Mathematics

Introduction

“Mathematics equips pupils with a uniquely powerful set of tools to understand and change the world. These tools include logical reasoning, problem-solving skills, and the ability to think in abstract ways.

Mathematics is important in everyday life. Different cultures have contributed to the development and application of mathematics. Today, the subject transcends cultural boundaries and its importance is universally recognised.

Mathematics is a creative discipline. It can stimulate moments of pleasure and wonder when a pupil solves a problem for the first time, discovers a more elegant solution to that problem, or suddenly sees hidden connections.”

QCA Website, 2006

We recognize the importance of a good knowledge and understanding of the principles of mathematics, for itself, for use in other subjects or for everyday life. We are particularly keen for pupils to enjoy mathematics and feel confident in its use whenever the need arises.

Facilities

There are two dedicated main school mathematics rooms; both have interactive whiteboards. There is also a dedicated sixth form teaching room located in the Norbury building.

Curriculum

At KS3, we follow the principles of the National Numeracy Strategy and the National Curriculum. At GCSE, we follow the OCR Linear course, which has terminal papers at the end of year eleven with coursework, which is undertaken in Year 10. Some students are also given the opportunity to take the Online Adult Numeracy examination, which is equivalent to a half GCSE at grade B.

From September 2006, there is a new two-tier system for the GCSE course, which the school trialled in the examinations of 2005. All students will follow the higher tier and will, therefore, have access to the top grades.

At A Level, all students take four pure mathematical units and one each of mechanics and statistics, giving a balanced A Level that will aide students both in Physics and any subject requiring a statistical analysis or survey. There is also the option, for the most able, of taking A Level Further Mathematics.

General

Pupils are taught in sets from the beginning of year 7, based on KS2 results and other available data. These sets are reviewed periodically each year and pupils move sets as appropriate.

At KS3, pupils identified as needing additional support are given the opportunity to attend a weekly Mathematics Support Club. They are given their own support mentor, usually a student from Year 10 or above, who will work through any areas of mathematics that the pupil finds difficult. It is closely monitored by a member of staff who ensures that each pupil is given the individual support they require.

We also run a Mathematics Enhancement Club with fun mathematical activities for those pupils who enjoy a challenge.

The department has access to various software packages, to both enhance and aide teaching. These include a Logo turtle package and Geometer’s Sketchpad for shape and space activities, as well as a dedicated graphing package. Wherever possible, we endeavour to use ICT to make topics easier to understand and to give a practical experience of their use. The department also has a set of graphical calculators for use across all key stages.

To further enhance pupils experience of mathematical applications, we enter several national competitions; the UKMT mathematics challenges at Senior, Intermediate and Junior levels, the UKMT team challenge for year eight and nine pupils and the Inter Schools Airport Challenge, for year twelve students (won in 2005 - our first year of entry, second in 2006).

New for 2006, the department has been using the Jaguar Cars Maths in Motion software. We have entered national competitions based around the software and our KS4 team managed to qualify in 2006, as the only school from Lincolnshire, for the national final at the Heritage Motor Museum in Gaydon.

Staff