Developing logic and reasoning
Staff
Mr D Laughlin (Head of Department)
Mrs F Ferguson
Mr R Henderson
Mrs K Irwin
Mathematics is all around us. As a department we try to instill an appreciation of the applications of mathematics across all curricular areas to all pupils in the school. We try to ensure that pupils appreciate the exactness and objectivity of the subject whilst being aware of its huge range of applications beyond the school environment. We also try to ensure that pupils encounter the awesome diversity within the subject – the finite and infinite, the rational and irrational, the ancient and the modern.
Our specific aims are
- Pupils enjoy the study of mathematics and appreciate the objectivity and logical basis of the subject
- Development of numerate pupils who can apply mathematical skills within and outside school
- Our pupils achieve the highest possible mathematical qualifications as a means of access to FE/HE and employment.
In addition we try to extend the learning experiences through the use of ICT. Each classroom has an Interactive Whiteboard and pupils are also made aware of interactive tools that can extend and support the curriculum.
Mathematical Competitions
To ensure that pupils have as wide a range of mathematical experiences as possible pupils in the middle and senior school have the opportunity to enter a number of mathematical competitions. These include the UK Senior, Intermediate and Junior Mathematical Challenges. The school has had a wide range of success in these competitions over many years.
Mathematics at KS3
At KS3 all classes have 7/8 periods per fortnight. There are four classes in each year group (approx 25 pupils per class). At KS3 level these classes are not streamed. Yr8 is used to reinforce basic numeracy and build on KS2 foundations. We also try to develop reasoning skills particularly through the use of algebraic notation.
Throughout KS3 we focus on the following areas of study:
- Number & Algebra
- Shape, Space & Measure
- Data Handling
Where possible we reflect on practical real life applications (for example with financial capability, data handling etc.)
Mathematics at GCSE
At KS4, GCSE Mathematics pupils are prepared for the CCEA GCSE Mathematics Examination. The specification is unitised.
The five available units are:
- Unit M3: Higher Tier – sat in Yr11
- Unit M4: Higher Tier – sat in Yr11
- Unit M7: Higher Tier Completion Test – sat in Yr12
- Unit M8: Higher Tier Completion Test – sat in Yr12.
The grades that students can achieve depend on the units that they sit for assessment.
At the start of year 11 pupils are streamed into one of four sets.
It is intended that:
- Set 1 & Set 2 (60 pupils) will sit GCSE Higher Tier (M4 & M8) leading to grades A*, A, B or C.
- Set 3 (30 pupils) will sit GCSE Higher Tier (M4 & M7) leading to grades A, B, C* or C
- Set 4 (approximately 10 pupils) will sit GCSE Higher/Foundation Tier (M3 & M7) leading to grades B, C* or C.
Further details on the content/structure of the course can be found here: CCEA MATHS MICROSITE
GCSE Further Mathematics
In Year 11 pupils can choose to study GCSE Further Mathematics, providing they are sitting the M4/M8 combination in GCSE Mathematics. Approximately 40 pupils per year select Further Mathematics.
Pupils are prepared for the CCEA GCSE Further Mathematics Examination. The Further Mathematics specification consists of three units (from four).
Unit 1: Pure Mathematics (50%)
Unit 2: Mechanics (25%)
Unit 3: Statistics (25%)
Further details on the content/structure of the course can be found here: CCEA MATHS MICROSITE
Mathematics at AS/A2
In Sixth Form pupils have a range of options. Pupils can opt to complete an AS in Mathematics at the end of Lower Sixth and then a full A Level in Mathematics at the end of Upper Sixth.
However, the most able mathematicians can opt to do a complete A Level in Mathematics at the end of Lower Sixth. In Upper Sixth these pupils complete an A Level in Further Mathematics (the availability of this option is dependent on the number of pupils interested).
Pupils are prepared for the CCEA GCE Mathematics Examinations.
AS pupils prepare for the following 2 modules:
- AS1 – Pure Mathematics (60%)
- AS2 – Applied Mathematics (40%)
A2 pupils prepare for the following 3 modules:
- A21 – Pure Mathematics (60%)
- A22 – Applied Mathematics (40%)
In GCE Further Maths the following are offered:
AS pupils prepare for the following 2 modules:
- AS1 – Further Pure Mathematics (50%)
- AS2 – Further Applied Mathematics (50%)
A2 pupils prepare for the following 3 modules:
- A21 – Further Pure Mathematics (50%)
- A22 – Further Applied Mathematics (50%)
Further details on the content/structure of the course can be found here: CCEA MATHS MICROSITE
