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. The National Numeracy Strategy is followed as appropriate in Years 7- 9.

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 usually four sets - alpha, two middle, parallel sets and delta. The same scheme of work is followed by all sets, but the top sets work with greater pace and depth whilst the lowest set concentrates mainly on basics.

Year 9

There is the same pattern of sets as in Year 8 (although in 2005-6, there is a fifth set due to the larger year group. This extra set is a second alpha set). The department is raising expectations and is looking to enter all pupils from alpha sets for SATs paper 6-8; from the middle sets it is anticipated that some will be entered for 6-8 with the rest 5-7 and the delta set are expected to have most entries at 5-7 with the remainder taking 4-6.

Assessment

In Years 7 - 9, a numerical mark or percentage will normally be given for homework and pupils should record this mark on a progress record sheet at the back of their books.

Tests will be given regularly.

Years 7 and 8 sit the Optional QCA tests as their end of year exams as these provide nationally agreed levels. Year 9 sit the national SATs exams as their end of year exams.

Key Stage 4

GCSE

The usual pattern of entries (which may be varied according to the abilities of the pupils in a particular year group) is:

• Top two sets (Usually alpha and beta) - Higher Level (AQA Linear specification) and AQA Statistics GCSE.
• Gamma set Higher Level (AQA). For any pupil struggling with this tier of entry, then there is flexibility for entry at Intermediate level.
• Delta set Intermediate Level (AQA).

The format of Maths GCSE is changing from September 2006 to only two tiers of entry. From that date, all the Maths sets will follow the Higher specification.

Key Stage 5

AS and A2 Level

The OCR modular scheme is followed. 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 has 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.

Internet Links

www.mathsnet.net
www.counton.org
www.mathsangel.co.uk
www.nrich.maths.org
www.mathsrevision.net