Maths Department
English
Mathematics
All pupils of the School must do Maths. It is one of the most important subjects, as almost all employers want some qualification in Maths. It is an important subject in its own right, but is also needed by other subjects such as Science, Geography and Technology etc. Research has shown that people with a good qualification in Maths are unlikely to be unemployed and earn higher wages than people with other qualifications. Pupils need to be aware of the part that Maths plays in the world around them – this is enhanced during their Work Experience week.
Course outline
In Years 10 and 11 pupils follow either a G.C.S.E. or Entry level course. They are designed to make pupils develop mathematical knowledge in a way which builds confidence, enjoyment and perseverance. There are four areas of assessment known as Assessment Objectives (AOs)
AO1 which covers Using and Applying Maths, this underlies all the other AOs.
AO2 deals with Number and Algebra.
AO3 deals with Shape and Space.
AO4 deals with Handling Data.
Grades
The grades A* to G are available at G.C.S.E.
but there are two tiers of entry, and
pupils’ work in Year 9 has a big influence upon
which tier they will be entered at.
Higher Tier has grades A* to D.
Foundation Tier has grades C to G.
Any pupil failing to gain the lowest grade in their tier is unclassified (U grade).
Examinations
For Higher Tier there are two examination papers at the end of Year 11 each worth 50%. The first paper is non-calculator.
For Foundation Tier the course is modular. This means that the course is completed in parts. There are 3 exams; one in March of Year 10 (worth 20%), one in November of Year 11 (worth 30%) and the final exam at the end of Year 11 (worth 50%.)
The Maths Department recommends that pupils complete as many past examination papers as possible. These are sold in School.
Entry Level
Entry Level is awarded at three levels, Entry 1, Entry 2 and Entry 3. Pupils are assessed in three stages throughout Years 10 and 11. It provides opportunities to progress to G.C.S.E. or G.N.V.Q.s. Entry Level is based on practical tasks, which are tested at the end of each stage.
Equipment
Pupils will need a scientific calculator for G.C.S.E. courses. They will also need a, 30cm ruler, pair of compasses and an angle measurer. They should have these with them for every lesson. All the equipment above is sold in School on a non-profit making basis. Revision guides & CDRoms are also sold in School.
Teaching and Learning
Pupils are taught in sets. Every child has a textbook that matches the G.C.S.E. tier. There are many opportunities for ICT work. The teacher will lead most lessons, but there are times when group, project and discussion work will be used.
G.C.S.E. Statistics
G.C.S.E. Statistics is offered as an optional extra G.C.S.E. for some Year 10 pupils if they express an interest and are willing to attend after school lessons. There is a coursework task (worth 25%) to complete and a final exam (worth 75%.)