From Years 7 to 9, students follow the Collins Maths Frameworking scheme of work. They are taught to develop subject knowledge, fluency and mathematical reasoning in all areas of the curriculum: number; algebra; ratio, proportion and rates of change; geometry and measure; statistics and probability.

Students work to improve their ability to apply mathematical methods to different contexts, as well as interpret and analyse problems to generate strategies to solve them. The development of these higher order thinking skills is embedded throughout the different topics studied at KS3, but in Year 7 students also benefit from one additional lesson per fortnight focusing on these skills.

Our “spiral” scheme of work, allows the consolidation of important mathematical concepts as they are revisited and extended each year. Alongside this, each year students are introduced to new increasingly complex topics. It is important that students appreciate the relevance of all topics they study, so wherever possible they are linked to real-world contexts and other subject areas.

Students are set by ability within two-cohorts in each year group and are taught at a level to challenge them individually. Regular evaluation of progress is made and both the teaching/learning and the setting is adjusted according to this. 

Students follow the Edexcel Specification for GCSE mathematics (code 1MA1). 

Students either sit Higher Tier exams, where they can achieve grades 9 to 3, or Foundation Tier exams, where they can achieve Grades 5 to 1. Each course is assessed via three terminal examinations each 1 hour and 30 minutes in length. This new GCSE contains a lot more real-life content which builds on the problem-solving lessons in Key Stage 3. 

Students continue to study all areas of study: number; algebra; ratio, proportion and rates of change; geometry and measure; statistics and probability to a greater depth than reached in KS3. 

Students are continually encouraged to achieve to their full potential and through regular monitoring, intervention for those not making at least their expected level of progress is put in place. 

For those who have a real love of maths and are fulfilling all of their school commitments, we offer the opportunity to study for a level 2 qualification in further maths. 

A Level Maths

Mathematics A Level is a very highly valued qualification. It is held in high esteem by industry, commerce and higher education. Mathematics is rightly regarded as a demanding subject, and those who study it develop thinking and problem solving skills applicable in all fields. 

As well as the academic basis from GCSE, students need a love of maths, hard work, determination to succeed and a certain level of independence to be successful at A-Level mathematics. All students must be prepared to experience difficulties and face-up to the challenge that these present! Success is much more likely if the student enjoys and is interested in the subject. 

Sixth formers taking mathematics follow the new “decoupled” Edexcel specification. The course is split into Pure mathematics (making up 62.5% of the assessment) and Applied mathematics in the form of Mechanics and Statistics (the remaining 37.5% of the assessment). The course is examined at the end of year 13 by way of three papers. 

We also offer the opportunity to study Further Mathematics to either AS or A2 level. The content of this course is a little more flexible; students can have some input into the areas of maths studied. In addition to further pure mathematics, students can choose to study further mechanics, further statistics or decision mathematics. 

LEVEL 3 – Core Maths 

For those wishing to continue studying mathematics but don’t want to commit to a full A Level, we offer a level 3 course in Core Mathematics (Maths in Context). This course is designed for those possibly wishing to study a degree course with mathematical content (such as geography, science, psychology, economics etc) who want to keep their skills sharp throughout the sixth form. It is worth the same as an AS level (in terms of UCAS points) and is looked favourably upon for university entrance for those courses which contain some element of maths. 

Understanding of the world around us forms a basis of everything we do in mathematics. We endeavour to relate all topics studied to real-life situations, from investigating the ethical and moral issues posed by the fair-trade industry to looking at the way in which ours and others societies are funded. In key stage 4 we study the ways in which wealth is distributed within our economy as well as personal finances, in preparation for life in the big world. 

Social 

Problem solving skills and teamwork are fundamental to Mathematics. Through creative thinking, discussion, explaining and presenting ideas. Students are always encouraged to develop their Mathematical reasoning skills, communicating with others and explaining concepts to each other. 

Moral 

KS3 pupils are also tasked with a variety of projects that require moral decisions to be made. Students work in teams to think creatively, discuss and formulate ideas to solve problems and then present their ideas to their peers. These projects include dealing with natural disasters and funding schemes to reduce road traffic accidents in a small town where decisions concerning safety have to be made with a financial context. 

Cultural 

Mathematics is an international language with inputs from different cultures throughout time. Students learn to use exchange rates for foreign travel and speed limit conversions (miles to kilometres for driving abroad!) We also explore how Mathematics appears in different cultures such as Rangoli patterns, symmetry, tessellations and Islamic geometric patterns. 

Spiritual 

Developing deep thinking and questioning the way in which the world works promotes the spiritual growth of students. In maths lessons pupils are always encouraged to delve deeper into their understanding of Mathematics and how it relates to the world around them. Analysing data skills are taught throughout enabling students to make sense of vast amounts of data available in the modern world. 

Monthly maths - to enhance, practise and build on what is learnt during lessons each student (and parent) receives a short maths question for every day of the year (except Christmas day). These are sent at the start of the month with answers following the next month.  

UKMT challenges - our most able students pit themselves against like minded students from across the region in a series of challenges 

Cipher challenge - a national competition set by the University of Southampton and GCHQ. Can our team crack the codes each week to solve the mysteries??? 

Maths Help Club - run twice a week at lunchtime to assist with homework, understanding of classwork or just somewhere to get on with your maths 

Maths in the Morning - an excellent scheme in which our older students help our younger students in areas of maths they need to improve in a relaxed atmosphere over some tea and toast 

Level 2 Further Maths - our most able year 10 and 11 students are afforded the opportunity for an extra maths qualification. This can either be seen as a stepping stone to A-level (although is not necessary to take A-level) or a qualification to really make you stand out at GCSE