Mathematics

Head of Department: P McMahon

The aim of the department is to provide a knowledge of mathematics for further study, as a tool for other subjects, for use in everyday life, and to develop clear logical thought. The department is situated in the main body of the school where seven classrooms are reserved almost exclusively for the teaching of mathematics and where there is easy access to the two computer suites. The rooms are spacious and there is a programme in place to equip the rooms with the latest technology. With qualified mathematicians in short supply we are most fortunate to have a team of eight highly qualified specialists providing the teaching. There is a good blend of youth and experience and all work well together for the benefit of our students.

What we do

In Year 7 we aim to consolidate the skills and concepts met at primary school as well as making progress with the curriculum. From Year 8 onwards pupils are set for mathematics and this enables us to help all pupils to progress at their own best speed. In Year 9 an Express set is created with members of the set sitting the Edexcel IGCSE at the end of Year 10; all other pupils sit the examination at the end of Year 11, with most being entered for the higher tier. Virtually all pupils obtain at least a grade C and around 60% usually obtain grades A* or A. The Express set completes AS mathematics in Year 11. In the Sixth Form we follow the Edexcel modular syllabus leading to AS and A2 qualifications in Mathematics and Further Mathematics. The A/B success rate in recent years has exceeded 75% in Mathematics and 95% in Further Mathematics.

In addition to the normal curriculum our students also participate in the UK mathematical challenges. There are three main versions, depending on the age of the pupil: the Senior Mathematical Challenge for the Sixth Form, the Intermediate Mathematical Challenge for Years 9-11, and the Junior Mathematical Challenge for Years 7 and 8. Our results are invariably above the national average. We also enter a team in the UKMT Team Maths Challenge. Mathematics can be a challenging subject but we hope to make it sufficiently interesting that even less able students enjoy the subject and appreciate its importance and usefulness.