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Mathematics

Mathematics is essential. Throughout his mathematical education, your son will discover the joy and beauty of the subject, continually challenging him in his thinking. 

The curriculum aims to ensure that all students build fluency in the language of mathematics, enabling them to approach problems with confidence. Through regular and varied practice, with increasingly difficult content over time, students develop the skills and understanding required to recall and apply mathematical knowledge accurately. Conjecturing relationships, developing an argument or proof using Mathematical language, develop students’ ability to reason and justify. Students will learn to model using mathematics to solve non-routine problems with sophistication, an interconnectable skill that can be applied to many other subjects. 

The curriculum aims to provide a variety of experiences and activities which encourage independence, thought and enthusiasm. Through this, the Mathematics department aims to enhance the learning of mathematics, to inspire and develop mathematical curiosity in students. This is achieved through content taught during lesson time, carefully planned tasks and activities and extra-curricular opportunities. All students are given the opportunity to compete in the UKMT Mathematics Challenge, both individually and as a team, attend mathematics lectures and to take part in a variety of lunchtime clubs run by departmental staff. 


Teaching Staff:

Mrs K Boyce (Subject Leader of Mathematics)

Mr L Wright 

Mr A Jimale

Miss N Khatun 

Mrs L Murphy

Mr Z Perwez

Mr M Plackowski

Mr A Russell 

Mr Y Said

Miss J Wilkinson 

 

Trips and Visits:

  • UKMT team competitions held locally
  • Visits to local universities for mathematics inspiration days
  • In-school visits by external speakers

 

Year 7

Summary of curriculum:

In year 7 we ensure that all students are equipped with mathematical methods and techniques that they will require when writing out solutions within all topics learnt. We study topics from all strands of mathematics (number, algebra, data, shape) allowing all students to grow in confidence and competence. 

Students complete work from a variety of sources, notably the 7A and 8A STP textbooks.

Main topics:
  • Directed numbers
  • Introduction to algebra
  • Mixed operations
  • Substitution
  • Linear equations
  • Linear sequences
  • Long multiplication
  • Division
  • Geometry definitions
  • Rounding
  • Fractions
  • Coordinates
  • Equations of a line
  • Equations with brackets
  • Area
  • Geometry definitions
  • Parallel lines
  • Factors and multiples
  • Statistics
  • Averages and spread
  • Area
  • Construction
Assessment throughout the year:
  • Regular ‘topic tests’ at the end of each topic learnt.
  • Cumulative CAT tests that will assess understanding of a variety of topics.
  • Questions completed on his drfrostmaths (see below) account.
  • Questions completed from the online textbook.
How parents can support their son’s learning:

Encourage him to complete daily ‘five a day’ on the corbettmaths site (see below) using the difficulty level ‘numeracy'.

Encourage him to regularly practise using his drfrostmaths account by clicking on his dashboard:

  • Topic explorer (then watch teaching videos/download teaching slides/practise questions/take topic tests)
  • Practise: times tables; practise by topic, Y7 scheme of work; and past papers:
    • Edexcel/OCR/AQA foundation papers
    • SATS KS3 level 3 to 5 or 4 to 6

Encourage him to ensure that all questions class/home work exercises set from the online textbook (kerboodle) are complete

If he requires more support or extension in his mathematics, encourage him to attend mathematics drop-in on Tuesday lunchtimes and to speak to Mrs Boyce about being paired with a year 12 ‘Mathematics Mentor’

Able and inspired opportunities:
  • UKMT Junior Mathematics Challenge and Kangaroo or Olympiad: the individual competition takes place in April.
  • Parallel weekly problems.
  • Explore the available courses on the Mathigon website.
  • Explore the numberphile YouTube channel.
  • Attend the mathematics film/lecture club on Friday lunchtimes
  • Attend codebreaking club on Friday lunchtimes.
  • Attend the Mathematics Challenge Club on Tuesday lunchtimes.
Useful websites:

 

Year 8

Summary of curriculum:

In year 8 we build upon the Mathematical methods and techniques learnt in year 7. We study topics from all strands of Mathematics (number, algebra, data, shape) allowing all students to continue to grow in confidence and competence. Students complete work from a variety of sources, notably the 8A and 9A STP textbooks.

Main topics:
  • Transformations
  • Fractions
  • Polygons
  • Linear equations
  • Area
  • Circles
  • Probability
  • Organising data
  • Indices/standard form
  • Fractions and percentages
  • Inequalities
  • Solids
  • Ratio and proportion
  • Scale drawing
  • Pythagoras' theorem
  • Linear graphs
Assessment throughout the year:
  • Regular ‘topic tests’ at the end of each topic learnt.
  • Cumulative ‘CAT’ tests that will assess understanding of a variety of topics.
  • Questions completed on his drfrostmaths account.
  • Questions completed from the online textbook.
How parents can support their son’s learning:

Encourage him to complete daily ‘five a day’ on the corbettmaths site using the difficulty level ‘numeracy’

Encourage him to regularly practise using his drfrostmaths account by clicking on his dashboard:

  • Topic explorer (then watch teaching videos/download teaching slides/practise questions/take topic tests)
  • Practise: times stables, practise by topic, Y8 scheme of work; and past papers:
    • Edexcel/OCR/AQA foundation papers
    • SATS KS3 level 3 – 5 or 4 – 6

Encourage him to ensure that all questions class/home work exercises set from the online textbook (kerboodle) are complete

If he requires more support or extension in his mathematics, encourage him to attend the mathematics drop-in on Tuesday lunchtimes and to speak to Mrs Boyce about being paired with a year 12 ‘Mathematics Mentor’.

Able and inspired opportunities:
  • UKMT Junior Mathematics Challenge and Kangaroo or Olympiad: the individual competition takes place in April.
  • Parallel weekly problems.
  • Explore the available courses on the Mathigon website.
  • Explore the numberphile youtube channel.
  • Attend mathematics film/lecture club on Friday lunchtimes.
  • Attend codebreaking club on Friday lunchtimes.
  • Attend Mathematics Challenge Club on Tuesday lunchtimes.
Useful websites:

 

Year 9

Summary of curriculum:

In year 9 we build upon the Mathematical methods and techniques learnt in years 7 and 8. We study topics from all strands of Mathematics (number, algebra, data, shape) allowing all students to continue to grow in confidence and competence. Students complete work from a variety of sources – notably the 9A STP textbook and Higher Rayner GCSE textbook.

Main topics:
  • Algebraic products
  • Percentages
  • Proportion using ratio
  • Sampling
  • Pythagoras
  • Probability
  • Straight line graphs
  • Number
  • Inequalities
  • Trigonometry
  • Algebraic factors
  • Solids
  • Organising fata
  • Simultaneous equations
  • Mean
  • Transformations
  • Quadratics
  • Graph d
  • rawing
Assessment throughout the year:
  • Regular ‘topic tests’ at the end of each topic learnt.
  • Cumulative CAT tests that will assess understanding of a variety of topics.
  • Questions completed on his drfrostmaths account.
  • Questions completed from the online textbook.
How parents can support their son’s learning:

Encourage him to complete daily ‘five a day’ on the corbettmaths site using the difficulty level ‘numeracy’.

Encourage him to regularly practise using his drfrostmaths account by clicking on his dashboard:

  • Topic explorer (then watch teaching videos/download teaching slides/practise questions/take topic tests)
  • Practise: times tables, practise by topic, Y9 scheme of work; and past papers:
    • Edexcel/OCR/AQA foundation papers
    • SATS KS3 level 3 – 5 or 4 – 6
  • Encourage him to ensure that all questions class/home work exercises set from the online textbook (kerboodle) are complete.
  • If he requires more support or extension in his mathematics, encourage him to attend mathematics drop-in on Tuesday lunchtimes and to speak to Mrs Boyce about being paired with a Year 12 ‘Mathematics Mentor’.
Able and inspired opportunities:
  • UKMT Intermediate Mathematics Challenge and Kangaroo or Olympiad: the individual competition takes place in April and the team competition takes place during the same term.
  • Parallel weekly problems.
  • Explore the available courses on the Mathigon website.
  • Explore the numberphile YouTube channel.
  • Attend mathematics film/lecture club on Friday lunchtimes.
  • Attend codebreaking club on Friday lunchtimes.
  • Attend Mathematics Challenge club on Tuesday lunchtimes.
Useful websites:

 

Year 10

Summary of curriculum:

In year 10 we build upon the mathematical methods and techniques learnt in years 7 to 9. We study topics from all strands of Mathematics (number, algebra, data, shape) allowing all students to continue to grow in confidence and competence. Students complete work from a variety of sources, notably the 10A STP textbook and Higher Rayner GCSE textbook.

Main topics:
  • Trigonometry
  • Quadratics
  • Mensuration
  • Indices and surds
  • Circle theorems
  • Algebraic fractions
  • Formulas
  • Bounds
  • Probability
  • Similar figures
  • Congruence and similarity
  • Inequalities
  • Loci
Assessment throughout the year:
  • Regular ‘topic tests’ at the end of each topic learnt.
  • Cumulative CAT tests that will assess understanding of a variety of topics
  • Questions completed on his drfrostmaths account
  • Questions completed from the online textbook.
How parents can support their son’s learning:

Encourage him to complete daily ‘five a day’ on the corbettmaths site using the difficulty level ‘numeracy’

Encourage him to regularly practise using his drfrostmaths account by clicking on his dashboard:

  • Topic explorer (then watch teaching videos/download teaching slides/practise questions/take topic tests)
  • Practise: times tables, practise by topic, Y10 scheme of work; and past papers:
    • Edexcel/OCR/AQA foundation papers
    • SATS KS3 level 3 – 5 or 4 – 6

Encourage him to ensure that all questions class/home work exercises set from the online textbook (kerboodle) are complete

If he requires more support or extension in his mathematics, encourage him to attend mathematics Drop in on Tuesday lunchtimes and to speak to Mrs Boyce about being paired with a year 12 ‘Mathematics Mentor’.

Able and inspired opportunities:
  • UKMT Intermediate Mathematics Challenge and Kangaroo or Olympiad, the individual competition takes place in April and the team competition takes place during the same term.
  • Parallel weekly problems.
  • Explore the available courses on the Mathigon website.
  • Explore the numberphile YouTube channel.
  • Attend mathematics film/lecture club on Friday lunchtimes.
  • Attend codebreaking club on Friday lunchtimes.
  • Attend Mathematics Challenge club on Tuesday lunchtimes.
Useful websites:

 

Year 11

Summary of curriculum:

In year 11 we build upon the mathematical methods and techniques learnt in years 7 to 10. We study topics from all strands of Mathematics (number, algebra, data, shape) allowing all students to continue to grow in confidence and competence. Students complete work from a variety of sources – notably the Higher Rayner GCSE textbook.

Main topics:
  • Proportion
  • Linear graphs
  • Curved graphs
  • Real life graphs
  • Functions
  • Transforming graphs
  • Graphical Solutions
  • The discriminant
  • Roots of polynomials
  • Simultaneous and quadratic equations
  • Sequences
  • Vectors
  • Histograms
  • Proof
  • Numerical methods
  • Loci
  • Permutations and combinations
  • 3D trigonometry and Pythagoras
Assessment throughout the year:
  • Regular ‘topic tests’ at the end of each topic learnt.
  • Cumulative ‘CAT’ tests that will assess understanding of a variety of topics.
  • Questions completed on his drfrostmaths account.
  • Questions completed from the online textbook.
How parents can support their son’s learning:

Encourage him to complete daily ‘5 a day’ on the corbettmaths site using the difficulty level ‘numeracy’

Encourage him to regularly practise using his drfrostmaths account by clicking on his dashboard:

  • Topic explorer (then watch teaching videos/download teaching slides/practise questions/take topic tests)
  • Practise: time stables, practise by topic, Y11 scheme of work; and past papers:
    • Edexcel/OCR/AQA foundation papers
    • SATS KS3 level 3 – 5 or 4 – 6

Encourage him to ensure that all questions class/home work exercises set from the online textbook (kerboodle) are complete.

If he requires more support or extension in his Mathematics, encourage him to attend the mathematics drop-in on Tuesday lunchtimes and to speak to Mrs Boyce about being paired with a Year 12 ‘Mathematics Mentor’.

Able and inspired opportunities:
  • UKMT Senior Mathematics Challenge and Kangaroo or Olympiad: the individual competition takes place in November and the team competition takes place during the same term.
  • Explore the available courses on the Mathigon website.
  • Explore the numberphile YouTube channel.
  • Attend mathematics film/lecture club on Friday lunchtimes.
  • Attend codebreaking club on Friday lunchtimes.
  • Attend Mathematics Challenge club on Tuesday lunchtimes.
Useful websites:

 

Year 12

Summary of curriculum:

In year 12, we build on the GCSE course, notably on topics from algebra and shape. New topics are introduced such as calculus and its uses. Strands of mathematics taught are categorised into pure and applied (applied consists of statistics and mechanics). The curriculum promotes analytical and evaluative skills which are essential to modelling mathematical problems. Students are required to solve varying types of problems both in class and independently, notably from the Pearson Year 1 and 2 textbooks.

Main topics:

Pure

  • Proof
  • Algebraic expressions, equations and inequalities
  • Coordinate geometry
  • Circles
  • Trigonometry
  • Binomial expansion
  • Vectors
  • Differentiation
  • Integration
  • Exponentials and logarithms

Applied

  • Mean and standard deviation
  • Representing and evaluating data
  • Large data set
  • Probability
  • Binomial distribution
  • Constant and variable acceleration
  • Newton's 2nd and 3rd laws
Assessment throughout the year:
  • Regular ‘topic tests’ at the end of each topic learnt.
  • Cumulative CAT tests that will assess understanding of a variety of topics.
  • Questions completed on his drfrostmaths account.
  • Questions completed from the online textbook.
How parents can support their son’s learning:

Encourage him to regularly practise using his drfrostmaths account by clicking on his dashboard:

  • Topic explorer (then watch teaching videos/download teaching slides/practise questions/take topic tests)
  • Practise: by topic, A Level (P1/Mech 1/Stats 1) scheme of work or KS5; and past papers Edexcel A level 2017.

Encourage him to ensure that all questions within exercises from the online textbook (activelearn) are complete.

If he requires more support or extension in his Mathematics, encourage him to speak to his Mathematics teacher

Encourage him to watch topic videos on examsolutions or drfrostmaths

Able and inspired opportunities:
  • UKMT Senior Mathematics Challenge and Kangaroo or Olympiad: the individual competition takes place in November and the team competition takes place during the same term.
  • 'Who wants to be a Mathematician' competition.
  • Ritangle competition
  • Become mentors to lower year students and support during drop-in on Tuesday lunchtimes.
  • Attend mathematics film/lecture club on Friday lunchtimes.
  • Attend Cipher club on Friday lunchtimes.
  • Attend Mathematics Challenge club on Tuesday lunchtimes.
Useful websites:

 

Year 13

Summary of curriculum:

In year 13 we build upon the mathematical methods and techniques learnt in year 12. We continue to study topics from the strands of pure, mechanics and statistics allowing all students to continue to grow in confidence and competence. Students complete work from a variety of sources, notably the Pearson Year 1 and 2 textbooks.

Main topics:

Pure

  • Proof
  • Algebraic fractions
  • Functions
  • Sequences and series
  • Binomial expansion
  • Trigonometry
  • Parametric equations
  • Differentiation
  • Integration
  • Vectors
  • Modelling

Applied

  • Regression and correlation
  • Normal distribution
  • Moments
  • Projectiles
  • Vectors in kinematics
Assessment throughout the year:
  • Regular ‘topic tests’ at the end of each topic learnt.
  • Cumulative CAT tests that will assess understanding of a variety of topics.
  • Questions completed on his drfrostmaths account.
  • Questions completed from the online textbook.
How parents can support their son’s learning:

Encourage him to regularly practise using his drfrostmaths account by clicking on his dashboard:

  • Topic explorer (then watch teaching videos/download teaching slides/practise questions/take topic tests)
  • Practise: by topic, A-level (P1/Mech 1/Stats 1) schemes of work or KS5; and past papers: Edexcel A level 2017.

Encourage him to ensure that all questions within exercises from the online textbook (activelearn) are complete.

If he requires more support or extension in his Mathematics, encourage him to speak to his Mathematics teacher

Encourage him to watch topic videos on examsolutions or drfrostmaths.

Able and inspired opportunities:
  • UKMT Senior Mathematics Challenge and Kangaroo or Olympiad: the individual competition takes place in November and the team competition takes place during the same term.
  • Who wants to be a Mathematician competition.
  • Ritangle competition.
  • Attend mathematics film/lecture club on Friday lunchtimes.
  • Attend Cipher club on Friday lunchtimes.
  • Attend Mathematics Challenge club on Tuesday lunchtimes.
Useful websites: