BBC Education
BBC Education
Mathematics
Curriculum Intent
Our aim is for all students to be numerate, confident mathematicians in order to support their future economic well-being. We want our students to be flexible problem solvers and for them to understand the relevance of their maths in real world contexts, throughout the curriculum and a vast number of careers.
We want our students to enjoy and appreciate the beauty and value of mathematics both man made and in the natural world as well as the important history of maths. Similarly we want them to be able to critically analyse and reflect on real life data and its implication for society. Ultimately our aim is for our students to be fluent in communicating their own ideas as well as exploring and questioning others.
Years 7 & 8
In Years 7 and 8 students follow our in house scheme of work. The work is organised so that students are able to work on a level suited to their ability. Students will also have regular numeracy and problem solving lessons building upon the work done in Junior schools.
When students enter the school in Year 7 we set them based upon their end of Junior school results. Each half year block will be set into 3 sets, enabling teaching to be directed more towards the needs of a group of similar ability. In addition to this work students will complete half termly tests to see if they have understood the work and to help us to make set movements. Interactive whiteboards are used to enhance teaching and learning. MyMaths software is frequently used and students can access this from home with the appropriate username and password which is available from the mathematics staff. Students will also investigate mathematically, usually as a class or group exercise. This work is designed to encourage students to use logic; observe patterns; discover relationships or rules; describe clearly what they have done and seen, so developing a deeper understanding of Mathematics.
All students will require a calculator for their work, although pencil and paper methods and mental arithmetic skills are also used. In Years 7 and 8 a basic calculator will suffice, but they are likely to require a scientific calculator later in their school career, so we recommend purchasing a scientific one from the start. Calculators can be bought from the school at a competitive price.
We regularly review our students' progress and suitability for the allocated set. This is done each term and students may be moved to another set if their ability and progress warrants a move.
Key Stage 3 Topic and Assessment Overviews
To aid students and parents in Mathematics here are weekly overviews of the topics taught and when assessments are held. All key Learning Landmark assessments are mixed and will include the topics taught up to that point. With these documents students will know what topics have been covered and could be in the assessment. They should also have copies in their maths books.
Year 7 weekly topic and assessment overview:
Download a copy in Word View as PDF
Year 8 weekly topic and assessment overview:
Download a copy in Word View as PDF
If students are struggling with homework tasks or work in class they should do the following:
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Use their A5 skills book and A4 class books
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Look up the theory on MyMaths, revision guides, Corbett Maths videos , GCSE Bitesize and/or textbooks. MyMaths is an excellent resource with notes and practice examples that is often used for students second homework of the week. For each topic there is an online homework and lesson which explains the theory.
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Speak to their teacher. We will not set extended homework overnight so students should have time to do this.
If ICT access is an issue please ask students to attend Homework Club.
Year 7
Scheme of Work
Year 8
Scheme of Work
GCSE - Years 9,10 and 11
In Year 9 students are placed initially in sets according to their ability in Mathematics as determined by our Year 8 assessments, teacher recommendation and internal exams. The specific content of the course is dependent on the Mathematics set, but all students cover the same core concepts.
Students can expect to work in a variety of ways including investigations, practical work, group discussions and consolidation exercises. There is a variety of learning resources and materials used.
We follow the Edexcel GCSE Mathematics Specification A (Linear 1MA1) at GCSE level. The final grade awarded at the end of Year 11 is determined by the marks from three exams taken at the end of Year 11.
Students in Set 1 will also take an AQA Further Maths GCSE. This will build on their GCSE and introduce several topics that will be taken further at A level mathematics.
Please note, there is no coursework in Mathematics and that the syllabus has changed.
There are two tiers of entry: Foundation and Higher.
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For candidates entered for all Foundation units, grades 1-5 are available.
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For candidates entered for all Higher units, grades 5-9 are available (9 being the best).
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All students will cover a mixture of topics throughout the two year course with Handling Data (Statistics and Probability), Number, Algebra and Geometry all given roughly equal weighting. There is an increased focus on proportional thinking and problem solving in all mathematics courses now and lessons will be geared towards improving student’s confidence in this area.
One of the terminal papers will be non-calculator and a calculator is allowed for the other two. All papers last 1 hour 30 minutes.
Specification : Edexcel 1MA1
GCSE Maths Topic and Assessment Overviews
To aid students and parents in mathematics here are weekly overviews of the topics taught and when assessments are held. All ley Learning Landmark assessments are mixed and will include the topics taught up to that point. With these documents students will know what topics have been covered and could be in the assessment.
Year 9 weekly topic and assessment overview:
Download a copy in Word View as PDF
Year 10 weekly topic and assessment overview:
Download a copy in Word View as PDF
Year 11 Revision schedule:
Download a copy in Word View as PDF
Year 11 Specification Topics to cover - Higher
Year 11 Specification Topics to cover - Foundation
To enhance the chances of success for all Year 11 students in their final GCSE examinations the Maths department have designed a weekly revision schedule. This should guide your child in their preparation for their final Maths examinations in May/June. All students should complete revision notes and practice questions on the topics listed each week in addition to any homework set. The schedule will be issued to students in class in the form of a booklet. This booklet will include the revision schedule and the Edexcel GCSE specification for both the Higher and Foundation tier of entry. If students are unsure which tier of entry they are likely to sit they should speak to their classroom teacher. I have also included these documents in this communication so you can have a digital copy to use at home and support/monitor your child in finishing this work. All labels on the schedule are linked to the GCSE Edexcel specification document. As you can see from the document if students leave this too late, they will not have adequate time to prepare.
Students should complete the following tasks for each subject area on a weekly basis:
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Make theory notes from MyMaths, revision guides, Corbett Maths videos , GCSE Bitesize and/or textbooks. MyMaths is an excellent resource with notes and practice examples.
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Complete practice questions from MyMaths, past practice papers and/or the textbook
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Revisit these topics later re-reading notes made and completing additional questions
Staff will regularly check this work is being completed in class. It should also highlight topics students do not understand and can speak to their teachers about.
Any questions regarding this, students should ask their classroom teacher.
Sixth Form: A level
Mathematics is a rich and fascinating subject in its own right. However, it also provides an important background to the study of many other subject areas such as the Sciences, Technology, Economics, Geography and Psychology. Many university courses such as Computing, Physics, Engineering and Earth Sciences specify A Level Mathematics as an entrance requirement.
The study of Mathematics helps students to view and make sense of the world. It will enable them to explore and analyse a variety of problems, and use powerful mathematical and statistical techniques to solve them.
The Mathematics department offers two different courses both with the Edexcel examination board. Each course consists of a central core of Pure Mathematics, which can be thought of as a mathematician's toolbox - the techniques that are needed to go about solving real-life problems. This will involve improving students’ knowledge of algebra and trigonometry beyond all recognition, as well as introducing new and very important ideas such as logarithms and calculus.
A Level Mathematics (8MA0, 9MA0)
This course consists of two thirds Pure Mathematics and one third Applied. The applied work is equally split between Mechanics and Statistics. Mechanics is the study of forces and objects in motion, in which we look at the mathematics of projectiles, collisions, stability and much else besides. These elements are highly relevant to those also taking A Levels in Physics or Technology, and is ideally suited for those wishing to study Physics, Engineering or Technology in Higher Education. Statistics involves gathering and analysing data and the study of probability theory. The Statistical content is most useful to those also taking A Levels with a strong data-handling element, such as Biology and Psychology.
Year 12
Scheme of Work
Edexcel 8MA0
Year 13
Scheme of Work
Edexcel 9MA0
Further Mathematics (8FA0, 9FA0)
This course consists of a number of prescribed Pure Mathematics units which account for half of the content covered and then there are number of extra units from which the class will choose two. In discussion with their teachers, students will choose the extra units that will be studied and this changes from year to year. Classes may opt to take their Mechanics or Statistics knowledge to a much higher level than A-level Mathematics or could choose to study Decision Mathematics. This involves studying a selection of the techniques developed within the last century to solve problems the modern world has presented and is recommended to those interested in Computing, Economics and Business Studies, as well as those looking for a change from more traditional Mathematics. This year the class have opted for extra Pure Mathematics as one of their choices because several of them are keen to study Mathematics at University. This course is strongly recommended for those who really enjoy their Maths and want to study each area in more detail.
We also recommend this course to all those who want to study Mathematics in some form in Higher Education. It must be stressed that to be successful in this course, students need to be very able and enthusiastic mathematicians.
For more details please visit https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-a-levels/mathematics-2017.html and download the pdf files.
Year 12
Scheme of Work
Edexcel 8FA0
Year 13
Scheme of Work
Edexcel 9FA0
