MathematicsAt Heart of England School Mathematics is recognised both as an independent subject and as a set of cross-curricular skills. The success of the teaching which students receive is reflected in their good examination results, both at GCSE and A level. The Mathematics Department is housed in the Hampton building although the Sixth Form Centre is used for some A level teaching. There are 11 teachers responsible for teaching Mathematics, all of whom are graduate specialists. EquipmentWe expect all pupils to bring the following to every maths lesson:
During the year pupils will be provided with:
We use textbooks produced by Elmwood press Revision ResourcesThese can be purchased through the school at reduced prices, ask your class teacher for details:
Key Stage 3 - Years 7, 8 and 9In Years 7, 8 and 9 each year group is divided into 2 halves and within each half the students are taught Mathematics in one of four differentiated sets; these are numbered from 1 to 4. Year 7 will be set based on an assessment done during the first few lessons at the school. The grouping are reviewed at the end of each term and set moves are made if deemed necessary to maximise a child’s learning. Any set changes will be based on student performance in termly and “End of Year” tests and teacher assessment through APP (Assessing Pupil Progress). Students are given a target level to achieve at the end of the academic year. This is normally 2 sub levels higher than the previous year. For example, a student entering Year 7 having achieved a level 5a in KS2 SATs will be given a target of 6b for the end of Year 7. If this target is achieved then they may be given a target of 7c for the end of Year 8. Students’ progress towards achieving this level is reported on in Progress Reviews throughout each academic year. In addition to the differentiation provided by their class teacher, more able students have the opportunity to participate in school based enrichment activities in the Summer Term in addition to the Junior and Intermediate Mathematics Challenges. Less able pupils are placed in sets with fewer students thus allowing for greater support from the Class Teacher and any Learning Support Staff that are present. Key Stage 4 -Years 10 and 11Year 11 (2012 – 2013)
The lower sets will be sitting Foundation Tier. Some Foundation pupils will be given the opportunity to sit their exams early. This gives them the opportunity of attempting the Higher Tier exam at the end of Year 11. Year 10 (September 2012 onwards)All pupils will follow the Edexcel Linear Syllabus. The top Maths Sets will be sitting the Higher Tier Exams at the end of Year 11, Set 1 will be offered the opportunity to take the AQA Further Maths Qualification, which is sat at the end of Year 11. The lower sets will be sitting Foundation Tier. Some Foundation pupils will be given the opportunity to sit their exams early. This gives them the opportunity of attempting the Higher Tier exam at the end of Year 11. Key Stage 5 -Years 12 and 13In the Sixth Form, students have the opportunity to further their study of Mathematics by taking A-level or AS-level. Ideally students will have achieved at least a grade B in GCSE Mathematics in order to study the subject at AS or A level. They follow the AQA specifications in Mathematics. All students take 4 Pure Mathematics modules over the 2 year period, plus 2 additional modules in either Statistics or Mechanics. Further Mathematics is also offered at AS and A level. The aim of the A-level course is to explore the validity of mathematical models, using their own skills and computer/calculator technology. The students will be expected to comment upon these models and suggest refinements; if required, experimental work or statistical surveys will be attempted. They have to show competency in a number of mathematical techniques especially in the areas of algebra and calculus. For More information email, Ms P Savery |
