Mathematics

In year 7, students follow a mixed ability course using the Collins new maths frameworking textbook until October half term. After half term, students are put into one of 7 sets and continue with the new maths frameworking textbook. Sets L and M will use book 1.3, sets N and Q will use book 1.2 and sets R and S will use book 1.1. Set P will use a combination of books 1.2 and 1.3. The topics covered include:

• Number bonds
• Sequences
• Properties of shapes
• Data analysis
• Algebraic notation
• Fractions
• Straight line graphs
• Percentages
• Probability
• Equations
• Ratio

All students will receive logins so they can access the textbook online. They will also receive logins for Mymaths and the PiXL maths app.

In year 8 students move onto the second new maths frameworking books. Students are put into one of 8 sets, sets K, L and M will use book 2.3, sets N, P and Q will use book 2.2 and sets R and S will use book 2.1. The topics covered include:

• Geometric properties
• Transformations
• Probability
• Percentages
• Sequences
• Area
• Graphs and charts
• Standard form
• Algebraic notation
• Congruence and similarity
• Fractions and decimals
• Proportion
• Circles
• Equations and formulae
• Comparing data

All students will receive logins so they can access the textbook online. They will also receive logins for Mymaths and the PiXL maths app.

In year 9, students move onto the third new maths frameworking books. Sets L and M will use book 3.3, sets N and Q will use book 3.2 and sets R and S will use book 3.1. Set P will use a combination of books 3.2 and 3.3. The topics covered include:

• Percentages
• Equations and formulae
• Polygons
• Representing data
• Pythagoras’ theorem
• Fractions
• Algebraic manipulation
• Decimals
• Prisms and cylinders
• Solving equations graphically
• Compound units
• Trigonometry

All students will receive logins so they can access the textbook online. They will also receive logins for Mymaths and the PiXL maths app.

In term 6, year 9 students will begin the GCSE course (see years 10 and 11)

Students sit the AQA Mathematics GCSE. Sets L, M, N and P begin studying the higher tier (grades 4-9) while sets Q, R and S study the foundation tier (grades 1-5). The GCSE is made up of three papers. Paper 1 is non-calculator while papers 2 and 3 are calculator. Each paper is 80 marks and they are all equally weighted. The topics covered include:

• Number
• Algebra
• Ratio, proportion and rates of change
• Geometry and measures
• Probability
• Statistics

All students will receive logins so they can access the textbook online. They will also receive logins for Mymaths and the PiXL maths app.

Why should I study Mathematics?

Maths is one of the best subjects to develop your analytical, research and problem solving skills.

Studying maths help give you the knowledge to tackle scientific, mechanical, coding and abstract problems, it will also help you develop logic to tackle everyday issues like planning projects, managing budgets and even debating effectively.

Maths is a ‘facilitating’ subject, which means that it will help you to study lots of other subjects. Maths helps supports the study of subjects like physics, chemistry, IT, economics, business and biology.  However, studying maths alongside essay subjects like English or history can help keep your options open for more jobs and university courses.

What will I study?

In the first year you will study three themes:

• Mathematical argument, language and proof
• Mathematical problem solving
• Mathematical modelling

These three themes will involve the study of Pure Maths, Mechanics and Statistics.

Pure Maths:

Proof, Algebra and functions, Coordinate geometry, Sequences and series, Trigonometry, Exponentials and logarithms, Differentiation and Integration

Mechanics:

Vectors, Quantities and units in mechanics, Kinematics and Forces and Newton’s laws.

Statistics:

Statistical sampling, Data presentation and interpretation, Probability, Statistical distributions and Statistical hypothesis testing.

In the second year of the course these themes will be covered in greater depth with additional content such as Numerical Methods and Moments.

Assessment

The course is assessed entirely by external examinations.  There are three examinations taken at the end of the second year each two hours long containing a mix of question styles, from short, single-mark questions to multi-step problems. (If taken only as an AS there will be two exams of an hour and a half each.)

Progression Routes

Mathematics underpins the day to day activity of a wide variety of professions. It gives a route into many different careers, both in its pure form and in its application such as accounting, animation, construction, data analysis, engineering, finance, forensic analysis, investment analysis, medicine, programming science (multiple disciplines), surveying, teaching.

Further Maths

We also offer students Further Maths A-level. Students sit the AQA further mathematics A-Level. Students have the option to sit the AS paper at the end of year 12. The AS is made up of two equally weighted 90 minute papers. Paper 1 is further pure mathematics, paper 2 is mechanics and statistics. The full A-Level is made up of 3 equally weighted papers, each lasting 2 hours. Paper 1 is further pure mathematics, paper 2 is further pure mathematics and paper 3 is mechanics and statistics. The topics covered include:

• Complex Numbers
• Algebra and Series
• Curve Sketching
• Integration
• Matrices
• Vectors
• Forces & Energy
• Momentum
• Circular Motion
• Discrete and continuous random variables
• Hypothesis testing and contingency tables

Year 7 complete an online assessment at the beginning of the year to be used as a baseline. They then sit three written assessments throughout the year to track progress. There is then an online assessment at the end of the year.

Year 8 and 9 complete two written assessments throughout the year followed by an online assessment at the end of the year.

Year 10 complete five written assessments which take place at the end of each term. They then sit mock assessments in term 6.

Year 11 complete 2 written assessments; one at the end of the first term and one at the end of the second. They will then sit mock assessments in term 3. They then sit their GCSE papers in the summer.

Year 12 complete an initial assessment half way through term one. They sit 3 progress tests throughout the year and two sets of mock exams. Students have the option to sit the AS paper at the end of year 12.

Year 13 complete 3 progress tests throughout the year in addition to two sets of mock exams. They will sit their A-Level papers in the summer.

Mathematics underpins the day to day activity of a wide variety of professions. It gives a route into many different careers, both in its pure form and in its application. 

• Accounting
• Animation
• Data analysis
• Engineering
• Forensic analysis
• Investment analysis
• Medicine
• Science (multiple disciplines)
• Surveying
• Teaching