Maths
“The value of a problem is not so much coming up with the answer as in the ideas and attempted ideas it forces on the would be solver.” - Israel Nathan Herstein
Mathematics is firmly embedded in everyday life and essential to open doors for students to be successful in future careers. We teach mathematics in a way that secures numeracy skills across all year groups, develops problem solving skills and promotes a love of the subject. Importantly, our delivery is matched to the needs of every student and allows them to develop skills that can be applied outside of the mathematics classroom.
Key Stage 3
Our programme of study at Key Stage 3 continues to build on Key Stage 2 and allows students to make connections across mathematical ideas to allow them to develop fluency, mathematical reasoning and competence in solving increasingly sophisticated problems. Progression is based on the security of students understanding and their readiness to progress to the next stage. Pupils grasping concepts rapidly are extended on to solving rich and challenging problems rather than accelerating through the scheme. Those who are not sufficiently fluent will consolidate their understanding, gaining additional practice before progressing.
Across Years 7-9 students will students study a wide variety of concepts including: number; algebra; ratio, proportion and rates of change; geometry and measures; probability; and statistics.
Key Stage 4
At Key Stage 4, the pathways that students study differ depending on a student’s mathematical ability and progress across Key Stage 3. Across both tiers students study a wide variety of concepts including: number; algebra; ratio, proportion and rates of change; geometry and measures; probability; and statistics. This will further develop their mathematical understanding and skills alongside preparing them for their GCSE examinations and for potential Key Stage 5 mathematical studies.
There are two tiers of entry, higher and foundation. Higher tier covers grades from 9-4 and foundation grades 5-1. Final level of entry is determined in year 11.
The course is assessed by three examinations, two calculator and one non calculator, all of which have a duration of one and half hours.
Key Stage 5
There are various options open to students at Key Stage 5, depending on their future plans. The Core Maths course is open to students wanting to explore the more practical side of maths and develops students’ mathematical skills and will support students intending to study degree courses and vocational courses with mathematical content. Students studying A-Level maths and Further Maths will add depth to their Key Stage 4 knowledge and study a broad range of mathematical concepts to give them the skills required to be able to progress into their chosen career path/ future study.
https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/mathematics/as-and-a-level/mathematics-7357
https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/mathematics/aqa-certificate/mathematical-studies-1350