Mathematics is a core subject in both Key Stages Three and Four. There are five full time teachers and two part time (one 0.8 and one 0.6). The department has six teaching rooms located on a single corridor of the main building, each fitted with an interactive whiteboard. The department also has two Higher Level Teaching Assistants (one full time and one part time) who work alongside teachers in the classroom as well as taking small intervention groups to support students who have particular difficulties in Mathematics.
Key Stage 3
In Years 7, 8 and 9 students are split into two bands and are set within each band based on their ability and performance. One band has four sets and the other three. Initially setting in Year 7 is based on Key Stage Two SAT results and for Years 8 and 9 their performance in the end of Year Assessments. Formal assessments take place each half term and sets are regularly reviewed and changes made. All students have three one hour lessons per week.
Our Key Stage Three Schemes of Work are based on the National Framework for Mathematics and draw on a variety of resources and activities. The schemes are regularly updated to incorporate a wider range of ‘Rich Tasks’ which enable students to apply their knowledge and skills in different contexts, to see links between topics and to develop their problem solving skills. Last year the department worked with St Joseph’s to trial activities to assess pupil’s progress whilst enabling them to work collaboratively with others.
Key Stage 4
All students follow the Edexcel GCSE Modular Mathematics course at either Foundation (covering grades C to G) or Higher Tier (covering grades A* to D). The course comprises three units two of which are completed in Year 10 and the third in Year 11. Year 11 (2011-2012) are grouped into eight ability sets all taught at the same time. All students have three one hour lessons per week. In Year 10 (2011-2012) students are split into two bands. Within each band there are four ability sets. All students receive seven lessons per fortnight. To support the delivery of the GCSE course last year the department invested in Edexcel’s own textbooks and interactive resources. All students should have access to the course texts via the VLE in the very near future.
Other Activities
There is a Key Stage three games club which takes place weekly. This is an opportunity for students to learn new games, develop problem solving strategies and use their mathematical knowledge and skills in different ways. Each year we enter some students for the UK Mathematics challenge run by Leeds University, where they have the opportunity to win Gold, Silver and Bronze certificates. A small group of Year 8 and 9 students will also take part in the UKMT team challenge this year (2011-2012).
All students have access to the MyMaths website from which online homework will be set in addition to traditional written homework. Students are encouraged to use this resource to support revision and to undertake additional practice should they need it.
