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Mathematics


The Mathematics Department has achieved great success in recent years at both GCSE and A level.

The challenge of Mathematics remains the same as ever and we take great pride in fostering pupils' enjoyment and enthusiasm for this subject.

Facilities

The department is located in the main school building where there is also access to the school’s considerable IT facilities.

Curriculum

Mathematics is compulsory in all years up to GCSE Level. We use the STP Mathematics textbooks throughout the first three years which give pupils an excellent grounding in this subject. All of our pupils follow the higher level Edexcel GCSE course. The top set in the Fouth Year enter the GCSE in the summer and then begin their study of A level in the Fifth Year taking the OCR Additional mathematics exam in the summer.

Calculators are used only sparingly in the Shells as we feel it is important that pupils learn to understand numbers at the start of their course though they do need to have one. From the Second Year, we use the Casio FX ES calculator which is available for purchase in school.

At A level the Edexcel specification is used which covers aspects of Pure, Mechanics and Statistics. This is a linear course where all exams are taken at the end of upper sixth. Students may choose to study A level Further Mathematics as a fourth A level. Further maths is taught as a dedicated group; the pace is fast but the rewards are high.

Whilst A level Mathematics courses should never be undertaken lightly we find pupils achieve excellent grades and achieve real satisfaction from the challenge of this level of work. 

Ethos

The ability of pupils and their desire to study Mathematics do vary greatly but we pride ourselves on achieving the very best results for every pupil. This subject is certainly challenging for many but we try very hard to ensure that it is enjoyable for all. Pupils are set from the start of the Second Year allowing them to work with pupils of a similar ability at a pace to suit them.

Destinations

A large proportion of the Sixth Form study Mathematics in one form or another and the vast majority of those find that their Mathematics result has a direct bearing on their successful application to university. In recent years several of our very best mathematicians have gone on to study the subject further at the very best universities.

Co-Curricular

Every pupil in school has the opportunity to take part in the UK Maths Challenge. This is a national Mathematics competition aimed at the top third of the ability range. We have had many successes at all levels with several pupils each year being asked to take part in further competitions by the invitation of the organisers. These competitions give the very best students the chance to shine and if you can achieve at this level, you really can describe yourself as a mathematician!

We run twice-weekly workshops for Sixth Formers and pupils lower down the school where they can ask for help with work outside the classroom environment.