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 Conran, Miss Du Toit, Mrs Randall, Mrs O'Shea and Miss Paxford |
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 the secondary maths curriculum into 'stages' and we name them according to the colours of the rainbow. Pupils work on a given stage for a year and then move on to the next stage in order to build their skill level across a broad range of topics. We also work through four phases each year before revising them all at the end.
The phases are:
- Number
- Algebra
- Shape
- Data
Each phase concludes with a test. There is not a set length of time allocated to each phase as, for example in the purple stage, there is a great deal of algebra and not so much number, whereas in the orange stage there is much more number and not so much algebra to cover. They last 'roughly' 6-8 weeks each.
Maths KS3 Curriculum Map
Key Stage 4
At Key Stage 4 we prepare pupils for the AQA GCSE exam and therefore our whole curriculum has the AQA syllabus at its core. We continue to work through coloured stages until the end of Year 10 and in Year 11 pupils are given the finishing touches, including plenty of past paper practice.
Pupils will sit three exams of 1.5 hours, two with a calculator and one without.
KS4 Foundation Maths Curriculum Map
KS4 Higher Maths Curriculum Map
To Support Your Learning
- We offer Maths Clinic every Monday and Tuesday evening after school. This is where pupils are able to speak to a maths teacher about work that they need help with.
- We are members of the PiXL Club and as such all our pupils have access to the 'PiXL Maths App'. This is an online resource that allows pupils to practise skills on their smartphone, tablet or PC.
- We are also subscribers to 'HegartyMaths'. This is another 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 pupils take part in the UKMT Mathematics Challenges at Junior and Intermediate level. We also enter teams in the UKMT 'Maths Feast'.
