Mathematics
At the very heart of our teaching and learning in Mathematics is a sense of fun. Students at all levels are encouraged to develop their skills through a wide range of teaching and learning strategies, ranging from teacher exposition to investigational work to the use of ICT. The department is well resourced and supported by a team of highly qualified and talented teachers. Central to students’ learning is the focus placed upon the student-teacher relationship whereby the students are motivated to derive a sense of satisfaction through personal achievement and independence as well as being encouraged to recognise the power and relevance of Mathematics.
Mathematics enjoys popularity within the College community as shown by our annual Mathematics Olympiad competition: students, parents and staff participate in a range of problem solving rounds culminating in a final written ‘examination style’ round. This event has promoted mathematics discussions beyond the classroom and ignited curiosity within the wider school community.
Course Outline at Key Stage 3
Mathematics can often be a daunting subject for some in the early stages of Key Stage 3, so building students’ self confidence is a primary consideration. Students are engaged in a structured programme which follows the Collins ‘New Maths Frameworking’ course; it is supported with e-learning opportunities and a variety of investigational and functional mathematics activities that help maintain an atmosphere of enjoyment and a culture of success. Attainment levels are constantly monitored to ensure appropriate support is offered across the whole ability range and individual targets are set that are both realistic and challenging.
Course Outline at GCSE
The focus is upon the preparation of students to ensure they achieve their full potential in the GCSE examinations. The curriculum is fairly prescriptive, but students are challenged and extended at every opportunity, with some groups taking their GCSE at the end of Year 10, whilst others are given more time to develop and gain confidence to ensure success.
Further details of the course may be found by following the link below:
http://www.edexcel.com/quals/gcse/gcse10/maths/maths-a/pages/default.aspx
Course Outline at A Level
The majority of students in the Sixth Form study Mathematics (Pure Mathematics, with either Statistics or Mechanics). Further Mathematics is also offered by the department. The culture of enjoyment is still very much alive and students at this level are given more scope for independence and reflection of their learning, though support is always close at hand.
The cohort of GCSE students who complete their GCSE at the end of Year 10 start AS Level Mathematics in Year 11 and complete their full A Level at the end of Year 12. They can then opt to study AS Level Further Mathematics in Year 13.
Further information regarding the A Level courses may be found at
http://www.edexcel.com/quals/gce/gce08/maths/Pages/default.aspx