Mathematics
Mathematics provides a way of viewing and making sense of the world. It is used to analyse and communicate information and ideas; to tackle a range of practical tasks and real life problems. It is the power and pervasiveness of the subject that accounts for its importance.
A GCSE pass at grade C or better in Mathematics is sought by most employers and nearly all institutions of Further and Higher education. Top universities will require students to have a grade A or A* in GCSE Mathematics. Most professions require applicants to have at least a grade C in GCSE Mathematics. All year 11 students at Churston are expected to gain at least a grade C in Mathematics at GCSE. Students with an A Level in Mathematics can go on to earn high salaries. The Mathematics
Department places its schemes of work on the school web site so that students and parents can be fully engaged in the teaching and learning that is taking place within the subject area.
Equipment
Students are responsible for bringing appropriate equipment to each and every Mathematics lesson. This includes a scientific calculator and a set of geometrical instruments.
Use of ICT
Students will use a range of appropriate software within Mathematics lessons. Software used includes Omnigraph, Cabri Geometry, Autograph, Boardworks and spreadsheets. In addition the school subscribes to appropriate on line resources that the students can access from home whenever they like. The department has access to well-equipped computer rooms and students also have the opportunity to use graphical calculators whenever appropriate.
Teaching Style
The main style employed by the department is full class, interactive teaching along with paired or group work. As part of the Key Stage 3 programme of study students will take part in a range of open ended, practical tasks. Students are encouraged to develop investigational, independent learning and problem solving skills and they will work within small groups or as individuals. Books are marked regularly and
homework’s set according to the timetable issued to each student. High standards are sought: members of staff give individual students every encouragement to make progress at an appropriate rate.
June 2011
Key Stage 3YEAR 7 In Year 7 students are taught in their form groups for Mathematics and follow a compressed scheme of work which will mean that they will be able to start their GCSEs in Year 9 (dependant on progress and performance) Students will study Algebra, Data Handling and Statistics, Measures, Number and Geometry at levels 5 to 8. Student’s progress is assessed using a continuous assessment model, and in May students sit a more formal examination covering all topics studied up to that point. Throughout the year students will work on open ended investigational and problem solving tasks in pairs or in groups and all students are encouraged to develop independent learning skills. To support their study and appreciation of Mathematics regular use is made of software and on line learning opportunities. Extra help may be available for students who have difficulty with the subject. YEARS 8 and 9 Throughout years 8 and 9 students build on their year 7 work. The level of Mathematics studied is developed through levels 7 and 8 of the National Specifications. In years 8 and 9 students are set according to their ability in Mathematics. Student’s progress is assessed using a continuous assessment model, and in May students sit a more formal examination covering all topics studied up to that point. Throughout the year students will attempt open ended investigational and problem solving tasks in pairs or in groups and all students are encouraged to develop independent learning skills. To support their study and appreciation of Mathematics regular use is made of software and on line learning opportunities. Extra help may be available for students who have difficulty with the subject. |
 Schemes Of Work
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| Key Stage 4 Year 10 and 11In years ten and eleven students are set according to their ability in Mathematics. The top two sets are accelerated and follow the Edexcel linear scheme of assessment, usually taking two examinations in November of their year eleven. After taking their GCSE examinations students go on to take GCSE Statistics or AS Mathematics. Students in the remaining sets take the Edexcel modular scheme of assessment. In March of year 10 students take one external examination (Unit 2) and in year 11 they take further examinations in November (Unit 1) and June (Unit 3). Students can re sit each of the first two modules (one re sit per module is allowed) if required. For the first two modules all students will take the Higher Tier examinations, whereas for the final module some students may take the FoundationTier examination. This pattern of entry will enable all students to gain at least a grade C in GCSE Mathematics. There is no coursework in GCSE Mathematics.Additional support is available to students who may be finding Mathematics difficult and the Department subscribes to a high quality website that provide on line support to students 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. |
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Key Stage 5
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