Mathematics Department

There are currently eight members of staff in the Mathematics Department, working in seven well-equipped teaching rooms. Each room has its own computer, data projector and wireless access to the School network. Staff are encouraged to use IT in Maths lessons wherever appropriate. Pupils also have access to two fully equipped computer rooms.

Clinics are held every evening, offering help with prep and understanding class notes. Pupils are encouraged to take an interest in Mathematics beyond the syllabus. Bright pupils participate in the Intermediate and Senior Maths Challenges.

Here in the Mathematics Department we aim to ensure that all pupils are challenged to attain their full mathematical potential regardless of their ability, and that they are given the necessary support by their teachers to achieve this.

Head of Department: Mr Damien Blewitt

GCSE

Content
Stoics are prepared for the Edexcel Modular GCSE syllabus in Mathematics.

Assessment
The course is assessed in three stages with the difficulty increasing at each stage. This syllabus provides opportunities to develop skills in all four areas of Mathematics: Number, Algebra, Shape and Space and Data Handling. Stoics take the first of these modules at the end of the Fourth Form and complete the final module in the summer of the Fifth Form.

Unit 1: Data Handling
June, Fourth Form - 40 minutes
(20 minutes calculator, 20 minutes non-calculator)

Unit 2: Number and Algebra/Shape Space and Measures 1
March, Fifth Form - 1 hour
(30 minutes calculator, 30 minutes non-calculator)

Unit 3: Number and Algebra/Shape Space and Measure 2
June, Fifth Form - Two papers (calculator and non-calculator) each lasting 1 hour 10 minutes.

Pupils beginning their GCSE Mathematics course in 2008 will not be
required to produce coursework.

All sets will be entered for Higher tier (grade range A* to D). In some circumstances individual pupils may be entered for Foundation tier (grade range C to F).

It is possible for Stoics to re-sit Units 1 and 2 if necessary. If a module is taken for a second time, the better mark is counted. Stoics may retake modules at a different tier. Their final tier of entry is determined by Unit 3 (previous Units taken at a different tier will still contribute to the overall GCSE grade).

Pupils are also encouraged to develop an appreciation of Mathematics beyond the GCSE syllabus. They are introduced to a wide range of topics, including some history of Mathematics, through class discussions, problem solving, investigative work and personal research. The top sets are entered into the UKMT Maths Challenges and there are other opportunities for any interested pupils to take part in competitions.

A Level

Mathematics is one of the most useful A-Levels, being either necessary or preferred for many degree courses in a variety of subject areas. The skills learnt will be useful for those wishing to study Sciences (laboratory and social), Medicine, Architecture, Economics and essential for those considering courses in Mathematics, Statistics or Engineering. Learning Mathematics is not just about memorising techniques and formulae, it teaches you thinking skills that will last a lifetime. However, the main reason to choose Mathematics in the Sixth Form is because you have enjoyed the subject at GCSE.

Mathematics A-Level forms a bridge between GCSE and Degree level Mathematics. The first module of the A-Level course, Core 1, has been designed to be easily approachable by anyone who has achieved a high grade (B or above) at GCSE. The next three Core modules expand the algebra, trigonometry, graphs and other topics from GCSE and take them to a higher level. You will also learn about some completely new subject areas such as Calculus and Logarithms. The ideas of proof and logical reasoning are key to Mathematics and play a larger part in the A-Level course than they did at GCSE. Modules in Applied Mathematics must also be taken (one module for AS and another for A2); these are in Statistics, Mechanics or Decision Mathematics. Those taking A-Level Mathematics will usually take one module of Statistics and one module of Mechanics, although there is sometimes room for choice.

Further Mathematics

We offer Further Mathematics at both A and AS-level. Students opting for either course should be strong mathematicians and have a keen interest in the subject. A-Level Further Mathematics must be chosen in a separate column to Mathematics, but at AS level it is studied in four extra lessons per week and does not prevent choices in any of the other columns. Students will be expected to work through the normal A-Level syllabus and take another three or six modules, spread over the two year course (for example, those taking AS Further Mathematics will work towards an extra two modules in the Lower Sixth and one more in the Upper Sixth). Either one, for AS, or two, for A-Level, of these modules must be in Further Pure Mathematics. This covers a range of exciting and demanding topics such as complex numbers, matrix algebra, vectors and proof by induction. Anyone wanting to study Mathematics beyond the Sixth Form should consider Further Mathematics.

We follow the OCR specification for Mathematics and Further Mathematics A-Level.

Endorsement Maths

Anyone entering the Sixth Form who has not achieved a grade C or above at GCSE is strongly encouraged to retake their Mathematics exams during their Lower Sixth year. Regular classes are provided so that the syllabus content can be thoroughly revised. These classes are usually very small and students benefit greatly from the individual attention. Anyone wishing to retake their GCSE has the choice of taking the whole exam in November or starting the modular course and taking exams in November, March and June.