Our curriculum for mathematics aims to ensure that students cover all aspects of the National Curriculum, building on the work that has begun in primary schools and looking forward to the successful use of mathematics in all GCSEs and beyond. They study Number, Algebra, Ratio and Proportion, Geometry, Measures, Probability and Statistics. Lessons are differentiated to enable all students to maximise their progress, focusing on skills that need additional work and moving forward in topics that are strengths.

Each year group studies topics in the same order with an initial focus on Numeracy. However, each group in mathematics focuses on a particular range of grades centred on the students’ current working levels. As they progress through years 7 and 8, they will work at increasing levels of difficulty whilst building on previous knowledge and understanding. We encourage cross-year group and inter-form discussion of homework as part of students’ learning skills for life through supporting each other beyond the subject classroom.

In year 7, catch-up students benefit from tailored programmes of learning to ensure they are prepared to meet the rigours of GCSE mathematics in future years.

Mathematics is a core subject and must be taken by all students at the tier most appropriate to their ability and target. In the course, you will continue to study the four areas of Mathematics: number and algebra; geometry; statistics; and probability; and using/applying these techniques.

You will need your own scientific calculator to use throughout the course. It is important that you know how it works and when you should be using it. In the examinations, you are not allowed to ask for help with this, so it’s important you have plenty of practice beforehand.

For students wishing to take GCE (‘A’ level) Mathematics, achieving at least a high grade 7 on the higher tier is essential, since only those students who achieved at this level are likely to succeed at this subject at ‘A’ level (‘A’ level students will need to be algebraically fluent and confident with trigonometry as well as transforming graphs, for example.)

Assessment is by three written equally weighted examinations. Paper 1 is non-calculator. Papers 2 and 3 are with a calculator.

These papers are each out of 80.

The marks are added together to decide your overall grade. At foundation tier, grades 1 – 5 may be awarded. At higher tier, 9- 4 are available. Students will be expected to take their GCSE in the summer of year 11.

Mathematics is useful for many careers and it is a requirement of almost all further and higher education courses, which require a pass at Grade 5 or above. People enjoy the interest, challenge and clarity of Mathematics, and the fact that they know when they are right. Finding a solution to a problem can be exciting and satisfying.

Those who qualify in Mathematics are in the fortunate position of having a wide range of career choices. This Mathematics course will vastly improve the students’ abilities and confidence in thinking logically; formulating and solving problems; making deductions from qualified assumptions and using more advanced mathematical concepts to achieve goals.