Rationale
Mathematics is the means of looking at the patterns that make up our world and the intricate and beautiful ways in which they are constructed and realised. Numeracy is the means of making that knowledge useful. Our faculty aims to provide youngsters with a wide ranging Mathematical experience focused on the four components of number, algebra, geometry and statistics, to instil confidence and develop deep understanding. These experiences support the students in acquiring the mathematical knowledge and techniques required for examination success and as they journey through life.
The pupils:
- develop a positive attitude to Mathematics.
- are able to use Mathematics as a means of communication.
- work independently and co-operatively.
- are encouraged to apply Mathematics in everyday situations.
- develop an empathy with number and develop an ability to check and understand the significance of answers.
- appreciate the interdependence and links of the different structures within Mathematics.
- are encouraged to undertake further study.
KS3
Pupils are taught in mixed ability tutor groups in Year 7 for the first six weeks and are then regrouped on ability. These ability groups are then streamlined into Year 8 and 9. Each student will complete six key assessment tasks during the year focusing on the half termly topic covered. The faculty has 2 x 100 minute periods per week for pupils in Years 7 to 9.
KS4
As of September 2010 students starting in year 10 will be following the new AQA modular GCSE course. This involves three units of work which are:
Unit 1: Statistics and Number (examination March 2011)
Unit 2: Number and Algebra (examination November 2011)
Unit 3: Algebra and Geometry (examination June 2012)
Students in year 11 will continue to follow the Edexcel linear GCSE course. At Key Stage 4 pupils are taught in sets and are encouraged to work at the most appropriate tier of the National Curriculum in order to achieve their highest possible GCSE grade. Yr 11 have 2 x 50 minute and 1 x 100 minute periods per week and Yr 10 have 1x 100 minute periods. Each student will complete six key assessment tasks during the year focusing on the half termly topic covered.
The faculty has undertaken several initiatives to raise the achievement and attainment of all pupils such as the extra-curricular clubs:
- Aiming for an A*/A
- Aiming for a C
- Drop-in Maths Clinic
- Upgrade
KS5
At KS5 students follow the AQA course in A-level Mathematics and A-level Statistics.
- For A-level Mathematics students study 4 x 50 min of core mathematics and 2 x 50 min of applied mathematics per week. Students take core mathematics 1 and 2 and then choose between mechanics, statistics or decision maths for their applied module, with examinations at the end of the year for each individual module. Each student will complete a number of key assessment tasks during the year with their progress monitored closely to ensure they achieve their maximum potential.
- For A-level Statistics students study 6 x 50 min of core statistics per week. Students take core statistics 1, 2 and 3, with examinations at the end of the year for each individual module. Each student will complete a number of key assessment tasks during the year with their progress monitored closely to ensure they achieve their maximum potential.
For A-level Further Mathematics, students study 2 x 50 min of further Core Mathematics and 4 x 50 min of Applied Mathematics per week alongside A-level Mathematics. Each student will complete a number of key assessment tasks during the year with their progress monitored closely to ensure they achieve their maximum potential, with examinations at the end of the year for each individual module.
Alongside the courses there are a number of enrichment activities available for students including trips to Oxford University and the University of Birmingham and student leadership and mentoring opportunities for students in KS4 and KS3.
Additional Information
The faculty is a forward thinking team which is currently undergoing some exciting developments. Our team spirit is a major strength of the faculty. We firmly believe that the basic curriculum is enhanced by regular participation in extra-curricular activities. Some examples of these activities include participation in UKMT Mathematical Challenges and Team competition, the Jaguar Cars Development Competition and Dudley Maths Competitions.
We also run a puzzle club and extra support sessions to pupils in all years, a Maths Club for lower school pupils, a variety of Mathematical quizzes run through the whole school house system and a year 9 visit to Techniquest. The curriculum is complemented by a number of alternative curriculum days, where pupils have the opportunity to take part in more practical activities such as, 'Around the world in 90 minutes', a mathematical brain teaser involving trips to far away destinations.