Maths
Maths Department
Our aim is to make mathematics enjoyable and accessible for all students so that they will be able to achieve their very best.
KS3
In Years 8 and 9, students are taught in mixed ability tutor groups and they are encouraged to take an investigative, problem solving approach when learning Maths.
During their first 3 weeks in Year 8, students undertake whole class activities including an Investigation that involves Using and Applying Mathematics. During their fourth week students will do a baseline test. The results of this test, their KS2 results and their work for the investigation help the teachers to decide the starting point for each student.
The Mathematics course in KS3 is defined by the National Curriculum for Mathematics and the four main areas of study are:
- Using and Applying Mathematics
- Number and Algebra
- Shape, Space and Measurement
- Handling Data
A range of materials are used including work cards, worksheets, puzzles, games and a text book which comes in three levels namely Core, Support and Extension. Calculators, laptops and other mathematical equipment are used to enhance their learning.
Students are expected to bring a calculator and a maths set (ruler, compasses and angle indicator) to all their maths lessons.
Assessment
Students are continually assessed by their teachers using:
- Information from observing, listening to and talking with students in lessons
- Written work in their exercise books
- Investigations and Projects
- Written tests (half term and end of term)
- End of KS3 test in Year 9
How parents can help
- You should expect your child to do mathematics homework at least twice a week.
- You can help your child with their homework and even if you feel that you do not understand the work he/she brings home you can help by just listening to him/her trying to explain a problem to you.
- You can ring school to arrange a meeting with your child's teacher or the Head of Maths Department, if you have any concerns.
Text books used for KS3
Oxford Framework Maths Year 8 Core ISBN 9 780199 148554
Support ISBN 9 780199 148547
Extension ISBN 9 780199 148530
Oxford Framework Maths Year 9 Core ISBN 9 780199 148615
Support ISBN 9 780199 148592
Extension ISBN 9 780199 148608
Websites to reinforce learning
http://www.mymaths.co.uk/ All students have their own logging details and teachers set supplementary homework
Canons Fronter All students have logging details. Revision material and other information are available here.
www.bbc.co.uk/schools/ks3bitesize
KS4
In Year 10 students are placed in attainment groups based on their progress in KS3 and their Year 9 exam results. They are assessed regularly by the teachers and those who make particularly good or poor progress may move up or down a group. Their knowledge and understanding are consolidated and they are prepared for the appropriate exam tier through teaching targeted at particular levels.
In KS4, a variety of resources are used including GCSE text books.
Students are expected to bring a scientific calculator and a maths set (ruler, compasses and angle indicator) to all their maths lessons
Assessment/ Examinations
Students are continually assessed by their teachers using,
- Information from observing, listening to and talking with students in lessons
- Written work in their exercise books
- Tests given by the teachers at appropriate times
External Examinations:-
This year we moved from Linear GCSE exams to Modular GCSE exams.
Current Year 10 students sit Edexcel Modular Exam 5381
November in Year 10 Unit 1 Handling Data
June in Year 10 Unit 2 Number & Algebra, Shape, Space & measure
June in Year 11 Unit 3 Number & Algebra, Shape, Space & measure
Current Year 11 students sit Ed-excel Linear exam 1380 at the end of their GCSE course.
How parents can help
- You should expect your child to do Mathematics homework at least twice a week.
- You can remind your child to do some extra revision work from the text book given by the school.
- You can ring school to arrange a meeting with your child's teacher or the Head of Maths Department, if you have any concerns.
Additional Resources that would support your child
Edexcel text books and revision Guides
http://www.mymaths.co.uk/ All students have their own logging details and teachers set supplementary homework
Canons Fronter All students have logging details. Revision material and other information are available here.
www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize
Below you will find useful documents.