Mathematics
Mathematics
Head of Department: Mr. M Bishop
Mathematics (Lower School)
The pupils arrive at the age of eleven with a very wide range of Mathematical experience. Our aim in the Third Form (Year 7) is to consolidate what they have studied previously, build up the confidence of those who are less able, and challenge the brighter students. We assume little and go back to the basics of how numbers, fractions and decimals work. Hence in the first year we do not use calculators at all in our work. They have their place and save a lot of time and unnecessary effort, but a slavish dependence on the calculator is not something to be encouraged.
Year 7
During the Third Form we introduce the pupils to Algebra, which many have not encountered before. In addition we do more work on Arithmetic, such as percentages and mensuration; Geometry, including the ideas of angles, the drawing of accurate diagrams and simple graph drawing; and Statistics and Probability. The syllabus that we broadly follow is available here. Also of use is the interactive material that the pupils can try at home. Pupils are examined in Year 7 as follows:
Late November – two written tests 35 minutes each
June internal exams – two exams 1 hour each
Year 8
In the Shells (Year 8) we develop the ideas introduced in the Third Form. For example, in Algebra we look at more complex linear equations and also introduce simultaneous equations. In Arithmetic we focus on ideas such as ratio and proportion, and areas of different shapes such as triangles and trapezia. In Geometry we explore angles in polygons, look at travel graphs and study the effect of different transformation on a variety of shapes. We also introduce Pythagoras’ theorem. The syllabus that we broadly follow is available here. Also of use is the interactive material that the pupils can try at home. Pupils are examined in Year 8 as follows:
Late November – two written tests 35 minutes each
June internal exams – two exams 1 hour each
Year 9
In the Fourths (Year 9) the concepts are extended further. More complicated algebra problems are studied. We investigate inequalities, trial and improvement and the use of formulae. We link graphs to equations and develop Cartesian graph work. We look at more complex probability problems, including those involving probability trees. In addition we introduce a new area of Mathematics called trigonometry. The syllabus that we broadly follow is available here. By Year 9, however, the top sets will be looking at more advanced problems and in more depth at the mathematical concepts. Pupils are examined in Year 9 as follows:
Late January – two written tests 35 minutes each
June internal exams – two exams 1 hour each
At stages during the three years a project may be undertaken which may use Mathematics in a more practical context, such as ‘How many Kit Kat bars can you get into a classroom?’, or ‘If the world population continues to grow, when will there be standing room only?’
To help those who find Mathematics a difficult subject to grasp we have a Maths Clinic twice a week at lunchtime. Any pupil, in any year group, may come to this, and we provide individual help with whatever problems they may have. We also run a Sixth Form Mentoring Scheme. A Sixth Form maths student is assigned to a pupil in Year 7 or Year 8 who has found elements of the course difficult. The mentor will sit with the pupil for 40 minutes each week at lunchtime to give help.
One of the ways in which we challenge the more able pupils is by taking part in the UK Mathematical Challenges and Olympiads. All those in the Thirds and the Shells take the Junior Mathematical Challenge in April, and a large number of them are awarded certificates. Those who do very well are invited to take part in the Junior Mathematical Olympiad. Some of the Fourth Form pupils undertake the more demanding Intermediate Mathematical Challenge and a few of those go on to the very difficult Olympiad. We also run a fortnightly puzzle competition where prizes are awarded to the pupils with the best solutions. We also encourage the pupils to visit the Mathematics section of the school library which is extremely well stocked with a wealth of interesting maths-related books.