MATHEMATICS - Department Information

Miss A Armbrister (Head of Mathematics Department)

Miss J Hood
Mr M Phelps
Mr P Goodwin

Mr C Rutherford
Mrs S Gjorven
Mr D Lambton
Mr A Smith

The department offers pupils at all stages, a comprehensive range of courses to both stimulate their interest and fully develop their mathematical potential. This approach encompasses a combination of theoretical and practical methods involving the application of mathematics to real situations and other areas of the curriculum.

The aim is for pupils to be able to make sense of the use of mathematics in everyday life, as well as to be aware of its more complicated and involved uses and to appreciate the patterns and symmetry, which occur throughout the subject. To this end, teaching involves class lessons, individual work, investigations and problem solving, as outlined by the national numeracy strategy guidelines.

Pupils are set initially on the information obtained from Key Stage 2 and their attainment with respect to the National Curriculum Levels.  Internal assessments are also taken into account term by term and annually when reviewing that pupils are in the appropriate class for their current rate of progress.  In Year 9, at the end of Key Stage 3, they will be assessed by the SATS prior to moving on to the Key Stage 4 programme of study. Pupils will normally take a GCSE examination in Mathematics at the end of Year 11, consisting of 2 examination papers and continual assessment (80% exam, 20% coursework).  The more able pupils are taught in smaller accelerated learning groups in Years 9, 10, 11 enabling them to begin work on extra courses such as GCSE Statistics.  Special Needs pupils are also usually taught in smaller groups with a second teacher in support.

Pupils are also offered extra curricular opportunities to develop their interest in the subject in Years 7 and 8 at Maths Club and by attending examination revision sessions in the upper school.  The most able in each year group are also encouraged to participate in the UK Maths Challenge and some in the upper years may attend extra sessions at Newcastle University.

Revision classes/clubs

Year 11

Higher GCSE: Monday 3.35 – 4.15pm

Intermediate:Tuesday 3.35 – 4.15pm

Foundation:Wednesday 3.35 – 4.15pm

Key Stage 4 Clinic

Monday room 7 12.30 – 1.00pm

Yr 11 Statistics GCSE

Thursday 3.35 – 4.30pm in room 10

Yr 10 GCSE Statistics

Monday 3.35 – 4.30pm in room 10

Yr 7 Catch up

Monday 8.40 – 9.00 am