YEARS 7, 8 and 9 

The mathematics department aims to provide an accessible but challenging course for each pupil according to their potential.  Pupils are prepared for the appropriate level of GCSE entry, which enables many of them to continue to study mathematics at a sixth form centre. They will also learn important skills which are applicable to other school subjects as well as real-life situations.

Mathematics is a core national curriculum subject that has four attainment targets:  

USING AND APPLYING MATHEMATICS
Practical tasks, applications to real-life problems, investigations in pure mathematics. 

NUMBER AND ALGEBRA
The use of number includes fractions, decimals, ratio, percentages, calculations, estimations, and the appropriate use of calculators.  Algebra involves the use of symbols and graphs to express mathematical relationships. 

SHAPE, SPACE AND MEASURES
Symmetry, area, volume and angles, using ICT where appropriate.                  

HANDLING DATA
The use of probability and the collection, processing and interpretation of data. 

Pupils in Year 7 are taught in sets within each year half.  Pupils in Year 8 are taught in four or five sets within each year half.  Pupils in Year 9 are taught in nine groups set across the whole year.  The work tackled by each set reflects the ability of the pupils in the group.  Pupils are entered for the Key Stage 3 papers most appropriate for them.  

The scheme of work incorporates the national numeracy strategy and consists of core topics along with extension and support material. ICT will be used to support certain topics: a module of work using ICT in geometry is carried out during Year 7; a module of work using ICT to solve problems is carried out during Year 8

Written work carried out in lessons and for homework is assessed regularly.  Topics are tested after they have been studied and this enables the teachers to assess levels of achievement against the national curriculum statements of attainment.

The school homework policy allocates one session of about thirty  to forty-five minutes per week for mathematics, in Years 7 to 9.  Pupils may be required to complete questions from a worksheet or a text book, to continue investigative work, to carry out research or to revise.

The mathematics department aims to provide an accessible but challenging course for each pupil according to their potential.  Pupils are prepared for the appropriate level of GCSE entry, which enables many of them to continue to study mathematics at a sixth form centre. They will also learn important skills which are applicable to other school subjects as well as real-life situations.

Mathematics is a core national curriculum subject that has four attainment targets:  

USING AND APPLYING MATHEMATICS
Practical tasks, applications to real-life problems, investigations in pure mathematics. 

NUMBER AND ALGEBRA
The use of number includes fractions, decimals, ratio, percentages, calculations, estimations, and the appropriate use of calculators.  Algebra involves the use of symbols and graphs to express mathematical relationships. 

SHAPE, SPACE AND MEASURES
Symmetry, area, volume and angles, using ICT where appropriate.                  

HANDLING DATA
The use of probability and the collection, processing and interpretation of data. 

Pupils in KS4 are taught in nine groups and are set across the whole year.  

There are three tiers of entry for GCSE Mathematics:

• Higher: (grades A* - C)

• Intermediate: (grades B - E)

• Foundation: (grades D -  G)

Pupils who may not gain a grade G or above are also entered for the Entry Level Certificate in Mathematics.

The members of set two are entered for GCSE Statistics (at the Higher tier of entry) at the end of Year 10.  They continue with GCSE Mathematics in Year 11.

The members of set one are entered for GCSE Maths (Higher Tier) at the end of Year 10. They then embark upon an additional Mathematics course.

Written work carried out in lessons and for homework is assessed regularly.  Topics are tested after they have been studied and detailed feedback is given.   All pupils carry out two coursework tasks during KS4;  lesson and homework time is allocated to this.  Coursework accounts for 20% of the final GCSE Mathematics grade.

HOMEWORK

The school homework policy allocates one session of about sixty minutes per week for mathematics.  Pupils may be required to complete questions from a worksheet or a text book, to continue investigative work, to carry out research or to revise.