Maths
Back to SubjectsIn the mathematics department, we aim to equip students with the skills and knowledge required to solve different problems, but perhaps more importantly, we strive to build students' resilience and imagination so that they can apply their skills when faced with real challenges.
Mathematics is among the most demanding of academic subjects and it can therefore be the most rewarding. Whilst doing all we can to help students succeed in their studies, we hope that we are also able to reveal some of the wonder and excitement that the subject has to offer.
In addition to the normal school stationery equipment, students also require a pair of compasses, protractor and scientific calculator (all of which can be purchased from the school).
Department Staff
| Head of Department - Mr Messenger |
| Assistant Head of Department - Mr Jury |
| Teachers - Mrs Black, Miss Du Toit, Mrs Randall, Mrs O'Shea, Miss Paxford, Mrs Wiltshire and Mr Lambden |
Key Stage 3
Mathematics is a progressive subject - in order to master a given skill, it is often necessary to have already mastered other skills.
With this in mind we have organised a 'spiral' curriculum, visiting topics several times over the course of years 7, 8 and 9, at an increasingly higher level each time. We address topics in the five broad areas of:
- Number
- Ratio & Proportion
- Algebra
- Geometry & Measures
- Statistics and Probability
Topic units last approximately 2-3 weeks. Each topic unit concludes with a short assessment.
Maths KS3 Curriculum Map
Key Stage 4
At Key Stage 4 we prepare students for the AQA GCSE exam and therefore our whole curriculum has the AQA syllabus at its core.
We continue to study the five broad areas of Number, Ratio and Proportion, Algebra, Geometry & Measures and Statistics & Probability. This lasts until the year 11 mock exams, after which time we revisit areas as necessary and revise with plenty of past paper practice.
Students sit three exams, each 1.5 hours, consisting of one non-calculator paper and two with a calculator allowed.
KS4 Foundation Maths Curriculum Map
KS4 Higher Maths Curriculum Map
To Support Your Learning
- We offer Maths Clinic every Tuesday and Wednesday evening after school. This is where students are able to speak to a maths teacher about work that they need help with.
- We are subscribers to Sparx Maths. This is an online resource that allows teachers to set homework, and pupils to practise skills with step by step lessons.
- We sell CGP Revision Guides in school - please ask your maths teacher for details.
Websites
We recommend the following websites to support home study. They have plenty of videos and questions for practice:
Extra-Curricular Opportunities
Every year some of our students take part in the UKMT Mathematics Challenges at Junior and Intermediate level. We run an extra-curricular after school club 'Equation Squad.' We currently offer a GCSE option course of Statistics and Further Maths.
