KS3
Throughout Key Stage 3 pupils build upon the foundations of mathematics covered at Primary school. The six key branches covered are:
- Number
- Algebra
- Ratio
- Geometry
- Probability
- Statistics
Pupils will be assessed termly throughout years 7, 8 and 9.
KS4
Pupils begin their GCSE course in the final term of Year 9 and all students are entered for their GCSE exam at the end of Year 11. We currently follow the Pearson’s linear GCSE course and pupils will be entered for either foundation or higher tier depending on which we feel is most appropriate.
Those pupils sitting foundation can achieve grades 5-1 and at higher pupils can achieve grades 9-4. Both options are solely assessed by three exams at the end of the course, each of which is 1 hour and 30 minutes and worth 80 marks. For the GCSE maths course it is expected that all pupils have access to a scientific calculator for use in all lessons.
In addition to the GCSE maths course which all students follow, some pupils also undertake the AQA level 2 certificate in further maths which is assessed at the end of Year 11. This course supports students wishing to continue studying Maths to A Level with an excellent bridging course and they will be awarded an extra GCSE Grade from A^-D.
KS5
In sixth form we offer Maths and Further Maths A levels, both of which follow the Pearson’s course. In year 12 students are assessed internally in January and in the summer term. Both subjects will be assessed externally in the summer of year 13. In order to be considered for the A level maths course pupils must have achieved a grade 7 or above in GCSE mathematics.
We also offer resit GCSE classes for those pupils who have not achieved a grade 4 in year 11.
Independent Study
KS3 pupils will be set homework in line with the whole school schedule and KS4 students will be set homework every week. Some homework will be written work and some will be completed online via the My Maths website. At KS5 students are expected to undertake the same number of lesson hours as independent study time.
Extra Curricula Activities
The Maths department offers opportunities for KS3, KS4 and KS5 students to participate in the UK Maths Individual Challenge and the UK Maths Team Challenge. We also offer revision sessions after school for year 11 students.