Mathematics
‘’Mathematics has beauty and romance. It’s not a boring place to be, the mathematical world. It’s an extraordinary place; it’s worth spending time there.’’ Marcus du Sautoy
Mathematics is essential for everyday life and for understanding our world. We want all our students to become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, to be able to reason mathematically and to solve problems by applying their mathematical understanding to a variety of problems. Mathematical Mastery for all is our overriding aim.
Within the Mathematics department, we aim to set challenging targets with high expectations for all students. We strongly believe in the importance of offering a variety of different approaches to teaching and learning to help motivate students. We will always look to ensure that the students are actively participating and enjoying mathematics.
At the end of their mathematical education, it is our vision that each student will:
- experience the satisfaction and enjoyment of their mathematical achievements.
- think and act as an independent learner.
- identify patterns and understand the meaning behind these.
- see the connections between a variety of mathematical topics.
- reason clearly and logically and set out logical and well thought out arguments.
- approach problems systematically choosing appropriate techniques for their solution.
- communicate with a team; sharing and investigating problems.
- perform basic numeracy skills.
- understand the mathematics likely to be encountered in everyday life.
Key Stages 3 and 4
Students follow the White Rose scheme of learning from Year 7 to Year 11. White Rose works on the basis of small steps learning to create a deeper understanding, confidence and competence in mathematics. Topics are interleaved and revisited each year within different contexts. This enables students to see mathematics learning holistically rather than a hierarchy of difficulty.
In Year 10 and 11 students continue to follow the White Rose scheme of learning, working towards taking the Pearson Edexcel Mathematics GCSE. The examinations consist of three examinations papers which are equally weighted towards the final awarded grade.
| Tier | Duration | Marks | Total | Grades | ||
| Foundation | Paper 1 | Non-calculator | 1 hour 30 minutes | 80 | 240 | 1-5 |
| Foundation | Paper 2 | Calculator | 1 hour 30 minutes | 80 | ||
| Foundation | Paper 3 | Calculator | 1 hour 30 minutes | 80 | ||
| Higher | Paper 1 | Non-calculator | 1 hour 30 minutes | 80 | 240 | 4*-9 |
| Higher | Paper 2 | Calculator | 1 hour 30 minutes | 80 | ||
| Higher | Paper 3 | Calculator | 1 hour 30 minutes | 80 |
*grade 3 allowed
Assessment
Regular assessments will take place throughout the year evaluating students’ knowledge and skills from each block of learning. An end of year examination will also assess their cumulative knowledge up until that point in their education. Based on the average of these assessments we will make set changes where appropriate. These are at the discretion of the class teacher and the Director of Mathematics.
Year 11 will sit two Pre Public Examinations (PPEs) in order to prepare them for their upcoming external exam. This will also inform class teachers about any areas students need to make improvements upon.
Home learning
Home learning is set once a week. This could be one of several activities:
- Consolidation of learning in the classroom
- Online activities
- Flip learning activities
- Revision and revision planning
- Investigations
- Improvements on in class work
- Learning formulae and key words
Useful links
- Exam Solutions
- Mr Barton Maths
- PiXL Maths App
- PiXL TT app
- Kangaroo Maths
- BBC Bitesize
- Nrich
- Corbett Maths
- Maths Genie
- Dr Frost Maths
Suggested Reading
Extra-curricular
- UKMT Junior Maths Challenge (Students from Years 7 & 8)
- UKMT Intermediate Maths Challenge (Students from Years 9, 10 & 11)
- UKMT Team Maths Challenge (year 8 & 9)
- Hertfordshire County Team Maths Challenges for Years 7 & 8
- Maths Feast for Year 10 (Hosted by FSMP)
Where can Mathematics take you?
A Mathematics qualification can open up so many doors and is always viewed favourably by potential employers. There are a wide range of careers which maths applies to, in areas ranging from engineering to entertainment. Mathematics is more than simply being able to solve an equation or perform mental arithmetic; it teaches us how to logically approach a problem and opens up the world around us, as well as being able to help us develop mental resilience. These skills are desirable in any career and some of the most popular are listed below:
- Actuary
- Accountant
- Air Traffic Controller
- Animator
- Meteorologist
- Engineer
- Architect
- Data Analyst
- Medical Scientist
- Financial advisor
- Economist
- Statistician
- Stockbroker
- Urban Planner
- Teacher/Lecturer
- Computer Scientist
How parents can support learning
Organisation
Please help support your child to be organised. It is important that students come to school with the correct equipment so please regularly check that they have this. This includes specific mathematical equipment; a 30cm ruler, pair of compasses, protractor, pencil and scientific calculator.
Formulae Tests
There are many mathematical formulae which students need to learn. These will be highlighted to students in their learning. Please help your child by testing them at home.
Assessments
Supporting your child with revision is appreciated. This will be set as home learning in preparation for regular assessments throughout the year. Encourage them to go back through their notes and practise the examples again. Further videos, explanations and practice questions can be found on a variety of websites.
PiXL
Please encourage your child to use the PiXL maths app and PiXL times table app. Students can log on using the following details:
School ID: FD2577
Login: Surname followed by first initial
Password: ‘student’ followed by the year they joined the school
Revision Guides
These can be useful to support your child with revision. There are many guides written for each Key Stage. An option to purchase recommended GCSE guides will be sent to you when your child is in Year 10.
