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Mathematics
Why is Mathematics Important?
The purpose of the Mathematics Department at Bishopsford is to develop mathematical thinking and numeracy skills in all students, so that they can access the subject successfully as well as develop an appreciation for the subject.
Mathematics equips students with a powerful set of tools to understand and change the world. These include logical reasoning, problem-solving skills, and the ability to think in abstract ways.
A good mathematics qualification is often a pre-requisite for entry into further education and many careers including banking, accountancy and medicine.
Mathematics at KS3
Mathematics at KS3
At Key Stage 3 your child will follow a course based on the principles of the National Numeracy Strategy, incorporating number calculation, shape and measure, algebra and data handling. This provides continuity and progression between Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3 by building on their achievements in primary school, where they would have followed the strategy in most numeracy lessons. Lessons in Key Stage 3 have a greater focus on developing students’ thinking skills. Activities are set up to reflect real life situations and develop problem solving, communication and reasoning skills. Your child will use ICT to support and extend their learning on a regular basis. This includes the use of calculators for calculating purposes, software packages to produce graphs and interpret data, programming and dynamic geometry software.
Mathematics at KS4
At Key Stage 4 your child will follow a course leading to a GCSE in mathematics, incorporating data handling, algebra, number and shape. Most students will follow a modular course, comprised of three units:
GCSE Exam 2011
Unit 1 – 20% Data Handling modular test (calculator and non-calculator papers)
Unit 2 – 30% Algebra, Number, Shape and Space modular test containing:
* Stage 1: non-calculator multiple choice test
* Stage 2: traditional calculator question and answer booklet
Unit 3 – Terminal test – 50% Algebra, Number, Shape and Space (calculator and non-calculator papers)
GCSE Exam 2012
Unit 1 – 30% Data Handling, Number, Algebra and Geometry and Measures (One calculator paper)
Unit 2 – 30% Number, Algebra, Geometry and Measures (One non-calculator paper)
Unit 3 – 40% Number, Algebra, Geometry and Measures (One calculator paper)
Mathematics Post-16
Advanced GCE Mathematics is for those who wish to develop their understanding of mathematics and mathematical processes. Students will be expected to reason logically, extend their range of mathematical skills and techniques and apply these to more difficult, unstructured problems.
Advanced GCE Mathematics is for those who wish to develop their understanding of mathematics and mathematical processes. Students will be expected to reason logically, extend their range of mathematical skills and techniques and apply these to more difficult, unstructured problems.
Entry requirement is a good ‘B’ grade or better at Higher level GCSE mathematics. All students will study four core units (C1, C2, C3 & C4) plus two applications units from either Mechanics or Statistics (M1, M2, S1, and S2).
This course is spread over two years. At the end of the first year successful students will achieve an AS qualification. At the end of the second year successful students will achieve an A level qualification in mathematics.
Beyond the Classroom
More able students in year 7 and 8 are encouraged to participate in the UKMT Junior Mathematics Challenge, which is a national mathematics competition. Questions from the UKMT Junior Mathematics Challenge are also used as additional enrichment material in the classroom across the ability range.
There are a variety of maths clubs after school and during lunchtimes to support learners of all abilities to achieve their potential in our subject.
How Can Parents Support their Child?
Help by establishing a routine to ensure homework completion. Encourage your child to complete work on time, check the homework diary every week and take a little time to look at your child’s work. We recommend the following websites for students to use in support with their homework and class learning.