Ripon Grammar School

An engineering specialism within a grammar school

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Maths

Maths Counts!

Aims of the department

We want our pupils to:

acquire basic Numeracy skills
reason clearly, setting arguments out in a logical manner
approach problems systematically, choosing appropriate techniques for their solution
enjoy their Mathematics and to appreciate the fascination that Mathematics can hold
gain the Mathematics skills and understanding needed for their future careers and life in today’s world
appreciate the application and power of Mathematics in other subject areas
confidently use and explore Mathematical ideas
understand all that they do and not just learn techniques

Key Stage 3

Year 7

Year 7 are taught in unstreamed tutor groups as setting across the year group is not a viable option at the present time. The weekly lessons for Year 7 are allocated with 3 periods on Number/Algebra and 2 periods on Shape and Space/Data Handling. One homework on each topic will be set each week in accordance with the school’s homework policy.

Year 8

At the end of Year 7 the year group is set by reference to end of year exam results, teacher judgement and the department’s database. There are 5 sets – two parallel, top sets, alpha1 and alpha2, two parallel middle sets, M1 and M2 and delta. The same scheme of work is followed in the main by all sets, but the top sets work with greater pace and depth whilst the lowest set concentrates on basics. At the end of the year the top 26 pupils will be put into one set to fast track Maths and Statistics.

Year 9

As stated above, there is an accelerated top set, alpha1, that will be expected to sit Maths and Statistics GCSEs at the end of Year 10. The pupils in the top two sets are assessed at working at level 8 as are approximately half those from the two middle sets. The remaining pupils are mostly working at level 7.

Assessment

In Years 7 – 9, a numerical mark or percentage will normally be given for homework. Tests will be given regularly.

There are termly assessments as well as end of year examinations which enable progress to be monitored.

Key Stage 4

GCSE

The usual pattern of entries is expected to be:

Top set (Alpha1) - AQA Maths and Statistics GCSE at end of Year 10 (Higher tier).
Next 2 sets (Alpha2 and Beta) - AQA Maths and Statistics GCSE (Higher tier) at end of Year 11, but not to the detriment of their GCSE Maths grade. Any pupil felt to be struggling with the increased work load of the extra Statistics course will be encouraged to enter only Maths GCSE in order to have a better chance of A*.
Sets Gamma and Delta☺- AQA Maths GCSE (higher tier).

☺If any pupil is struggling with this tier of entry then there is flexibility for entry at Foundation level, but only after the whole course has been delivered and Mocks sat. i.e. Spring term of Year 11.

In Year 11 the accelerated set will study for OCR Additional Maths (a Free Standing Maths qualification.)

Key Stage 5

AS and A2 Level

The OCR modular scheme is followed for A level Mathematics and Further Mathematics. In the lower sixth, there are 7 lessons per week and in the upper sixth 8 lessons. Single Maths A Level sets are usually allocated two members of staff. Further Maths classes currently have double the amount of time.

Why study Mathematics?

It is a very useful subject if you are planning to go to University to study engineering, the sciences, design, economics, business, finance, accountancy…the list is endless!
It is a powerful tool in many subject areas.
Because you enjoy the subject!

Other Activities

Puzzle Club. This is run once a week at lunchtime and is aimed at Years 7and 8.
Maths Club. This is run once a week at lunchtime for all Years 9 and above.
Maths Challenge (Senior, Intermediate, Junior). All Year 8 are entered for the Junior Challenge together with about half of Year 7. The Intermediate Challenge is usually attempted by the top two sets in Years 10 and 11 and the top set in Year 9. The Senior Challenge is taken by all Sixth Form Mathematicians.
Stocks and Shares Competition. This is open to Year 10 and is organised by NYBEP.
Edge Hill Competition. This is open to the top set in Year 9 and the school won this competition in 2004 and 2005.
UKMT Team Challenge for year 8 and 9 pupils.
The department is a member of the Mathematics Association.
A member of the department works closely with the school librarian to see that the Mathematics section of the library is relevant, accessible and used as much as possible.