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Maths

Department Aims

The Maths department consists of nine well-qualified, subject-specialist teachers and has seven specialist Maths classrooms, all of which are equipped with SMART interactive whiteboards.

We aim to provide all pupils with a broad and balanced mathematics education that adequately equips them for further education and the world of work. As a department, we are committed to delivering the mathematics curriculum effectively, using a variety of media and teaching styles which engage pupils and enable them to achieve their full potential.

We have integrated problem solving, multi-cultural and PSHE tasks into the curriculum both at key stage 3 and 4, promoting the use of mathematics in the world around us. We have also embedded literacy activities into our lessons to promote literacy across the curriculum. These skills have become increasingly important in the new GCSE.

Key Stage 3

The purpose of our KS3 is to continue the engagement and enjoyment of maths that most pupils experience in primary school. Are lessons feature fun and engaging problems and activities, with opportunities for pupils to explore mathematical concepts at a challenging but appropriate level for them.

Year 7:

At year 7 pupils are taught in the banded sets H, A, L (Upper band) G, R, E (Middle band) and N (Lower band.) With in these sets there is some mixed ability and pupils can expect to a variety of levels work using “Must, Should, Could.” We enjoy seeing pupils challenge themselves to improve along the levels of work.

We cover a range of topics from Number, Algebra, Geometry and Statistics at year 7.

A further outline can be seen below:

Number A	Place Value, Ordering, Rounding, Estimating, Powers of 10, Negatives
Number B	Four operations, BIDMAS, Using a calculator
Geometry A	Properties of 2D and 3D shapes
Geometry B	Units, Perimeter and Area, Volume
Algebra A	Substitution, Deriving formulae, Collecting like terms, Brackets, Index numbers
Algebra B	Solving Equations, Trial and improvement
Statistics A	Designing surveys, Questionnaires, Collecting Data, Frequency Tables, Averages
Statistics B	Constructing and Interpreting statistical graphs
PSHE	Understanding money and finance

At the end of year 7, pupils are assessed using GL assessments. This helps us reset them according to their mathematical ability in year 8.

Year 8:

At year 8 pupils are taught in parallel sets 1-4. The names of our two sets are “Turing” and “Johnson” based on two famous mathematicians – Alan Turing and Katherine Johnson. We spend some time exploring these mathematics work at KS3.

We cover a further range of topics from Number, Algebra, Geometry and Statistics at year 8.

An outline can be seen below:

Number C	Factors, multiples and Primes, Powers, Index numbers
Number D	Fractions, Decimals and Percentages, Ratio and Proportion
Geometry C	Angles and Constructions
Geometry D	Transformations
Algebra C	Coordinates, Function machines, Mapping diagrams, Straight line graphs
Algebra D	Sequences
Statistics C	Probability
PSHE	Studying Money and Finance

At the end of year 8, pupils are assessed using GL assessments. This helps us reset them according to their mathematical ability in preparation for year 9.

Key Stage 4:

The purpose of our KS4 is to build on knowledge and confidence in the concepts explored at KS3, preparing pupils for the requirements of the maths GCSE and recognising the importance of maths in their future – whatever they choose to do.

Maths is a core subject at GCSE, and is studied by all pupils during Years 9 to 11. All pupils follow the Edexcel Specification syllabus for Mathematics – either at higher or foundation level.

The higher tier is generally taught to sets 1-4 for pupils with targets between 9 to 4.

The foundation tier is generally taught to sets 5-8 for pupils with targets between 5 to 1.

The topics covered per tier are detailed below:

Higher Tier	Foundation Tier
Year 9
Number – factors, multiples, surds, standard form	Number – integers, decimals, primes, factors, multiples
Algebra – rearranging, equations and sequences	Algebra – expanding, factorising and substitution
Statistics – averages, data and scatter graphs	Statistics – tables, charts and graphs
Number – fractions, percentages, ratio and proportion	Fractions, decimals and percentages
Geometry – angles, Pythagoras and trigonometry	Statistics – questionnaires and averages
Algebra – graphs	Geometry – angles
Geometry – transformations, constructions and loci	Algebra – equations, inequalities and sequences
	Geometry – perimeter, area and volume
Year 10
Geometry – perimeter, area, volume, accuracy, bounds	Algebra – graphs
Algebra -quadratic, simultaneous equations, inequalities	Geometry – Transformations
Statistics – probability	Number – ratio and proportion
Number – multiplicative reasoning	Geometry – right-angled Pythagoras and trigonometry
Geometry – similarity and congruence	Statistics – probability
Geometry – trigonometric graphs and functions	Number – multiplicative reasoning
Year 11
Statistics-collect data, cumulative frequency, histograms	Geometry – plans, elevations, constructions and loci
Algebra – quadratics	Algebra – quadratics expanding, factorising and graphs
Geometry – circles, cylinders and spheres	Geometry – circles, cylinders, spheres and cones
Algebra – rearranging, proofs, surds, fractions	Number – fractions, reciprocals, indices, standard form
Geometry – vectors and geometric proofs	Geometry – similarity, congruence and vectors
Algebra-reciprocal, exponential graphs, area under curve	Algebra -simultaneous equations, rearranging and graphs

Pupils GCSE grade are determined by 3 final assessments at the end of year 11.

Paper 1 – Non calculator – 1 hour 30 minutes (80 marks)

Paper 2 – Calculator – 1 hour 30 minutes (80 marks)

Paper 3 – Calculator – 1 hour 30 minutes (80 marks)

All papers are equally weighted meaning they are worth 1/3 of the grade each.

There is no coursework or controlled assessment.

Some pupils in year 11 will also be entered for an Entry Level maths qualification.

For further details, please contact Ms J Hannan, Head of Maths or consult https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/subjects/mathematics.html

Extra-Curricular Opportunities

The maths department prides itself on offering a wide range of of extra-curricular opportunities.

These include, but are not exclusively:

Taking part in the UKMT Maths Challenge at both Junior (years 7 and 8) or Intermediate (years 9, 10 and 11.) This is a national multiple choice problem solving exam run by the University of Leeds.
Collaborating with the schools of the South Area Network to take part in their years Year 9 Maths Challenge day.
Attending Birmingham University for GCSE master classes – at all levels of ability.
Weekly in school support clubs such as year 11 Maths Club and KS3/KS4 Homework clubs
In addition, every student is bought access to an online package called MathsWatch which is used for weekly homework and revision support.