Mathematics Department

Introduction

Study of Mathematics includes number, algebra, shape, space, measures and handling data. Students are taught in groups which are appropriate to their level of ability in the subject.

The main resource used in Years 7, 8 and 9 is Key Maths. Results at Key Stage 3 are well above the national average and consistently high within West Berkshire. In 2008, 90% of all students in Year 9 reached level 5 or above, 75% achieved level 6 or above, over half achieved level 7 or above and approximately one fifth achieved level 8.

Students in Years 10 and 11 work towards the GCSE examination at Higher or Foundation tier. In 2007, 75% of all Year 11 students obtained an A* - C grade in Mathematics. The highest achieving students in Year 11 took GCSE Mathematics in November and a module of AS level Mathematics at the end of Year 11.

Sixth Form courses are modular and include AS Mathematics, A2 Mathematics, AS Further Mathematics and A2 Further Mathematics. In 2007, 100% gained a C grade or better for A2 Mathematics and 43% were grade A.

Each year the department enters a number of students for the Junior, Intermediate and Senior UK Mathematical Challenges. Students test their knowledge and skills (without a calculator) against others in the country by answering a series of multiple choice questions. Many gain gold, silver or bronze certificates and some are invited to take part in a further European round.

Able students are nominated to attend various masterclasses throughout the year.

Year 9 students participate in a day of mathematical activities at Newbury Racecourse and Year 13 students have attended Maths Inspiration at Reading Concert Hall.

Advanced Subsiduary and Advanced Level

Course Aims
The course is designed to:

Entry Requirements
Fluency in algebra, trigonometry and computational skills are essential for success. This is demonstrated to us by students who are entered for Higher tier GCSE and obtain at least a grade A. Some students with a grade B at Higher tier may be considered as suitable candidates to study ‘AS’ Level Mathematics. It is also important to enjoy the challenge of mathematical problems. Without this, it will be difficult to sustain the motivation to succeed.

Course Content
The A Level Mathematics course consists of six equally weighted modules. Students must study four modules of Core Mathematics and two Applied modules from Mechanics, Statistics or Decision Mathematics. The AS Level course consists of three equally weighted modules, of which two must be Core Mathematics.

Core Mathematics
This concerns the ideas, theorems and language of mathematics. The course includes algebra, functions, co-ordinate geometry, calculus, trigonometry, vectors, complex numbers and series.

Mechanics
This is the application of mathematics to physical problems. It involves producing simple models for real situations and applying basic equations to these.

Statistics
This is the mathematical study of chance and data analysis. Students studying other courses which require data analysis will find this module particularly useful.

Decision Mathematics
This the application of algorithms and models to practical situations.

Assessment
Each module is assessed by a 1hour and 30 minutes examination paper.

Career and Higher Education Opportunities
Mathematics can be studied in its own right and is an essential tool for many scientific, technology and engineering courses.

FURTHER MATHEMATICS – Advanced Level or Advanced Subsidiary Level
This course is designed to enable students to study mathematics in more depth and must be taken with 'A' Level Mathematics. It is an extension of the modular Mathematics 'A' Level course and is assessed in the same way. Students complete six modules (three for 'AS' Level) which build on the 'A' Level modules studied. The modules available cover Core Mathematics, Mechanics, Statistics and Decision Mathematics.