Mathematics
Key Stage 3 Information
Points to Note
Students are setted on entry to the school, by ability. In Year 7 & 8 they will study the skills and fundamental principles of mathematics required to prepare them for study of the New GCSE in Mathematics at Key Stage 4, covering basic understanding of
• Shape, Space & Measures;
• Algebra;
• Number & Proportion;
• Data Handling and Probability.
Pupils should expect to memorise a wide range of basic facts such as times tables & number bonds, key words and calculation rules & methods, as well as learning how to draw and read mathematical diagrams accurately, use mathematical equipment, start to discuss, interpret, describe and solve problems and present reasoned arguments using mathematics.
Key Stage 4 Information
Points to Note
At Key Stage 4 all students follow a course that leads to a GCSE Mathematics Qualification from the Edexcel examination board, with Grades 1 to 9 under the new grading system from June 2017. Pupils should expect to put into practice the skills and facts they learned at Key Stage 3 to develop and consolidate their abilities to discuss, interpret, describe and solve problems and present reasoned arguments using mathematics.
They will continue to learn topics and skills in
• Shape, Space & Measures;
• Algebra;
• Number & Proportion;
• Data Handling and Probability,
with a greater emphasis on independent and collaborative learning and using their skills in multi-step and increasingly complex problem-solving. The aim is to enable students to meet the rigours of the new Mathematics Specification, equipping them to succeed in using Maths in other subjects such as Science, Geography, PE, Technology, as well as in their home, and later, their college, university and work lives.
Year 9 is a transitional year from KS3 to KS4. We treat this as the start of pupils’ GCSE studies.
Students start to learn more advanced Mathematical methods in particular with regard to using algebra to generalise mathematical situations. Decisions are made at the end of Year 9 as to setting for Year 10, and hence to potential level of entry to the GCSE. Whilst all students will have the opportunity to gain a grade 5 at GCSE, it is important for them to start to develop skills and consolidate methods for problem solving and reasoning, sufficiently highly in Year 9 to justify consideration for entry at Higher Tier at the GCSE, and hence access grades 6-9.
Year 9
There are currently 7 sets in Year 9, 4 on Ples and 3 on Shar. In Year 9 pupils receive 5 Maths lessons each week.
Students start to learn more advanced Mathematical methods in particular with regard to using algebra to generalise mathematical situations. Decisions are made at the end of Year 9 as to setting for Year 10, and hence to potential level of entry to the GCSE. Whilst all students will have the opportunity to gain a grade 5 at GCSE, it is important for them to start to develop skills and consolidate methods for problem solving and reasoning, sufficiently highly in Year 9 to justify consideration for entry at Higher Tier at the GCSE, and hence access grades 6-9.
Year 10
There are currently 3 sets on either side of Year 10. In Year 10 pupils receive 6 maths lessons per week.
Students now consolidate more advanced Mathematical methods in reasoning and logical presentation of mathematical arguments when solving a wide range of multi-step and multi-skill problems. Decisions are made at the end of Year 10 as to setting for Year 11. Pupils must show a consistently high level of commitment and understanding to learning Mathematics at the highest level throughout Year 10 to justify entry for the Higher Tier examination in Year 11 and hence access grades 6-9.
Students who find Mathematics more difficult or demonstrate a consistent understanding at a more functional level will be able to enter at the Foundation Level, to access grades 1-5.
Set P1 pupils are being introduced to the Further Maths iGCSE which they may sit in year 11.
Year 11
Currently in year 11 we have classes split over two teaching bands with 3 sets on 11Ples and 4 sets on 11Shar. In Year 11 pupils have 7 Maths lessons each week.
Set 1 follow the Higher Scheme of work. 11 Shar 1 pupils also study for the Further Maths iGCSE qualification.
Set 2 follow the Higher Scheme of work focussing mainly on grade 5-7 topics but with coverage of Grade 8 – 9 topics where appropriate.
Sets 3 & 4 follow a Foundation scheme of work, allowing them to consolidate their functional skills in Mathematics and hence access grades 1-5.
Exam Board Specifications
Visit the website (http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/mathematics-2015.html).
View the specification document (http://qualifications.pearson.com/content/dam/pdf/GCSE/mathematics/2015/specification-and-sample-assesment/gcse-maths-2015-specification.pdf).
It is anticipated that some pupils in Year 11 will also be able to sit the Edexcel GCSE Statistics exam in 2019. A decision will be made during the first term as to which pupils will do this.
