INTRODUCTION

Every pupil studies Mathematics in Years 7 – 11 with the option of continuing their studies at ‘AS’ and ‘A’ level.

The aims of the Department are to develop in each pupil:
• A positive attitude towards mathematics, including motivation, perseverance, satisfaction and confidence.
• An ability to think mathematically, precisely, logically and creatively.
• An appreciation of the power, purpose, relevance and applications of mathematics,
• An ability to understand mathematical ideas and to communicate them in a variety of ways.
• A willingness to work independently when required and also to co-operate as a member of a group.
• An ability to apply mathematics across the curriculum.
• An ability to approach problems systematically, choosing appropriate techniques for their solution.
• A firm foundation for further study.

The knowledge, skills and understanding required to apply a range of mathematical concepts and techniques to situations that may arise in their everyday lives.

The objectives of the Department are related directly to the aims and are intended to supplement the aims.

The objective of every mathematics lesson should be to provide an opportunity for each pupil to develop in the key skills of:

Communication, through learning to express ideas and methods precisely, unambiguously and concisely.

Application of number, through using and applying the knowledge, skills and understanding of mathematics.

Working with others, through group activities and discussions of mathematical ideas.

Improving own learning and performance, through developing logical thinking, powers of concentration, analytical skills and reviewing approaches to problem solving.

IT, through using graphics packages, statistics software, spreadsheets and general mathematics software.

Problem solving, through selecting and using methods and techniques, developing strategies and reviewing progress, especially when undertaking investigational work.

STAFFING

Mr A Heslop, Head of Department
B Eng Salford University

Mr K Jackman, Teacher of Mathematics
BA Open University

Mr A Boswell, Teacher of Mathematics and Physical Education
BA University of Leeds

Mr W H A Whittaker, Teacher of Mathematics

B.Sc (University of West Indies)

ACCOMMODATION

The Department has a suite of three well-equipped classrooms exclusively for the use of teaching Mathematics and also makes frequent use of the network of computers in the Information Technology Rooms.

CURRICULUM

Key Stage 3
Each class in Years 7-9 has four 50-minute lessons per week. The Scheme of Work is based on the National Curriculum for Mathematics Levels 4-6. In each year some lesson time is devoted to practising mental arithmetic skills and the reinforcement of numerical calculations. Algebra, Geometry and Statistics are introduced in Year 7 and consolidated and advanced in Years 7 and 8. Investigational and practical work is used to encourage independent mathematical reasoning and to develop problem-solving skills.

Key Stage 4
At the commencement of the GCSE course in Year 10 pupils are divided into sets dependent on their ability in the subject. Pupils in the highest ability group follow a course designed for entry at the Higher Tier GCSE with the other groups being entered for the Intermediate Tier. There are four 50-minute lessons per week during Years 10 and 11 with a further lesson available for pupils requiring extra assistance.

Sixth Form
Students have five 50-minute periods per week in the Lower Sixth and six in the Upper Sixth. The scheme followed is the OCR Mathematics in Education and Industry Course which is designed to give students an insight into the relevance and application of the mathematics studied in industrial situations.

EXAMINATIONS

GCSE
Pupils are entered for the AQA Mathematics Syllabus A at either Higher or Intermediate Tier. The examination consists of two 2 hour papers (1 non-calculator and 1 calculator allowed) at the end of Year 11. Pupils are required to submit a minimum of two pieces of coursework, one based on numerical and algebraic methods, the other on statistical techniques.Sixth Form
The course is divided into six modules each examined by a 11⁄2 paper.

"AS" Level Units
Core 1 : Introduction to Advanced Mathematics January L6
Core 2 : Concepts for Advanced Mathematics June L6
Statistics 1 : Statistics June L6

"A2" Level Units
Core 3 : Methods for Advanced Mathematics January U6
Core 4 : Applications of Advanced Mathematics June U6
Mechanics 1 : Mechanics June U6

One piece of coursework is required in Core 3 which involves solving equations by numerical methods.