 may be challenging as it is something new. Even so, I believe A level Maths is not something at an impossible standard for anyone and most people are certainly capable of having a go at it. It can even be interesting sometimes!” Elbert

AS and A Level Further Mathematics

Further Mathematics can only be studied as an additional AS or A level to the standard A level Mathematics. The course would be suitable for students who have achieved a grade A* at GCSE level. The aim is to broaden and deepen their mathematical knowledge and fluency. This qualification is particularly useful to all who intend to study degrees with a strong mathematical content, such as Engineering, Sciences, Computing and Mathematics itself.

The course contains both Pure and Applied Mathematics (Mechanics, Statistics and Decision Mathematics). The Pure Mathematics modules include matrices, complex numbers, groups and more advanced calculus and algebra. Projectile motion, work, energy and power and collisions are covered in the Mechanics module, and sampling and hypothesis tests on various distributions in the Statistics module. The Decision Mathematics modules involve modelling real-life situations using algorithms, networks, linear programming and critical path analysis.

Further Mathematics can be taken at AS level or A level. This is achieved by using a modular system.

For AS level three units are required - one compulsory Pure unit and two other applied units which may not include the Pure units from A level mathematics.

For A level six units are required – two compulsory Pure units, the other four which will normally be two Mechanics, one Statistics and one Decision Mathematics units.

Order of Aggregation
In the majority of cases, certification for A level Mathematics will be made at the same time as the request for A level Further Mathematics certification. In this aggregation process, the best A level Mathematics grade will be determined first and the remaining units will be used to grade the Further Mathematics A level.

Specification: OCR Mathematics (Further) AS 3892 A 7892
Click here to download the current specification for this A level course.

Student comments
“Further Maths is a subject for people who are interested in Maths. It is more difficult than the Maths A level and requires a lot of self study. The subject is challenging and great fun.” Maggie

“Further Maths is very different from Maths.  You really can fulfil your potential and challenge yourself.” Xuetong

“Further Maths is essentially a challenging extension to Maths and takes you out of your comfort zone.  It’s a great challenge, but very rewarding at the same time.” Callum