Maths
Head of Department: Miss C Woods
Context
The Maths department currently consists of 9 hard working and dedicated members of staff. The team have a range of experiences and specialties within Maths and have worked in various settings throughout their career.
The vision for our Maths Department is to create a productive and engaging learning environment, where students not only develop a deep appreciation for mathematics, but also achieve outstanding academic results. We aim to foster a sense of curiosity and creativity by integrating real-world applications of mathematical concepts into our curriculum. Collaboration is at the heart of our approach; we encourage students to work together, share ideas and support one another in their learning journey. Through innovative teaching methods, personalised support and a community of passionate and dedicated teachers, we envision a department where every student feels empowered to explore the beauty of mathematics and excel in their studies.
Curriculum
All students are working towards the Maths 1-9 GCSE with the Edexcel exam board. In Years 7, 8 and 9 students will have time to study the curriculum in depth over three years through the White Rose Maths Curriculum. In Years 10 and 11 students will build on what they have learnt in previous years but in more detail and increasing difficulty with a focus on problem solving and exams.
For curriculum guides for Maths, please visit our Curriculum by Year Group pages.
Learning Journey
Assessment
Students are assessed based on skills and application during lessons and given specific feedback regularly to allow them to excel independently. Students in Years 7-9 will be assessed against the small steps of the topic. Students in Years 10 and 11 will be assessed on the number grade 1-9 system, against their target grade range. Students will be assessed using exam style questions, topic tests and GCSE exam papers (in Years 10 and 11).
Homework
In Years 7 – 11 homework will be set on Sparx Maths every Friday and will be due for the following Friday. For all students the username is their name in lower case with no spaces and students set their own passwords. If students forget their password, they can click to reset this which will then alert their teacher to allow them to reset their password. Students should see their class teacher if they are having any problems accessing Sparx.
Enrichment Opportunities
The department enters pupils into the UK Mathematics Trust (UKMT) Challenge at all age groups. Our most able mathematicians are entered for the Challenge at the Junior (Years 7-8) and Intermediate (Years 9-11) levels. In 2021 we entered the Senior Maths Challenge for the first time and had numerous students receive awards.
Throughout the year the department runs events for example the Numeracy Advent Calendar and Pi Day Bake off!
The Maths department run the Logic Problems club as an elective. For further information, see below or visit our Electives Programme page.
