Curriculum : Mathematics Mathematics Teaching Staff Miss Lockyer – Third in Department (Acting) Mrs Patel – NQT coordinator Mrs Ramage Ms Moghal Mr Suarez Mr Waygood Ms Whitewood Key Stage 3 Mathematics – Years 7 and 8 Students at Key Stage 3 follow a programme of study that incorporates Number, Algebra, Geometry and Measures and Statistics topics. Students are provided with opportunities to apply their mathematical knowledge through completion of Functional Skills activities. Students in Year 7 and Year 8 follow the new Key Stage 3 National Curriculum which focuses on Functional Skills. They develop their communication, application, research and evaluation skills in the weekly strategies used for quick starters. In each half term students also engage in a Thinking Skills Week of activities which allows them to apply their mathematical skills to a variety of real life and practical scenarios.  We give ownership to our students so that they have more autonomy over their own learning through Assessment for Learning (AfL) projects.  These are set by the class teacher each term.  In these projects the pupils can be given extension work or research to carry out on a new topic.  They then have to present this in front of their peers or submit a written assignment.  These projects have proven to be successful as pupils develop their reasoning and communication skills in preparation for Key Stage 4 Key Stage 3.5 Mathematics – Year 9 Students in Year 9 follow a condensed and important Key Stage 3 syllabus for the Autumn term.  After the first term, they take an Internal Key Stage 3 examination.  In February, they begin preparation for their GCSE Mathematics.  Pupils will follow either the Linear or Modular Higher programme subject to their Key Stage 3 progress and attainment.  Some pupils will sit their first public examination at the end of Year 9 in June and this will contribute towards their GCSE in Year 10. At Grey Coat Hospital, the GCSE Mathematics course is assessed using the OCR examination board (Linear Higher or Modular Higher/Foundation) There is a Peer Tutor Scheme where students in Years 8 and 9 can apply to help pupils in Lower School.  This not only gives them a role of responsibility but also allows them to consolidate their own learning.  We run a Key Stage 3 Homework Club every Monday from 3.30 – 4.45pm in A41 (at the St. Andrew’s building). Key Stage 4 Mathematics - Years 10 and 11 Public Exam: Modular exam date is 21st January 2010 (Sets 3 – 7) Public Exam: Terminal exam is on the 15th January 2010 Exam: OCR GCSE Mathematics Linear or Modular Key Stage 4 continues directly from the National Curriculum for Key Stage 3. The syllabus consists of Number and Algebra, Geometry and Measures, Statistics and Applications. In Key Stage 4, there are 7 Mathematics classes. Each class is put into sets according to attainment in the internal Key Stage 3 examination. Students in the first two sets begin GCSE Linear (Fast Track). Students in Set 3 to Set 7 begin the GCSE Modular Higher programme which builds on their previous examination results from the summer term in Year 9. Pupils can achieve Grade A* on the Modular Higher Programme.  A small number of pupils will take the GCSE Modular Foundation paper to attain their target Grade C (the maximum grade for this paper is Grade B). Pupils in the Fast Track classes will have the opportunity to complete additional GCSEs in Mathematics.  These may be AQA GCSE Statistics and/or AQA Additional Mathematics subject to ability. 51 of our students in 2008-2009 achieved 100% Grades A*/A highlighting their success.  We will individualise the programmes where necessary so that our pupils are able to reach their full potential. In both GCSE Linear and Modular programmes, students are assessed on both Calculator and Non-Calculator skills. They do not do a Mental Arithmetic Test at the end of Key Stage 4. However, many of the mental arithmetic skills are tested in the Non-Calculator Paper. We expect every pupil in Year 10 and 11 to have a folder, vocabulary book, text book (as given by the school), exam booklets (as given at the start of the term) and correct Scientific Calculator and Geometrical Set for every Mathematics lesson. There is a Senior Peer Tutor Scheme where students can apply to help pupils in their year group.  This not only gives them a role of responsibility but also allows them to consolidate their learning.  We run a Key Stage 4 Homework Club every Tuesday from 3.30 – 4.45pm in M21 (at the St. Michael’s building). We celebrate our pupils’ achievement each half term as we award certificates for outstanding attainment, most improved student, conscientious and consistent student and independent student. AS and A2 Level Mathematics Exam Board: GCE Edexcel. Students must have achieved at least a Grade B at GCSE in Linear Mathematics (any board). While studying Mathematics students will be expected to: • Use mathematical skills to solve problems • Understand how to prove something • Model real life situations using mathematics • Use resources such as statistical tables and calculators appropriately. Expectations for AS (Year12) and A2 (Year 13) Level Mathematics are high and are a continuation of the expectations at Key Stage 4. Pupils are expected to be punctual to lessons, bring all necessary books and equipment to every lesson and complete class and homework tasks to a high standard.  Pupils will be turned away from lessons for being late or poorly organised as we aim to maintain the highest of standards.  We encourage our students to be responsible and have more input into lessons. We give ownership to our students so that they have more autonomy over their own learning through Assessment for Learning (AfL) projects.  In these projects the pupils are expected to revise a key topic or learn a new topic.  They have to carry out the research and feedback to the class what they have learnt.  They would be expected to present this in front of their peers and submit a written assignment.  These projects have proven to be successful as pupils develop their reasoning and communication skills in preparation for Key Stage 5 Public examinations. Mathematics at AS and A2 is divided into four branches and require three and six units respectively.  Two thirds of the course will involve Application modules (one unit is required at AS Level and two units are needed at A2 Level) Core Mathematics Module (C1 – C4) This is the compulsory part of AS/A2 Level Mathematics. It covers the following important aspects of Mathematics: Algebra Trigonometry Coordinate Geometry Sequences and Series Differentiation and Integration Application Modules Mechanics (Units M1, M2 and M3) This is an option which studies the motion of objects and how they respond to forces acting on them. This is a very good option for those studying Physics. The main topics are: Vectors Motion of Particles Forces on Static Particles Moments Work and Energy Statistics (Units S1 and S2) This is an option in which you learn how to analyse and summarise data in order to arrive at conclusions about it. The main topics are: Representing Data Probability Correlation and Regression Discrete and Continuous Variable Normal distributions Decision Mathematics (Units D1 and D2) This is a relatively new branch of Mathematics which studies networks and scheduling of activities. The main topics are: Algorithms Route Inspection Problems Linear Programming Critical Path Analysis AS and A2 Level Further Mathematics Exam Board: GCE Edexcel. We also offer AS and A2 Further Mathematics which comprises of nine and twelve units respectively.  Students would need a minimum Grade A on the GCSE Linear programme to enter this course.  Students would be expected to commit to some lessons after school due to the nature of the course.