Mathematics
The highly successful Mathematics department is staffed by eight full-time and two part-time mathematics teachers who all hold degrees in the subject or a related discipline. We have a dedicated Higher Level Teaching Assistant who works closely with small groups from classes and a dedicated Teaching Assistant who works within the classroom in addition to undertaking some departmental administration. The department is in a well resourced, purpose built block; every teacher has access to a wide variety of mathematics software in addition to more traditional resources.
At Key Stage 3 the Mathematics department follows the Mathematics Programme of Study from the National Curriculum. At Key Stage 4 we follow a linear GCSE using the AQA syllabus. Both key stages cover topics within number; algebra; ratio, proportion and rates of change; statistics; geometry and probability. In addition the Mathematics curriculum develops a student’s creativity by combining understanding and reasoning to construct new knowledge as well as using existing mathematical knowledge to create solutions to unfamiliar problems. Pupils will learn that Mathematics is fundamental in providing tools for understanding science, engineering, technology and economics and our students will learn some of the skills used to model, interpret or represent situations.
Mathematics is an extremely popular choice at A-level and an increasing number of students are opting to take Core Maths.
The department enters some students for the Junior, Intermediate and Senior Maths Challenges. These are designed by the United Kingdom Mathematics Trust (UKMT) and competitors from all over the country take part.
