MATHS

Department members:
Miss Sarah Bateman (Head of Department)
Mrs Jane Smith (Second in Department)
Mr Guy Howden
Mr Christopher Stringer

Levels taught in the department:
Mathematics is a core subject and is studied throughout Key Stages 3 and 4. During these years students study the concepts of number, algebra, shape, space and measures, data handling and the application of these concepts within problem solving. Throughout the school the tasks and activities within the classroom are supplemented by entry into the annual National Maths Challenges.

Why Study Maths?
Maths is a beautiful scientific language. It has elegance and precision. There are wonderful connections between different branches of maths and other areas of the curriculum such as science, geography and art. The study of maths provides an opportunity to structure arguments logically, to show flair and creativity in applying knowledge to problems and to develop the ability to analyse and interpret results. Success in maths requires a disciplined approach to study.

Being able to understand and use numbers and mathematical concepts will be a valuable asset for many careers. Maths is a desirable subject to study in the sixth form and is looked on favourably by both universities and employers.

The Course

Key Stage 3
Students are taught within form groups during Years 7 and 8. In Year 9 the year group is split into three sets with all sets entered for the Level 6 to 8 papers for SATs.

GCSE
During the GCSE course students continue to be taught in sets.
In 2007 students will be entered for AQA Specification A GCSE 3301. The specification change for 2008 entries gives a specification code of GCSE 4301.
There are two written papers, one being a non-calculator paper and the other where calculators are allowed. Two pieces of coursework are also submitted - one based on using and applying maths and one on data handling.

AS and A-level
In the sixth form we offer AS and A-level Mathematics and Further Mathematics using the AQA Specification. Girls study a combination of both pure and applied modules. Pure Maths deals with concepts such as algebra, geometry, trigonometry and calculus. The applied modules are mechanics and statistics.

Course Content
A summary of some of the key topics covered in each year is outlined below. Most topics are revisited and extended each year.

Year 7
Fractions, decimals, percentages, graphs, equations, simplifying expressions, area, volume, constructions, angles, circumference of a circle, probability and statistics

Year 8
Ratio, fractions, percentage change, graphs, equations, simplifying expressions, bearings, interior and exterior angles of polygons, Pythagoras Theorem, area of a circle, relative frequency and frequency polygons

Year 9
Standard form, compound interest, factorisation, simultaneous equations, changing the subject, compound measures, trigonometry, similar figures, cumulative frequency

Year 10
Indices, limits of accuracy, algebraic fractions, quadratic equations, proportion, changing the subject, circle properties, moving averages

Year 11
Surds, fractional indices, transformation of graphs, non-linear simultaneous equations, equations of circles, area and volume of spheres, pyramids and cones, sine and cosine rule, vectors, histograms and sampling

Equipment
Students are expected to have the following items of equipment in every lesson:
pen; pencil; ruler; angle measurer; calculator; pair of compasses

For information about Maths at A-level, please click here.

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