Mathematics
Mathematics Department
Teaching staff:
Mrs J Healey | Head of Department |
Miss L Davies | 2nd in Department |
Mr E Wheelan | Teacher of Mathematics |
Ms J Allcorn | Teacher of Mathematics |
Mr M O’Brien | Teacher of Mathematics |
Mr J Barnes | Teacher of Mathematics (Deputy Head teacher) |
All members of the department teach across all five years with the exception of Mr Barnes who currently only teaches KS4 pupils. Our aim is to develop an appreciation for and interest in Mathematics, both for itself and for the part it plays in everyday life.
In mathematics calculators are an essential tool and pupils working at the top two tiers in years 9, 10 and 11 require a scientific calculator. However it is best if all pupils in all years have their own calculator as, over time they will become increasingly familiar and more adept at using its many functions. We aim to equip children with a range of methods for performing calculations and with the ability to use calculators effectively and appropriately in different situations. It is to be noted that equally important are pencil and paper calculation methods as the National Curriculum, KS3 and KS4 examinations all require this.
Homework is an important element within the course and will be set at least once a week in KS3 and twice a week in KS4. The majority of homework tasks will involve consolidation or extension of the work covered in that lesson, although some of the work set will be preparatory work for the next lesson. Completing homework on time and to the best of their ability is therefore a major priority.
We strongly recommend pupils using www.mymaths.co.uk. Pupils are aware of the user name and password. This is an excellent website for consolidation and revision and teachers may use this site to set and monitor homework.
KS3
In year 7 pupils are taught in two parallel bands and set within the band. The size of the class varies with the demands of the pupils. A support teacher is available in most of the lower ability lessons.
In years 8 and 9 pupils are banded into two ability bands, determined by progress in English as well as Mathematics. In the bands pupils are grouped according to ability and the pupils struggling with mathematics are in the smallest groups in order to receive the level of support they need. Again, learning support staff work within these groups.
In KS3 we follow the Key Stage Three Strategy Medium term plans. These can be viewed at
www.standards.dfes.gov.uk/secondary/keystage3/all/respub/ma_samplepln
KS4
In years 10 and 11 all pupils are grouped according to mathematical ability within the two broad ability bands. The A band forms four ability groups allowing smaller class sizes for three B band groups. This arrangement ensures that pupils with special educational needs work in the smallest groups and are able to receive the levels of support and advice they need.
Throughout Years 10 and 11 pupils study the OCR Graduated Assessment Syllabus. This comprises of Modular tests and a Terminal exam. The pupils will be entered at either Higher (A*-D) or Foundation (C-G) level.
Modular Tests (50%)
The first exam is sat in the January of year 10 and the second in June of Year 10. The final exam is sat in March of Year 11. The modular exams are based around a particular GCSE grade and graduate in difficultly; usually the final one is the hardest.
Terminal Exam (50%)
This is a 2 hour exam, 1 hour without a calculator and 1 hour with a calculator. The Higher paper covers all the topics from grade D to A* and the Foundation paper covers all topics from grade G to C.
Information for Parents
As in previous years we advise the purchase of a revision guide for use during the course. These guides are available at foundation and higher level and can be bought from the Mrs Smith in the LRC.