Mathematics

Head of Department: Miss M Davies
Faculty Staff: Mr S Arnold (Second in Department), Mrs Aldred, Mr D Cooper, Mr A Niamir, Mr R Purcell, Mrs L Wilford, Mr R Watson, Mrs M Jones, Mrs R West
Level of teaching: Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4, Key Stage 5 at The New Sixth (Maths and Further Maths)

As a department we are committed to the philosophy that during their time with us every student will have a positive experience of learning Mathematics. They will show continuous progression and improvement and achieve their full potential. We aim to achieve this by creating a supportive, controlled, learning environment. Also by ensuring that objective-led lessons, interactive teaching styles and assessment for learning are embedded in our schemes of work and teaching.

In particular, we wish each student to develop a genuine feeling of how numbers fit together; the ability to carry out calculations, understand the significance of results and estimate whether or not an answer is reasonable. We want our students to be secure and confident in the ability to apply mathematics in everyday situations and develop an understanding of the part which mathematics plays in the world. We strive to ensure students have the confidence to experiment and make mistakes, and persevere when problems arise.

Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9)

Students are taught in ability sets from the start of Year 7. There will be opportunities throughout the year to move up and down sets based upon student progress. Students will have a regular assessment and this will focus on the topics covered that term, however they will also be expected to use prior knowledge to solve problems.

The Key Stage 3 program of study forms the building blocks for the Key Stage 4 curriculum.

The new curriculum for mathematics introduces topics not previously taught in KS4 mathematics. These now focus on a more holistic approach to mathematics. The main areas of study continue to be Number, Algebra, Geometry & Measure, Probability and Statistics, but with an emphasis on processing skills and application of functional skills.

We aim to encourage students not to focus on one area of mathematics at a time, but to see how a topic sits within a multitude of other mathematical ideas and concepts.

The units covered are listed below. More detailed schemes of work can be found on each student’s Google Classroom page.

Year 7


Terms 1 & 2
Unit 1 – Number
Unit 2 – Special Numbers
Unit 3 – Algebra
Unit 4 – Decimals and fractions

Terms 3 & 4
Unit 5 – Fractions, decimals and percentages
Unit 6 – Graphs and Averages
Unit 7 – Ratio, proportion and measures
Unit 8 – Sequences and straight line graphs

Terms 5 & 6
Unit 9 – Area and permieter
Unit 10 – Angles
Unit 11 – Symmetry and Transformation
Unit 12 – Probability




Year 8


Terms 1 & 2
Unit 1 – Special Numbers
Unit 2 – Number and decimals
Unit 3 – Fractions and percentages
Unit 4 – Ratio and proportion

Terms 3 & 4
Unit 5 – Algebra
Unit 6 – Graphs
Unit 7 – Perimeter, area and volume
Unit 8 – Angles

Terms 5 & 6
Unit 9 – Straight line graphs
Unit 10 – Inequalities
Unit 11 – Statistics
Unit 12 – Transformation




Year 9


Terms 1 & 2
Unit 1 – Number and Indices
Unit 2 – Decimals
Unit 3 – Algebra
Unit 4 – Fractions and decimals

Terms 3 & 4
Unit 5 – Angles
Unit 6 – Ration, Proportion and Measures
Unit 7 – Perimeter, area and volume
Unit 8 – Graphs

Terms 5 & 6
Unit 9 – Algebra and inequalities
Unit 10 – Probability
Unit 11 – Shape
Unit 12 – Statistics

Key Stage 4 (Years 10-11)

Course Code: GCSE Mathematics A (linear) Edexcel 1MA0
Exam Board Specification: www.edexcel.com/quals/gcse/gcse10/maths/maths-a/Pages/default.aspx

The GCSE course encourages students to be inspired, moved and challenged by following a broad, coherent, satisfying and worthwhile course of study. This should help learners to develop confidence in, and a positive attitude towards, mathematics and to recognise the importance of mathematics in their own lives, as well as preparing them to make informed decisions about technology, the management of money and further learning opportunities and career choices.

The course is split into 21 Units as detailed below:


Unit 1 – Number: Basics
Unit 2 – Algebra: Basics
Unit 3 – Geometry and measure: Angles
Unit 4 – Statistics: Graphs and Charts
Unit 5 – Ratio: Fractions and percentages
Unit 6 – Algebra: Equations and inequalities
Unit 7 – Geometry and Measure: Trig and Pythagoras/Equations
Unit 8 – Statistics: Statistics and Averages and Graphs
Unit 9 – Algebra: Sequences
Unit 10 – Raton: Ratio and proportion
Unit 11 – Geometry and Measure: Perimeter, Area and Volume

Unit 12 – Geometry and Measure: Transformations
Unit 13 – Algebra : Linear Graphs
Unit 14 – Probability: Probability
Unit 15 – Geometry and Measure: Constructions
Unit 16 – Ratio: Multi reasoning
Unit 17 – Algebra: Functions and Algebra
Unit 18 – Geometry and Measure: Similarity and Congruence
Unit 19 – Algebra: Graphs
Unit 20 – Geometry and Measure: Bounds/Areas & Volume/Trig
Unit 21 – Algebra: Further Graphs

Key Stage 5 (Years 12-13)

Course Code: A Level AS Level Mathematics Edexcel 7MAO
Course Code: A Level Mathematics Edexcel 9MAO
Course Code: A Level Further Mathematics (A Level and AS) Edexcel 9FMO
Course Code: A Level Mathematics in Context (Core Maths) AQA 1350

A Level Mathematics AS Mathematics Edexcel 7MAO
Exam Board Specification: https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-a-levels/mathematics-2017.html#tab-ASMathematics

Recommended Entry Requirements

  • A Grade 6 in GCSE Mathematics
  • Studying Science, Business or Geography at A level and with a keen interest and strength in Mathematics

Why AS Mathematics?
AS Maths is studied over two years and in addition to the three A Level subjects.

AS Maths is offered as a fourth subject to students who enjoyed studying GCSE Maths but do not want to take a full A Level. It is particularly useful to students that are studying another subject with a maths based element, e.g. Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Geography and Psychology.

Continuing to study mathematics at this level will grow your logical problem solving skills that can be applied to many other areas of life and it instils a positive approach to problem solving by training your brain to assume there is a solution to every problem.

Assessment

62.5% – Paper 1 – Pure Mathematics
37.5% – Paper 2 – Statistics and Mechanics

Recommended Reading

Edexcel Pure Mathematics and 100% Proof – The Why of Maths by J Hope
CGP A level Mathematics Revision Guide
https://www.mymaths.co.uk
https://mathsgenie.co.uk
https://www.mathsy.io/


A Level Mathematics in Context (Core Maths) AQA1350
Exam Board Specification: https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/mathematics/aqa-certificate/mathematical-studies-1350

Recommended Entry Requirements

  • Grade 4-6 GCSE Mathematics
  • Recommended for students studying Science, Business or Geography at A Level

Why Core Mathematics?
Core Maths is a Level 3 qualification, accredited by Ofqual, and equivalent but distinct from an AS qualification. It is studied over two years and in addition to the three A Level subjects.

Core Maths is an extremely exciting new course that will give you an advantage with university applications. It is also aptly called Maths in Context and is distinct from other maths courses in that you apply mathematics to real life contexts. You will play the role of different people such as sports coaches, doctors, business owners and environmental workers and use maths to overcome real-life challenges.


A Level Mathematics Edexcel 9MAO
Exam Board Specification: https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-a-levels/mathematics-2017.html

Recommended Entry Requirements

  • Grade 7 GCSE Mathematics
  • Grade 6 GCSE Physics or Grade 6-6 GCSE Combined Science

Why Mathematics?
Maths is a dynamic, exciting and relevant subject which has played a significant role in the progress of the human species, for example, in our understanding of the movement of the planets, advancements in engineering, establishment and growth of economies and our understanding of human behaviour.

A level Maths includes the study of Pure Maths and the application of mathematics to the physical world through Statistics and Mechanics. The course develops strength and confidence in the application of algebraic and other mathematical skills and helps you to solve real life problems using logical mathematical argument. During the course, you will solve a variety of real-life problems such as how large a population will be, what forces should be applied to an object, whether an electrical component is likely to work and whether a medical procedure is effective. You will also engage in solving complex abstract problems.

Assessment

33.3% – Paper 1 – Pure Mathematics 1
33.3% – Paper 2 – Pure Mathematics 2
33.3% – Paper 3 – Statistics and Mechanics

Recommended Reading

Edexcel Pure Mathematics and 100% Proof – The Why of Maths by J Hope
CGP A level Mathematics Revision Guide
https://amsp.org.uk/students/studying-a-level-mathematics/


A Level and AS Further Mathematics Edexcel 9FMO
Exam Board Specification: https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-a-levels/mathematics-2017.html#tab-3

Recommended Entry Requirements

  • Grade 8 GCSE Mathematics
  • Must also be taking the A level Mathematics course

Why Mathematics?
Further Maths is studied over two years and in addition to the three A Level subjects. It is only available to students taking A Level Mathematics.

Further Maths is a fantastic course for those who are passionate and talented in Mathematics. It extends the Pure and Applied Maths topics studied in Mathematics A Level and is highly recommended if you wish to study Mathematics at degree level.

Assessment

25% – Paper 1 – Further Pure Mathematics 1
25% – Paper 2 – Further Pure Mathematics 2 (A Level only)
25% – Paper 3 Option 1 – Statistics, Decision or Mechanics
25% – Paper 4 Option 2 – Statistics, Decision or Mechanics

Recommended Reading

Edexcel Further A level Mathematics and 100% Proof – The Why of Maths by J Hope
CGP Further A level Mathematics Revision Guide
https://www.mymaths.co.uk
https://mathsgenie.co.uk


Resources & Links

GCSE EXAM INFORMATION

For videos, exercises and exam questions:
https://corbettmaths.com/contents/

Topic specific videos and exam style questions:
https://www.mathsgenie.co.uk/gcse.html

GCSE Past papers with mark schemes and walk through videos:
https://www.mathsgenie.co.uk/papers.html

MyMaths for lessons and homework tasks, great for revision using the booster packs:
https://www.mymaths.co.uk/
contact your class teacher if you have forgotten your login details.

Lots of PowerPoints and worksheets for lessons:
https://www.drfrostmaths.com/resources-browse.php?level1=KS2/3/4

https://www.mymaths.co.uk

https://mathsgenie.co.uk

Enrichment:

Throughout their time at school students have the opportunity to take part in the National Maths Challenges at Junior, Intermediate and Higher levels.  We participate in the Masterclass program run annually by Bath University.

Mathematics News