Mathematics

The Mathematics Department is a strong and innovative department, with very large numbers taking the subject at A Level. Further Mathematics is offered to the more able pupil.

The department is staffed by nine full-timers and one part-timer. It has an office with working space for all its members and two computers linked to the School administration network. The Mathematics classrooms are located next to the office, and computer rooms in the main School building are used to deliver some topics within the Mathematics curriculum. All Mathematics classrooms are equipped with interactive white boards.

Pupils are taught in sets based on ability from November of Year 7 onwards. In the first half-term, all Year 7 are taught in their form groups. After an examination in October, boys are put in six sets - three pairs of parallel sets. In Year 8, they are then placed in one of four pairs of parallel sets. These sets are then merged in Year 9 to produce seven sets. There are eight sets in Years 10 and 11. In Years 12 and 13, there is a separate teaching set for those doing the Further Mathematics option. The other pupils are placed in one of four sets, broadly based on their previous Year 11 sets. Each set will have two teachers - one for Pure and the other for Applied. All boys in Year 12 sit the Cl, C2 and S1 units in June. C3, C4 and Ml are examined at the end of Year 13.

The department is well resourced. We accelerate the Year 7 scheme of work by starting book 8 of the 'Essential Mathematics' series in the Spring Term of Year 7. Book 9 is then started in the Spring Term of Year 8. All sets in Year 9 are entered for tier 6-8. In Years 10 and 11, we use the 'Maths Now!' GCSE text. At A Level, Heinemann textbooks written especially for the modular examinations are used. We use numerous other texts to supplement the class textbook in each year. Software installed on the curriculum network is used to deliver specific topics in the curriculum. Monthly tests in mental arithmetic are introduced from the Spring Term in Year 7 and continue throughout Key Stage 3.

We follow the Edexcel syllabus at both GCSE and A Level. At GCSE, boys are asked to submit two pieces of coursework, which are internally marked.

We are firmly committed to enrichment activities that take Mathematics beyond lessons. We participate in the Inter-School Hans Woyda Maths quiz and the UK Maths Challenge organised by the University Of Leeds. Some of our Year 9 boys also attend the Maths Masterclass Lectures in Hatfield. We run a weekly Maths Clinic as well as Bridge Club and Maths Club.

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