Aims
The Mathematics department strives to develop each student fully to their potential. It is important to us that students experience enjoyment and satisfaction in their achievements. The aim is to provide each student with the skills and confidence needed for their chosen career path, to be numerate and to develop the students’ understanding of the mathematics required in daily adult life.
Years 7 - 9
Students in year 7 are taught in mixed ability groups, and then set in years 8 and 9. As a department, we follow the White Rose mathematics curriculum which focuses on a mastery approach – the aim being to develop deep understanding rather than broad. This means pupils are exposed to deeper problmes rather than accelerating through new content. In all groups, short assessments are held at the end of each unit of work (normally fortnightly) and longer assessments at the end of each term.
Homework is set once a week. This will be a minimum of a task on “EduCake” of ten questions which should take 15-30 minutes.
Years 10 - 11
Students follow a two-year AQA GCSE course, leading to entry at either foundation or higher tier. All students follow the same White Rose Curriculum initially, and decisions about tier of entry are not made formally until the end of the Autumn term of year 11.
Homework is set weekly. This will be a minimum of a task on “EduCake” of ten questions which should take around 15-30 minutes.
Students will continue to receive short end of unit tests and assessments, with longer end of term assessments in year 10. Formal mock examinations are held twice in year 11.
Sixth Form
Students follow the AQA Mathematics courses at A level, studying a range of pure and applied mathematics. We also offer the Further Maths A-Level which studies further pure and applied mathematics topics. Formal homework is set weekly, as well as an expectation for students to complete a further 5 hours of independent study per week.
Additional Information
All students are expected to come prepared for lessons with the essential equipment as listed in the student planner. A scientific calculator is required for higher tier students and students studying A level are advised to purchase a graphical calculator to complement the course. Maths workshops are available for invited students. Students are encouraged to take part in organised extra-curricular activities including UK Maths Challenges, both individual and team, and the County Maths Challenges.