Mathematics

The Maths Department is staffed by maths specialists Mrs Mary Eaton and Mr Matthew Wilson. Both are very experienced and have worked as GCSE examiners for the AQA. They are helped by Ms Alyson Bryne who is also very experienced at teaching children of this age group.

The Maths Department aims to provide pupils with the opportunity to reach their full mathematical potential whilst also trying to make what is often seen as a difficult subject interesting, fun… and not frightening!

Pupils are generally split into two sets in Year 7, using diagnostic tests done in Year 6 and Year 7 and only after Senior Department maths staff have had a chance to get to know them. The group of more able pupils tends to be larger and they can be stretched to achieve their potential whilst allowing the pupils who find maths a challenge to be given more personal support in a smaller group. One-to-one help is also available through our Learning Support scheme. The groups are flexible and children can move up and down during the year, depending on development and progress.

Both classrooms have digital projectors, and various pieces of software are regularly used to motivate pupils along with the wide range of mathematical websites on the internet. The department also takes advantage of the ICT suites to give whole groups of pupils personal access to further mathematical resources.

MyMaths

The Maths Department has signed up to the MyMaths online homework and revision site.

The advantages are:

• the children prefer working on a computer (although they may need paper with them to do workings);
• they do not need to write down their homework as they will be directed to it on the site;
• the online lesson gives them a chance to revise what they need to know to do the tasks. The lesson may not be exactly as we have taught it, but the outcome will be the same;
• children can do similar exercises to consolidate their understanding;
• those parents who want to do more with their children can find material at the right level to use, both in the form of lessons and worksheets, which are marked automatically;
• children need to be encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning and this site supports this by providing access to suitable material to help them.

GCSE curriculum

The students follow the AQA course. From September 2012 this will change from being modular, with three exams taken over the two years, to a linear course. At present there is uncertainty as to what the exam boards will offer. There has always been a linear course, with two exams at the end, one with calculators, one without. Students may be happier doing the three shorter exams at the end of Year 11 though, because only a third will be without a calculator. We don’t have to make a decision yet. However the exams are taken, they cover the same topics, and can be taken at Foundation level, Grade G to Grade C, and Higher level, Grade D to A*.

Mary Eaton, Head of Maths
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Matt Wilson
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