Mathematics Department

Rationale

The faculty aims to provide youngsters with a wide ranging and balanced Mathematical experience focused on the four attainment strands of the National Curriculum. This entitlement supports the pupils in gaining the mathematical knowledge, skills and understanding required for examination success and life after school.

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.

Accommodation & resources

Mathematics is usually delivered in our nine specialist rooms, all of which are equipped with interactive whiteboards. These boards are used to enhance our teaching through the use of powerpoint presentations, specific software and some spectacular websites. The faculty has 10 laptops, which have wireless connections. These machines can be used in any of the classrooms in the mathematics faculty. All our computers are linked to the internet and have access to the Headstart and Boaradworks software as well as MyMaths which we use to provide personalised workplans, targeting youngsters' weaknesses or particular strengths.

The school's computer suites can also be pre-booked for specific lessons.

The school library, which can also be booked as a teaching room, is a valuable resource housing a range of mathematical reference books.

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 are, a whole school Number Day, with activities which include a version of the television programme, 'Who wants to be a Mathionaire?' and sessions run by the nationally renowned author and entertainer, Kjartan Poskitt. Other curriculum areas are also encouraged to become mathematical for a day! We also run a puzzle club and puzzle days are run by the Happy Puzzle Company.

Other regular activities undertaken by the faculty include visits to the education centre at West Bromwich Albion FC, 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, a year 9 visit to Oxford University, participation in UK Mathematical Challenges and World Class tests. 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.

KS 3

Pupils at KS3 follow the National Strategy. Pupils achieve above the national average in key stage 3 SATs. Pupils are taught in mixed ability tutor groups in Year 7 for the first month and are then regrouped on ability. These ability groups are continued into Year 8 and 9. The faculty has 2 x 50 minute periods and 1 x 100 minute period per week for pupils in Years 7 to 9.

GCSE & beyond

Pupils at KS4 follow the Edexcel GCSE course. At Key Stage 4 pupils are taught (2 x 50 minute and 1 x 100 minute periods per weekl) 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.

The faculty has undertaken several initiatives to raise the achievement and attainment of all pupils. Examples of such initiatives include, more able pupils having the opportunity to sit GCSE at the end of year 10 and follow the FSMQ Using and Applying Decision Mathematics in year 11. Exam results exceed the national average at GCSE.

Also, the faculty works closely with the learning support team to ensure that less able pupils in both key stages make good progress in mathematics