Mathematics
“A mathematician, like a painter or poet, is a maker of patterns. If his patterns are more permanent than theirs, it is because they are made with ideas”.
G.H Hardy, ‘A Mathematician’s Apology’
Mathematics is the means of looking at the patterns that make up our world and the intricate and beautiful ways in which they are constructed and realised. As a subject, Mathematics presents frequent opportunities for creativity and can stimulate moments of pleasure and wonder when a problem is solved for the first time, or a more elegant solution to a problem is discovered, or when hidden connections are suddenly manifest. It enables pupils to build a secure framework of mathematical reasoning which they can use and apply with confidence. The power of mathematical reasoning lies in its use of precise and concise forms of language, symbolism and representation to reveal and explore general relationships. These mathematical forms are widely used for modelling situations; a trend accelerated by computational technologies.
Mathematics contributes to the school curriculum by developing pupils’ ability to reason logically, algebraically and geometrically, to solve challenging problems and to handle data. It is important for pupils in many other areas of study, particularly sciences and technology. Mathematics is important in everyday living and essential to the working of the modern world.
The Department
Mathematics is taught by a focussed, experienced and highly-qualified team of teachers. The department has a suite of 6 teaching rooms with interactive whiteboards. It has a set of laptops for student use and access to excellent IT facilities. There is a wide range of teaching and learning resources for use by teachers and students, alike.
The Staff
There are 5 permanent members of staff in the Mathematics department who all teach across every key stage (years 7 to 9, GCSE and A level). Each member of staff also teaches Further Mathematics A level and supports students applying for the subject at university.
Dr Boddington is interested in abstract algebra and completed a PhD in the study of Lie algebras. He is also enthusiastic about the way such topics can be applied in the real world.
Ms Varuna Gooriah (Head of Department).
Mrs Irina Kahn
Mrs Emily Levere is particularly enthusiastic about number theory and proof and always enjoys discussing the concept of infinity with her classes. She is also interested in real world applications of probability and statistics including those which draw on her previous experience as a strategy consultant.
Mrs Ann Wilcox has a particular interest in the application of mathematics to other disciplines and the world of work, reflecting her background in natural sciences and previous career in investment banking.
The Key Stage 3 Curriculum
At Key Stage 3 we provide a challenging curriculum that thoroughly explores the key aspects of number, algebra, data handling and geometry. We offer a variety of approaches to teaching and learning to engage pupils. We aim to develop motivated, confident and creative problem-solvers who are extremely well-equipped with the skills and knowledge to succeed at Key Stage 4.
In Year 7 we consolidate pupils’ knowledge and skills from Primary School which is key to future progress. Topics taught this year include: an introduction to algebra and solving simple equations, directed numbers (negative numbers) and the order of operations (bidmas), functions, sequences and simple graphs.
In Year 8 we build upon and extend skills and knowledge from Year 7. Topics taught this year include circles, indices and standard form, solving more advanced equations and inequalities, straight lines and curve graphs, and Pythagoras’ theorem.
In Year 9 we tackle increasingly challenging material and begin to prepare students for GCSE study. Topics taught this year include more advanced algebra including simultaneous equations, factorising quadratics and algebraic fractions, trigonometry, cumulative frequency and statistics using averages.
We teach Key Stage 3 in form groups with formal tests twice yearly.
Trips and enrichment
We strongly believe in the importance of extra-curricular activities to develop, broaden and deepen students’ interest in the subject. We provide enrichment opportunities to every year group. Over the past few years these have included:
o Enigma machine and codebreaking workshops for Years 7 &8 delivered by Cambridge University.
o Commodities trading game for Year 9 delivered by BP.
o Trip to the Bank of England Museum for Year 9
o Trip to British Museum for Year 8 to follow their Mathematics trail.
In the Christmas term, the A level Further Mathematics students develop and deliver a set of workshops specifically for Year 7 students which introduces them to new, interesting and enjoyable areas of Mathematics.
Every student enters the national Maths Challenge competition each year and we regularly enter Maths Team Challenge competitions.
Every year we select students to attend regular Royal Institution Masterclasses.
Lunchtime clubs for 2012/2013 will include:
o The History of Mathematics.
o Programming for beginners.
o Maths puzzles and games.
GCSE INFORMATION
What are the benefits of studying the subject at GCSE?
• Achieve confidence in solving familiar and unfamiliar problems in a range of numerical, algebraic and graphical contexts and in open-ended and closed forms.
• Gain appreciation that algebra, as an extension of number using symbols, gives precise form to mathematical relationships and calculations.
• Progress from definitions and short chains of reasoning to understanding and formulating proofs in algebra and geometry.
• Develop the ability to address increasingly demanding statistical problems in which they draw inferences from the data and consider the uses of statistics in society.
All students follow the Edexcel GCSE Specification in Mathematics(Linear), Higher Tier. The key syllabus content (in addition to concepts already studied in key Stage 3) is as follows:
• Year 10:
o Prime factors
o Fractions
o Indices and index laws
o Algebra, including rearranging formulae, trial and improvement
o Constructions, congruency and similarity
o Pythagoras’ Theorem
o Advanced trigonometry
o Advanced probability
o Circle theorems
o Advanced areas and volumes work
o Data handling including histograms
o Bounds and estimation
o Surds
• Year 11:
o Solving quadratic equations
o Graphs of higher order equations
o Transformation of graphs
o Vectors
o Proportion
Students are taught in sets at GCSE and there are regular tests at the end of each term after which girls will be reset if required.
Trips and Enrichment
Year 10 students have the opportunity to broaden and deepen their appreciation of the subject by attending a ‘Maths In Action’ study day at the Institution of Education each year where presentations are delivered by professional mathematicians in the field.
Every student enters the national Maths Challenge competition each year and we regularly enter Maths Team Challenge competitions.
