“Without Mathematics, there is nothing you can do. Everything around you is Mathematics. Everything around you is numbers.” – Shakuntala Devi
From September 2107, Mathematics will no longer be modular at A Level, but will be linear.
Mathematics A level
Mathematics will help students develop their mathematical understanding, encourage them to think, act and communicate mathematically, providing them with the skills to analyse situations in mathematics and elsewhere. The mathematical knowledge they will gain will be broad and widely applicable, preparing them for a wide range of destinations. Content includes in-depth treatments of calculus and proof, alongside statistics and mechanics, preparing them for a wide range of destinations in Higher Education and employment.
Due to the change from modular to linear, Mathematics will no longer be offered as an AS option but will be a 2 year course examined at the end of Y13.
Further Mathematics
A Level Further Mathematics will both extend and deepen students’ knowledge and understanding beyond the standard A level Mathematics. Students who do it often say it is their favourite subject. As well as new learning new areas of pure mathematics, they will study further applications of mathematics in mechanics, statistics and decision mathematics. Studying Further Mathematics consolidates and reinforces standard A level Mathematics work, helping them to achieve their best possible grades. For students who are planning to take a degree such as Engineering, Sciences, Computing, Finance/Economics, Medicine etc., or perhaps Mathematics itself, they would benefit from taking Further Mathematics. Students who have studied Further Mathematics find the transition to such degrees far more straightforward.
Further Mathematics is currently to be offered as both AS and A level.
For both Mathematics and Further Mathematics, teaching and learning will most often take place in small groups. Strategies that are often implemented in addition to group work include using mini-whiteboards, good questioning techniques, encouraging discussion, jigsaws and using posters to explain understanding. Students are encouraged to be active in lessons as opposed to a “passive learning” style as this is often not the most effective teaching and learning strategy.
Re-sit students
Students in sixth form who have not achieved a grade 4 or above in GCSE Maths must complete a re-sit. Students must attend all lessons and complete independent study during the year. There are opportunities for students to re-sit in November and in June.
Students who wish to re-sit their GCSE and who have already achieved a grade 4 should discuss the matter with the Curriculum Leader.
Staffing:
Mrs K Douglas – Curriculum Leader of Maths
Dr C Borwick – Assistant Curriculum Leader / KS5 Data Manager
Mr C Brindle – Head of Year
Mrs C Caton – part-time
Mrs L Coates – part-time
Miss R Cooper – Acting Assistant Curriculum Leader
Mr M Craigen
Mr C Henshaw
Miss K Jellema
Mr R Joyce
Mrs J McIlduff- part time
Mr S Rayson
Mr J Powell – Director of STEM
Mr D Snedden – Assistant Curriculum Leader
Mrs J Szoltysek – part-time
Mr S Wild