Mathematics
• become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, including through varied and frequent practice with increasingly complex problems over time, so that pupils develop conceptual understanding and the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately
• reason mathematically by following a line of enquiry, conjecturing relationships and generalisations, and developing an argument, justification or proof using mathematical language
• can solve problems by applying their mathematics to a variety of routine and non-routine problems with increasing sophistication, including breaking down problems into a series of simpler steps and persevering in seeking solutions
Year 9 begins with a transition period to ensure that students have the required knowledge from middle school to begin the GCSE course.
Students then pursue a scheme of learning that covers content from the following areas; Number, Algebra, Ratio, Proportion and rates of change, Geometry and measures, Probability, Statistics.
As students progress through the final two years of KS4 and get closer to the GCSE examinations they will find that they are expected to use more of their skills in contextual situations and apply different strands of knowledge to solve a variety of problems.
By the end of the course students should have a strong foundation for further academic and vocational study and for employment. They will have acquired appropriate mathematical skills, knowledge and understanding to help them progress to a full range of courses in further and higher education.
The course is assessed by three examination papers to be sat at the end of year 11. The three papers are each 1hr 30 and consist of one non-calculator paper and two where a calculator is permitted.
There are two tiers of assessment, Foundation and Higher. Those sitting the Foundation paper will be able to achieve grades 1-5 and those sitting the Higher 4-9.
For more information about Mathematics please speak to Mr Murphy – Head of Mathematics