Mathematics

Mathematics at Queen Elizabeth's School mainly follows a traditional approach. Class discussions, notes and worked examples are a feature of all our lessons.

We incorporate the use of interactive white boards and other ICT whenever appropriate, and lessons are occasionally supported by the use of videos and DVDs. All Mathematics rooms have interactive white boards, as well as mathematical software, such as Logo, Autograph and Omnigraph. Class textbooks are used in all year groups.

QE boys follow an accelerated scheme of work in Mathematics from the Spring Term of Year 7, when they begin the National Curriculum's Year 8 programme of study. Similarly, in January of Year 8, pupils begin the Key Stage 3 Year 9 programme of study.

Monthly mental arithmetic practice takes place from Year 7 to Year 9 and all groups in Years 7-10 have formal assessments on using and applying Mathematics. Boys undertake a group work data-handling project in Year 7.

Boys start the GCSE linear higher tier course in May/June of Year 9.

We follow the Edexcel examination board's GCSE and A Level syllabuses. The Mathematics Department provides pupils with an extensive range of academic support. Boys can either simply drop in at our weekly Maths Clinic or come along following referral by a class teacher. For A Level students taking the Advanced Extension Award, support is provided at a time convenient to both pupils and the teacher. We also support Cambridge candidates taking STEP (Sixth Term Examination Papers - three papers used to assess applicants' aptitude) and offer mock interviews for all Oxbridge applicants..

There are plenty of extra-curricular opportunities in Mathematics for boys of all ages. The department runs a weekly Maths Club and an inter-house puzzle competition. Pupils in every year group take part in the UK Maths Challenge organised by the University of Leeds, with some going through to the Kangaroo and Olympiad follow-on rounds. There are Mathematics lectures for Year 10 and 12 and a Masterclass at the University of Hertfordshire for two QE boys from Year 9. Other events in which our pupils take part include: the Hans Woyda inter-school quiz; the Maths Team Challenge (problem-solving for year 8 and 9) and the Edge Hill Challenge for Year 9. There is also opportunity for all boys from years 7 to 13 to participate in the termly Problem Solving Journal organised by the University of Birmingham.

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