Curriculum > Departments > Mathematics
Subject Outline
The department aims to provide a variety of different stimuli in the teaching of the subject
and in doing so provides the atmosphere required to enjoy the art of mathematical
activity, at the same time as encouraging positive attitudes to learning.
All teachers are encouraged to teach the subject through applications and by using an
investigative approach wherever possible. Basic concepts may be taught in a more
traditional manner but these ideas will often be applied in context within an extended task
or coursework. Students are encouraged to share their ideas orally with the teacher or
with others in the class, and this discussion of work is seen to be an integral part of the
learning process. Although the students are encouraged to feel positive about the subject
by adopting a practical bias, we also demand a commitment from them to improve their
ability to cope with other more formal approaches to learning. For instance, all pupils will
at some stage be expected to learn basic skills, including those of mental arithmetic, so
that further progress can be made in understanding the subject, which can in turn be
shown in any tasks they may be asked to complete.
On a practical level, and to ensure that the best possible progress is made, the
department also expects all pupils to attend lessons with the correct equipment. In
Mathematics they will require specialist items such as protractors, pairs of compasses and
scientific calculators. (The department offers students the opportunity of purchasing
calculators at a reduced cost each September). It is expected that all these items be
brought to every lesson.
Year 7 students will be taught initially in mixed ability tutor groups usually assisted by
members of the Learning Support department or other Mathematics teachers, and will be
put into ability groups later in October of a top set, middle sets and a small extract group
which, in the main, contains those pupils who have failed to get level 4 at KS2. In Year 8
and Year 9 the year will be split into two bands and they will then be set into ability
groups within each band. Years 10 and 11 are normally setted across the whole year in
ability groups and are all entered for the modular GCSE examination. The modular examination consists of 5 distinct modules which are examined at various times
throughout the two years. Two of the modules are coursework each worth 10% of the
final grade.
Students are tested regularly and are expected to perform to their standard by working
hard in class, at home and in revising well for all tests. All will sit an end of year
examination and the results of this, the results of the half term tests and teacher
assessment will be used for making decisions about any setting arrangements for the
following academic year.
We fully recognise the importance of students developing their numeracy skills and liaise
closely with the feeder primary schools in this area.
Mathematics and further mathematics are offered at 'A' level at Adams College and there
is also a GCSE resit class.
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