Mathematics

The Maths Department comprises Mrs Mary Eaton and Mr Matthew Wilson. Both are experienced secondary age teachers and are also examiners for the AQA exam board. Mr Wilson also teaches pupils from Year 6 in the Junior Department and is therefore able to help in a seamless transition from Year 6 to Year 7.

Our aim is 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, and even fun! We use the National Curriculum guidelines including "The National Numeracy strategy," as we feel appropriate within our lesson for Key Stage 3. In Years 10 and 11 the pupils undertake the AQA Modular Mathematics syllabus and are examined at three times over the course of the two years. The normal timetable for this is:

Year 10 - November - Data Handling
Year 10 - June - Number and Algebra
Year 11 - June - Number, Algebra and Shape, Space and Measures.

Pupils can be entered for either the Higher Tier (Grade A* - E) or Foundation Tier (Grade C - G), depending on ability. Pupils are generally split into sets in Year 8 but it is sometimes possible to do this earlier in Year 7 when it is beneficial to the pupils. 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 help in a smaller group. One to one support is also available through our Learning Support scheme.

We embrace technology in the Maths Department and both classrooms have digital projectors that are regularly used to try and motivate and inspire pupils through various pieces of software, and also to use the wide range of mathematical websites on the Internet. We also take advantage of the well-equipped ICT suites in order to give whole groups of pupils access to the mathematical resources.

Mrs Eaton and Mr Wilson are more than happy to discuss any questions you may have regarding the teaching of maths at Kingsmead School and assist your children in anyway they can.

GCSE curriculum

All pupils study Mathematics to GCSE. We follow the AQA modular specification. Recently, the structure has changed, so if you have older children, you will find it is different. There are now only two tiers, Higher, D –A* and Foundation, G – C. This has been in place since September 06. There is another, much publicised change, that of removing the coursework element. As at February 07, the exam boards are revising their specifications, but we don’t know the details yet.

At present, candidates take a module worth 11% in November of Year 10, one worth 19% in June of Year 10, the coursework represents 20% and the terminal module, taken in June of Year 11, makes up the other 50%. I expect the Year 10 modules will increase to compensate for the loss of coursework but it will not make a significant difference to how we deliver the syllabus. Resits are possible, but are not encouraged.

The pupils are set according to ability and whether they work towards Foundation or Higher depends on their Key Stage 3 results, their capabilities and their attitude. They can change between tiers over the course of the two years.