Mathematics
The department has an aim to strike a balance between so-called ‘traditional’ and ‘modern’ techniques. Understanding mathematical concepts and ideas is important but they must be fully developed by constant practice of the mathematical skills and techniques required to give pupils confidence in their own ability.
The department is also concerned with the study of mathematics as an academic discipline in its own right and feel that it is as much a part of the educated person's curriculum as literature, music, etc. We seek to develop enjoyment and an appreciation of the beauty and power of the subject and feel that the in-depth study and constant mathematical practice that the pupils will encounter will give them skills that they can transfer to other areas.
Years 7 to 11: Years 7, 9 and 10 have 4 lessons per cycle and Years 8 and 11 have 5 lessons per cycle (from September 2011).
There are four forms of mixed ability in Year 7 and some setting of ability is done in Year 8 and Year 9. From Year 10 onwards each year is usually split into five academic sets.
Most students are prepared for the IGCSE (Key Stage 4 of the National Curriculum) as examined by Edexcel.
We are always seeking to stretch the most able and generally the top set will take an early GCSE in the subject and then in Year 11 they will study Additional Mathematics.
Years 12 and 13: Mathematics is a popular subject at Advanced level and the Edexcel modular AS and Advanced level courses are offered. Their structure gives a great deal of flexibility in the amounts of pure mathematics, discrete mathematics, mechanics and statistics available.
An Advanced level pass in Mathematics is a qualification much sought after by many university departments.
For those students intending a future career involving the use of advanced mathematics, there is the possibility of studying Further Mathematics, thereby obtaining two Advanced level qualifications in the subject.
The Department also enters pupils for the Intermediate and Senior National Mathematics Contests and many Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards are received each year.