Mathematics

Pupils follow all aspects of the National Curriculum covering number, algebra, shape and space as well as data. Our programmes of study have been specially tailored to accommodate the requirements of the National Literacy and Numeracy Framework.

A variety of resources and strategies are used and lessons include a healthy balance of whole class teaching, group work and independent learning. There is always a busy working atmosphere with lots of interaction and support. Pupils are encouraged to participate actively in lessons by explaining their methods or justifying their answers. Problem-solving and thinking skills are an increasing feature of our work as well as challenging mental arithmetic skills using puzzles, challenges and oral games.

In year 7 and 8 pupils have 7 hours of mathematics lessons over a two week timetable. Pupils are set at the start of year 7. This is based on academic ability.

Students study the WJEC Mathematics course and the WJEC Mathematics Numeracy course. Both qualifications are entirely exam based, involving two units- a non-calculator and calculator paper. There are 3 tiers of entry for both qualifications.

• Higher Tier: Grades A* – C
• Intermediate Tier: Grades B – E
• Foundation Tier: Grades D – G

GCSE Mathematics Numeracy will build on and progress from the levels of numeracy expected at the end of Key Stage 3 through the Literacy and Numeracy Framework. The exam assesses the mathematics that learners will need in their everyday lives, in the world of work, and in other general curriculum areas.

GCSE Mathematics will build on and progress from the levels of mathematics expected at the end of Key Stage 3 through the National Curriculum Programme of Study for Mathematics. Whilst GCSE in Mathematics Numeracy will assess the mathematics that learners will need in their everyday lives, in the world of work, and in other general curriculum areas, GCSE Mathematics will extend to aspects of mathematics needed for progression to scientific, technical or further mathematical study.

All students will to sit the GCSE Mathematics examination in the summer exam series of year 10 and Mathematics Numeracy in the November examinations. Post November our more able pupils will be further extended with an Additional Mathematics GCSE. All pupils will have the opportunity to sit the examination in the summer of year 11 to achieve a higher grade. Early entry is available for selected students.

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Students can study WJEC GCE Mathematics and for exceptional mathematicians, we also offer WJEC GCE Further Mathematics, this is a second A Level that is taken in addition to WJEC Mathematics. Both qualifications are entirely exam based. The grades available for these AS qualifications are A-E and for A2 are A*-E.

What will I study?

In GCE Mathematics, you will study: 

Pure Mathematics:

Coordinate geometry, algebra and functions, differentiation, integration, trigonometry, exponentials and logarithms, vectors, proofs and sequences and series. 

Applied Mathematics:

Statistics – statistical sampling, data presentation and interpretation, probability, statistical distribution, statistical hypothesis testing. 

Mechanics – kinematics, forces and Newton’s laws, vectors, moments, differential equations.

In GCE Further Mathematics, you will study: 

Further Pure Mathematics – complex numbers, matrices, further algebra and functions, further vectors, proofs by mathematical induction, further trigonometry, further calculus, polar coordinates, hyperbolic functions, differential equations. 

Further Statistics – random variables and the Poisson process, exploring relationships between variables and goodness of fit of a model, samples and populations, statistical distributions, hypothesis testing, estimation. 

Further Mechanics – momentum and impulse, Hooke’s law, work, energy and power, circular motion, differentiation and integration of vectors, rectilinear motion, centre of mass, equilibrium of rigid bodies, differential equations.

What skills will I develop? 

You will develop an understanding of the different areas of mathematics and how they relate to each other. You will extend your range of mathematical skills and techniques and be able to use and apply them to more difficult, unstructured problems. You will develop abilities to reason logically and recognise incorrect reasoning, to generalise and to construct mathematical proofs. You will develop skills relevant to exploring and analysing large data sets and be able to interpret data presented in a summary.