Mathematics
Introduction
Welcome to the Mathematics Department – A integral element for the Mathematics and Science Specialist Academy
The Mathematics department prides itself on nurturing well-rounded
mathematicians who are not afraid to take risks, value the importance of
mistakes and truly believe they can achieve their potential through dedication
and hardwork.
Our intent is humble – for each individual to reach their true mathematical
worth.
With the broader mathematical curriculum, which has seen us dive further into
required mathematical knowledge, pupils are showing the impact of sound
mathematical teaching, supportive problem-solving and reassuring reasoning in
their journey to success whether that be at GCSE or continued into GCE.
Please contact the Head of Department for more information. A full teaching staff list can be found under 'About Us' 'Staff and Governance'.
Head of Department: Ms S Pullan Email: sdp@ccfplus.com
What your child will be learning (curriculum mapping)
To view the modules studied each term, please click here.
Aims and enrichment
Aims
We encourage students to develop confidence in, and a positive attitude towards, mathematics and to recognise the importance of mathematics in their own lives and to society.
During the two key stages, students will develop knowledge, skills and understanding of mathematical methods and concepts. A variety of topics are covered in the strands number, algebra, geometry, measures, probability and statistics. Students are required to their knowledge and understanding to make connections between mathematical concepts as well as apply the functional elements of mathematics in everyday and real-life situations.
The mathematics department supports students in many different ways. Regular revision classes are offered free of charge to all examination classes. Extra revision classes are organised in preparation for the exams in the final weeks prior to their examinations.
The mathematics department is very proud to state its KS3 results were in the top 5% of the United Kingdom since 2000, its KS4 results have been in the top 25% of the United Kingdom since 2000 with the exception in 2011 when it reached top 5%, as well as being in the top 5% for KS5 between 2003 and 2012.
Enrichment
We have been fortunate to establish a link with King’s College London, providing additional lessons for interested year 10 and 11 students, as well as 12 and 13 students covering problem-solving in mathematics alongside developing their passion for the subject and aiding towards the upcoming examinations.
We have also run successful ‘Maths in Action’ trips to the University of London, Institute of Education, inspiring the interested mathematicians in years 9 and 10 to explore mathematics outside of the classroom and acknowledge its impact in various contexts.
Additional to these, a workshop to explore the skills required and the demands expected within the financial industry was organised for year 12 students at the Investment Bank UBS in Liverpool Street, Central London.
Since 2000, the department have provided the gifted mathematicians the chance to participate in the United Kingdom Maths Challenge, which has proved year upon year to be a success.
Key stage 3
Students are expected to apply their current mathematical knowledge to problem-solving situations alongside building upon their key stage 2 knowledge of mathematical reasoning and the fundamentals of mathematics.
They will be expected to recall and apply mathematical knowledge accurately.
Please find here three links to the revision/practice resources
Key stage 4
Students begin their study towards their GCSE examination in year 9, using the examination board Edexcel (qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/mathematics-2015).
The exam board offers a two-tier entry system; higher tier (4 – 9) and foundation tier (1 – 5). Please find here a link to the letter detailing these changes.
We are hoping to still be in the position to select students to be considered for early entry into their GCSE mathematics examination, providing them the opportunity to either develop their understanding onto the higher tier or sit a further qualification (which will aid them during the application into university) of Additional Mathematics, awarded by OCR (www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/free-standing-maths-qualification-fsmq-additional-mathematics-6993/)
The GCSE mathematics qualification develops student’s ability to acquire and use problem-solving strategies, select and apply mathematical techniques and methods in every day and real-world situations, reason mathematically, make deductions and inferences and draw conclusions, as well as interpret and communicate mathematical information in a variety of forms appropriate to the information and context.
Key stage 5
Exam Board: Edexcel
Both AS level and A level Maths and Further Mathematics are offered.
The A level curriculum is fully linear, with students sitting their exams at the end of the two-year course.
The new AS level is a stand-alone qualification and no longer contributes to an A level grade. The purpose is to encourage curriculum breadth and the AS level is co-taught with the first year of A level.
Details of both AS level and A level in Maths and Further Maths can be found on the Pearson Edexcel website:
qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-a-levels/mathematics-2017
We have a very high success rate for students fulfilling their university requirements, enabling students to attend Russell group universities such as Oxford University, Cambridge University, UCL etc.