Maths & Further Maths

We have an outstanding academic record at GCSE and A Level:

2023 A Level:       Maths A*- A = 80%      A* - B = 96%

                               Further Maths A*- A = 75%  A*- B = 100%

2023 GCSE:          Maths 9 - 7 (A*-A) = 71%       9 - 4 (A*-C) = 98%

                                Further Maths 9 - 7 (A*-A) = 48%   9 - 4 (A*-C) = 88%

At Key Stage 3, the MEP (Mathematics Enhancement Programme) course is followed. We adopt traditional whole class teaching using the interactive whiteboards in each classroom. We also encourage non-calculator methods to help develop pupils’ understanding and develop enquiring minds.

Typically, Year 7 is taught in mixed-ability groups and then, from Year 8 onward, pupils are put in sets. Class sizes are 12 - 24 in Years 7- 9. During Year 7 and 8: pupils receive 7 periods per fortnight of Maths teaching, plus approximately 1 hour homework. In Year 9 pupils are taught Maths for 6 periods per fortnight and receive around 1 hour homework.

Key Stage 4: At GCSE, the Edexcel iGCSE course is followed, which is a linear course. The strongest students also take the AQA Level 2 Further Mathematics Certificate qualification. Class sizes are typically 12 - 24 in Years 10 and 11, and we keep the lower sets as small as possible. Pupils receive 8 periods per fortnight of Maths teaching, and around 2 hours homework.

At A Level, both Mathematics and Further Mathematics are available. The class sizes in Years 12 and 13 are typically between 5 and 15. Additional support classes are run at the teacher’s discretion, more frequently for public examination classes (years 11 and 13).

In Year 12 the course consists of 2/3 Pure Mathematics (algebra, geometry, calculus), 1/6 Mechanics and 1/6 Statistics. In Year 13, the course again incorporates 2/3 Pure Mathematics (algebra, geometry, calculus) 1/6 Mechanics and 1/6 Statistics. Year 13 extends on the work covered in Year 12.

Mathematics Clinics are open to all pupils at lunchtimes, each key stage has 2 clinics per week. These offer one-to-one help to clear up any Mathematics-related problems.

At Key Stage 3, all pupils are assessed each half-term and movement between sets is possible. Pupils are tracked against National Criteria, and regular feedback is given to parents.

At Key Stage 4, pupils in Year 10 are monitored and assessed towards the end of each term. In Year 11 there is an assessment before the October half-term and a mock examination in January.

Summer end of year examinations are taken in Years 7, 8, 9 and 10. Public exams (GCSE and A Level examinations) are taken in Years 11 and 13.

Mathematics is a vital area of study that underpins many higher education courses. Applications for Maths/Physics/Engineering all benefit from having taken Mathematics/Further Mathematics to A Level.